Discovering Cap Corse means immersing yourself in a territory that is wild, unspoiled and steeped in tradition. This peninsula in the north of the island fascinates with the variety of its landscapes , where the mountains plunge into the sea, and with the authenticity of its hilltop villages and secret seascapes.
That said, in three well-thought-out days, it becomes possible to capture the essence of Cap Corse : between panoramic roads, hidden coves and warm encounters, each stage holds its share of surprises. Know that, to make the experience fluid and enriching , it is important to favor slowness, curiosity and listening to the island soul.
Here is a detailed itinerary, punctuated with practical advice and original ideas, to organize an unforgettable trip around Cap Corse in 2025.
It should be noted that we recommend a tour of Cap Corse in an anti-clockwise direction, starting from Bastia, in order to enjoy the most beautiful lights on the coast. In addition, the route lends itself well to a gentle road trip , punctuated by walks, gourmet breaks and cultural strolls . Here are the key points to prepare your getaway:
After these recommendations, it must be said that everyone finds a natural rhythm to soak up the unique atmosphere of Cap Corse, between sea and mountains , tradition and modernity .
Your first day begins in the vibrant city of Bastia , which is worth exploring in its own right for its port, citadel, lively streets and panoramic views of the sea. Leaving Bastia via the D64 and then D80 roads , the landscapes gradually open up to reveal the authenticity of Cap Corse.
You’ll then enter a world of balcony villages, secret seascapes, and horizons dotted with Genoese towers. The must-see stops on Day 1 are:
After a succession of striking panoramas, the day often ends at Macinaggio , a lively marina in season, the perfect starting point for exploring the north of the peninsula.
Furthermore, it should be noted that accommodation in Macinaggio or its surroundings will allow you to enjoy the sweetness of Corsican evenings , between fish restaurants and terraces enlivened by the sea breeze.
On the morning of the second day, the light sublimates the north coast of Cap Corse, a privileged territory for lovers of nature, gentle or sporty walks, and magnificent panoramas. From Macinaggio, the famous customs officers’ path winds along the coast, offering exceptional landscapes, a succession of often deserted beaches and coves, and a sensory immersion in the Corsican scrubland.
For lovers of coastal hiking , the customs officers’ trail offers an unforgettable immersion in the heart of the wild landscapes of Cap Corse. Throughout the route, walkers discover unspoiled nature and remarkable heritage at each stage :
After the walk, you should enjoy the conviviality of the village of Barcaggio , nestled in the hollow of a bay, or continue the adventure towards Tollare and its forgotten marina.
For those who enjoy long circuits , the path continues to Centuri: it crosses cliffs, hamlets and promontories, revealing another face of Cap Corse , wilder and often deserted by the crowds.
This third day is the perfect opportunity to get back in the car and travel along the west coast, renowned for its villages clinging to the mountains , its wild coves and its golden light. It must be said that this section reveals a more secret side of Cape Town, full of traditions, conducive to meetings and tasting local products . It is full of authentic villages and emblematic sites, among which:
After this succession of villages , the coastal road arrives at Nonza, a fortress perched on a promontory, overlooking its legendary black pebble beach and turquoise waters.
In addition, Nonza offers a perfect last stop: climb the Paoline tower to admire the sunset, stroll through its streets, linger on the terrace of a café or taste the local sweets, such as brocciu doughnuts .
Before concluding your tour, it’s worth spending a few hours at the Patrimonio vineyards , whose reputation extends beyond Corsica’s borders. Although the vineyard is primarily known for its white wines, it also produces excellent rosés and muscats. Wine lovers can opt for a wine tasting or simply stop at one of the signposted estates along the D81.
Discover the secrets of a successful stay in Corsica, between authentic flavors and landscapes . Here are some practical tips and essential tricks to fully enjoy this unique experience:
Before leaving Cap Corse, take the time for a final walk along the quays of Saint-Florent , to stroll through the old town and to experience the gentle art of living that characterizes this corner of Corsica.
After all these discoveries, a feeling of harmony between sea, mountains and culture will stay with each visitor for a long time.
It is worth noting that Cap Corse can also be explored in other ways: by pleasure boat from Macinaggio or Bastia to admire the coastline from the sea, or even by microlight for a breathtaking view of the island and its landscapes. In addition, each village offers its own cultural events , markets or village festivals, mainly in summer – an excellent opportunity to experience local hospitality.
Finally, for seasoned walkers , numerous small trails (the mill trail in Cagnano, the Centuri sheepfolds, the heritage trails) offer peaceful and confidential alternatives to the classic routes .
Choosing your accommodation is essential because it directly influences the atmosphere of your stay. From family campsites to charming hotels and B&Bs, all options are possible. However, during peak season, availability may be limited, so it is strongly recommended to book in advance.
For your meals, the Cap Corse coastline is full of small, friendly restaurants. You can enjoy lobsters, fritters, Corsican specialties, and local wines. Some restaurants even offer huge terraces overlooking the sea, ideal for ending a relaxing day.
For greater freedom of movement, consider renting a car, as public transport is limited in the region. After the summer period, the region reveals a new face, calmer and almost secret, ideal for a return or a timeless stay.
In 2025, Cap Corse remains a mosaic of landscapes, traditions, and powerful emotions, to be explored without haste to grasp its full richness. Three well-planned days are enough to capture its essence, meet its inhabitants, enjoy unspoiled nature, and leave feeling calm, your heart filled with unique memories.
In addition, between maritime heritage , breathtaking panoramas, gourmet discoveries and cultural immersion , this itinerary will enrich each traveler, inviting, upon return, to plan a next stay on the Isle of Beauty .
