Corsica Island Drive
France
Napoleon's birthplace and the most dramatic island in the Mediterranean, the Col de Bavella's granite needles, the Gorges de Spelunca's ancient Genoese bridges, Calanche de Piana's UNESCO orange granite formations, Ajaccio's Napoleonic legacy, and the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio above the straits. The island that rewards the driver who goes beyond the beaches.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Bastia
Corsica's most Italian city, with a Genoese Vieux Port, painted harbour facades, and a citadelle housing the governor's palace. Corsica was Genoese until 1768.
- Cap Corse
A 40-km peninsula of maquis-covered mountains dropping into turquoise sea, dotted with Genoese watchtowers. The D80 coastal road is the finest drive on the island.
- Gorges de Spelunca
A dramatic canyon near Porto carved by the Spelunca River, crossed by two ancient Genoese bridges. The gorge walls rise 200m above the trail linking Ota and Evisa.
- Calanche de Piana
UNESCO-listed rose-pink granite formations above the Gulf of Porto, eroded into towers and columns that glow deep red at sunset. The D81 threads through with sheer drops to the sea.
- Ajaccio
Napoleon's birthplace. The Maison Bonaparte museum, his baptismal cathedral, and the Musee Fesch with the finest Italian paintings outside the Louvre define this proud city.
- Col de Bavella
Granite Aiguilles de Bavella spires rise above a 1,218m pass framed by laricio pines. The GR20 crosses here and coastal views stretch to both sides of the island.
- Bonifacio
A cliff-top citadel balanced on undercut limestone above the 12-km straits to Sardinia. Houses overhang the void; sea caves below are reachable only by boat.
Where to Eat
- A CasarellaCorsican
Charming eatery in Piana offering traditional Corsican dishes with panoramic views of the Calanche de Piana.
- Le 20123Corsican
Authentic Corsican restaurant in Ajaccio, designed to resemble a traditional village square, serving local specialties.
- U FanaleSeafood
Seaside restaurant in Calvi known for its fresh seafood and stunning sunset views over the Mediterranean.
- La VelaMediterranean
Beachfront dining in Bonifacio offering a mix of Mediterranean flavors with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Things to Do
- Sentier des DouaniersHike
Scenic coastal trail in Cap Corse offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and access to secluded beaches.
- Maison BonaparteMuseum
Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte in Ajaccio, now a museum showcasing his early life and family history.
- Scandola Nature ReserveNature
UNESCO World Heritage site accessible by boat, featuring dramatic red cliffs and diverse marine life.
- Lavezzi IslandsNature
Archipelago near Bonifacio known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and exploring unique rock formations.
Travel advisory
Corsican mountain roads are consistently narrow, winding, and shared with cyclists and livestock, demanding patient and attentive driving. The Col de Bavella and interior routes can be congested in July and August. Large vehicles and caravans should avoid the high-altitude interior roads entirely.