100% customisable travel idea
Cap Corse, Corte, Propriano The marvellous island in three stops
France - Corsica
An enchanting trilogy
Your trip
Your three places to stay are in keeping with the intimate nature of the trip. We have paid close attention to their location, promising you restorative nights and peaceful relaxation. In each of them, a warm welcome and attention to detail that meet the expectations of contemporary indulgence. And everywhere, the Mediterranean charm works its magic. Behind the wheel of your rental car, you have the freedom to travel on mountain roads, along the coastline and through villages at your own pace. To mark out the itinerary, two highlights have already been added to your schedule: a day exploring Cap Corse in a 4x4 with a private guide, and a visit to the illustrious Sartène - “the most Corsican of Corsican towns” - as Prosper Mérimée called it. Of course, everyone is free to tailor their trip, add other experiences or even extend the itinerary: our on-site concierge is your dedicated contact throughout your trip.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Pick up the rental car, short drive to Oletta and stay for three nights at the foot of the village. The property with its golden stone walls, lavender, the weathered wood, vaults, tiles, palm trees and olive trees is typically Corsican. The hammam, lanterns and other decorative objects reflect the owners’ love of travel. The swimming pool and comfortable rooms are perfect places for relaxing. The delicious local homemade food is truly satisfying. The whole place is beautifully put together and the perfect introduction to Corsica.
Not far from your accommodation stands the San Francescu Convent, a symbol of Corsican patriotism. In the village, Saint Andre Church has a beautiful wooden triptych dating from the 16th century. A little further to the west is the Nebbio region. Cap Corse lies to the north and just 4 km (2.5 miles) away, is Saint-Florent with its Genoese citadel and cathedral. If that's enough sightseeing there are plenty of beaches too. Explore Roya with its white sandy beach, Ospedale with its pink pebbles or Loto.
Optional extra - Day trip to the Agriates desert.
On your schedule - Day trip exploring Cap Corse with a driver-guide. Explore this wild area between the sea, mountains and desert, following tracks only accessible by 4X4. The peninsula, which is 40 km (25 miles) long and 15 km (9 miles) wide, paints a particularly vivid picture of wild Corsica, far from the crowds. Wander along the small hilly streets of Sisco before visiting a distillery, then head to the village of Santa Severa for a relaxing drink on a terrace. Stop at Tamarone Beach for a well deserved swim, then take a quick detour to the Rogliano wind farm, where you can enjoy 180 degree views of Cap Corse.
Head to the heart of the island, driving towards the Restonica Valley, where you find Corte. Stay for three nights at a charming property in a lovely riverside setting, surrounded by nature and the scents of plants and trees. This family business welcomed its first guests in 1992, and the art of hospitality has been carefully passed down through the generations. It makes an ideal base for exploring the island’s interior, from the numerous hiking trails nearby.
In the heart of the island, citadel of Corte stands proudly at the foot of Monte Rotondo and acts as a crossroads between the north and the south. This is the beating heart of the island, home to the Museum of Corsica, and the university, which draws young people from the island and beyond. The city is surrounded by the splendour of Corsican nature, from the crystal clear streams and pools of the Restonica to the majestic landscapes of Melo and Capitello lakes.
Optional extra - Corte with a local; guided hike around Corte.
Drive to the gulf of Propriano, on the south-west coast of the island, halfway between Ajaccio and Bonifacio. Stay for three nights overlooking the town, just steps away from the beach, on the idyllic Gulf of Valinco. Your light filled hotel is peaceful and quiet. It also has a delightful spa where you can unwind with a selection of treatments. Unless that is, you would rather lounge on the private beach below enjoying the views in a state of peaceful bliss.
Nestled between maquis and turquoise waters, the bay of Propriano looks out over the open sea. Its vast sandy beaches are perfect for swimming and a wide range of water activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing or diving. It is also an ideal base for exploring the treasures of southern Corsica at your own pace, such as the megalithic site of Filitosa or the Bavella Needles.
Not to be missed - Bonifacio. Standing proudly on its white limestone cliffs carved out and shaped by erosion, Bonifacio is a wonder to behold. Head out to sea on a kayak to explore the coves and find your own perfect beach. Inland, Freto's plains and mountains are perfect for hiking and canyoning. Be sure to try and visit one of the inns serving wild boar stew and fig tart.
On your schedule - Guided tour of Sartène. Explore the town with a guide to hear stories of its ancestral traditions, vendettas and religious fervour. A town of granite buildings clinging to a rocky outcrop, Sartène is particularly rich in historical treasures. It has inspired works of literature, famously being described as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns". The tour provides fascinating insights into Corsica’s past.
Short drive to Figari, return the rental car and return journey home.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
The Agriates Desert
Once considered the breadbasket of Corsica, the Agriates are now one of Europe’s few remaining deserts. Here, there is no sand, but rather a dry maquis where a diverse range of vegetation grows. Vast ridges, valleys and rocky peaks facing the sea and Cap Corse. Belonging to the Conservatoire du littoral, the landscape becomes gentler as you approach the shoreline. A driver-guide will show you around this majestic site.br />Explore Corte with a local
To truly get a feel for the Pauline city, immersion remains the most effective method. The museum offers a beautiful introduction to the city. You should then lose yourself in the narrow streets lined with modest houses. While your guide introduces you to the local architecture, your exchanges with the various artisans of Corte enhance the richness of the visit. Small tastings also punctuate the walk.Guided walk around Corte
The region is dominated by Monte Cinto, the highest point on the island at 2,706 metres above sea level, alongside Capu Tafunatu and the majestic Paglia Orba, the queen of the Corsican mountains. This is a land of traditional pastoralism, as access routes to Niolu have long been difficult to cross. The Vergio Pass to the west and the Scala di Santa Regina to the east have enabled the valley to preserve its authentic character. The loop starts from the village of Albertacce and follows old transhumance trails. Level: easy/moderate. Walking time: 3h30. Elevation gain: moderate.
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