Corsica is an exceptional destination for sailors seeking adventure and a change of scenery. Departing from Bonifacio, explore the beauty of the Corsican coastline during a 7-day catamaran cruise. We offer you an ideal itinerary here, including stops at the most beautiful anchorages on the island and tips to fully enjoy this unique experience.
Day 1: Set sail from the port of Bonifacio, where the limestone cliffs and citadel create a splendid natural backdrop. Take a few hours of navigation to familiarize yourself with your vessel and admire the south coast of Corsica, including the famous Lavezzi Islands, renowned for their underwater landscapes and biodiversity. You can drop anchor there for the night and gaze at the stars far from any light pollution.
Day 2: Sailing to Propriano On the second day of your cruise, head for the bay of Propriano, along the west coast of Corsica. You'll sail through the Gulf of Valinco, offering varied landscapes and numerous small coves for peaceful swimming. Don't miss a stop at Campomoro, a charming typical village where you can savor local cuisine and visit the Genoese tower.
Day 3: Discovering the Gulf of Ajaccio Continue your journey northward and discover the wonders of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Here, you'll find several peaceful anchorages as well as the city of Ajaccio itself, where you can stop to explore the imperial city and follow in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte. Enjoy the many fine sandy beaches and wild coves with crystal-clear waters.
Day 4: The Calanques de Piana and the Scandola Nature Reserve The following day, your journey around Corsica will take you to the famous Calanques de Piana and the Scandola Nature Reserve. Sailing between these majestic porphyry rocks with strange shapes plunging into the sea is an unforgettable experience. Don't forget to drop anchor to enjoy a good meal while watching the sunset in this exceptional setting.
Day 5: Heading to Saleccia Beach and the Agriates Desert After enjoying the spectacle offered by the Calanques de Piana, continue your cruise towards Saleccia Beach, located in the Agriates Desert. This long stretch of fine sand and turquoise water is a true paradise for sunbathers and swimmers.
Water activities not to be missed:
Scuba diving
Sea kayaking
Paddleboarding
Waterskiing
Day 6: Calvi Bay and its Surroundings Continuing up the west coast of Corsica, you will reach Calvi Bay, which offers stunning views of the citadel with its ocher houses and pink-tiled roofs. Take a break to visit this iconic city and stroll through its cobbled streets lined with shops and restaurants.
Day 7: Return to Bonifacio via the Maddalena Archipelago To conclude your week-long cruise, plan a crossing to the Maddalena Archipelago, consisting of seven main islands and numerous islets. This small Italian paradise, located between Corsica and Sardinia, offers wild and pristine landscapes as well as white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can drop anchor there to admire the underwater world before heading back to Bonifacio, where your adventure will end.
By following this itinerary, you will fully enjoy the diversity of landscapes that Corsica has to offer and live an unforgettable experience aboard your catamaran. Feel free to adapt this route according to your desires: if you particularly like certain sites, extend your stops to explore them further. In any case, your cruise around the Isle of Beauty will leave a lasting memory!
Corsica is a true treasure with its idyllic beaches, rugged mountains, and Mediterranean culture rich in history. There is no better way to explore this magnificent island than by sailing on the crystal-clear waters that surround it. In this article, we present a 14-day catamaran itinerary around Corsica, starting with the charming town of Bonifacio.
Day 1: Departure from Bonifacio Depart from Bonifacio, a 12th-century citadel perched on chalk cliffs, to begin your adventure. Take the time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the town, visit its artisan shops, and discover local products such as Corsican charcuterie and sheep cheese.
Stage 1: The Lavezzi Islands After leaving Bonifacio, head to the Lavezzi Islands archipelago, located about 10 kilometers southeast. This small group of granitic islets offers one of the best diving spots in the entire Mediterranean. Enjoy the day exploring the underwater world and admiring the remarkable marine flora and fauna.
Day 2: Porto-Vecchio Continue to Porto-Vecchio, a fortified town built on the heights and renowned for its modern marina and dreamy beaches. Don't miss visiting the old town, where you'll find numerous restaurants offering Corsican specialties.
Stage 2: The magnificent beaches of the region Palombaggia: renowned for its turquoise waters and majestic parasol pine trees. Santa Giulia: offers a paradise setting with its fine sand and ocher-colored rocks. Rondinara: this seashell-shaped beach is bordered by crystal-clear waters and Mediterranean maquis.
Days 3-4: The Gulf of Valinco and Propriano Head west to reach the Gulf of Valinco and the town of Propriano. This Corsican seaside resort is ideal for relaxing on the beach, practicing water sports, or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Activities not to be missed: Filitosa: a unique prehistoric site in Europe dating back over 6,000 years. Campomoro: an authentic fishing village nestled at the foot of a Genoese tower.
Days 5-6: Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands After enjoying the Gulf of Valinco, sail to Ajaccio, the imperial capital of Corsica. Discover this historically rich city with its pedestrian streets, Fesch Museum, and cathedral.
Excursion to the Sanguinaires Islands Located about 15 kilometers west of Ajaccio, these reddish rocky islets provide a magnificent contrast with the deep blue sea. A boat excursion is a must to admire this unique landscape, perfect for diving and hiking.
Days 7-8: The Gulf of Porto and the Calanques de Piana As you sail north, you'll discover the Gulf of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Calanques de Piana, a natural masterpiece sculpted in red granite, are not to be missed.
The village perched in Piana Stroll through the charming village, typically Corsican, where you can find local products and enjoy the breathtaking view of the gulf.
Days 9-10: The Scandola Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Girolata Among Corsica's gems is the Scandola Nature Reserve, a protected area inhabited by seabirds, dolphins, and turtles. Then, explore the Gulf of Girolata, a true haven accessible only by boat or on foot.
Adventure in the hinterland Hike to the village of Girolata, passing through the eucalyptus forest and the Spelunca Gorge to admire stunning landscapes.
Days 11-12: Calvi and the Balagne Head to the charming fortified town of Calvi. On the agenda: visiting the citadel, strolling in the marina, and discovering the surrounding beaches.
The Artisans' Route of Balagne Explore this famous route that connects several picturesque villages and allows you to meet local artisans working in various crafts, such as ceramics or wickerwork.
Days 13-14: The Cap Corse To conclude your cruise, make a stop at the Cap Corse, a wild and authentic peninsula that separates the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Mediterranean. Discover its perched villages and paradise beaches during an unforgettable final stop.
The surprises of Cap Corse Among the must-visit sites are the Mattei mill, the Centuri marina, and the wild beach of Barcaggio. After these two extraordinary weeks, it's time to return to the port of Bonifacio, rich in memories and in awe of the beauty of the Island of Beauty.