CORSICA - GETTING AROUND

On Foot

While visiting the different small towns and villages within Corsica, walking is a great way to explore, however you will need a car to travel around to each of them.

The island of Corisca is beautiful to discover on foot if you wish to have a walking holiday. There are a number of marked trails to suit all levels of walkers, although the island can be particularly challenging to walk/hike, so it is important to research itineraries according to your level of fitness and experience. There are self-guided walking and hiking itineraries that allow visitors to discover some of the most beautiful corners of Corsica. Coastal Corsica, for example, has a lot to offer walkers. Ajaccio itself is covered with green foothills of vegetation and herbs. Beyond them, a dramatic rocky ridgeline, and below are stunning beaches.

One of the best-known ways to explore the interior of the island is the challenging 111 mile GR20 Trail – one of the most famous walking trails in Europe. It stretches from Calenzan in the north to Conca in the south and is considered one of the most difficult long-distance treks on the continent (there are exposed scrambles, and at some points ladders and steel ropes to assist walkers). The whole trail takes at least two weeks, and involves staying in refuges or camping along the way.

By Public Transportation

Public transport is not good in Corsica, so getting around by car is the best option. Trains offer great views, but they are slow and limited to the three lines connecting Ajaccio with Corte, Bastia and Calvi. Relying on buses is not the best option either, because routes are scarce (most leave twice a day) and are difficult to find.

By Bus

There are many bus companies that operate routes between the main towns, but details of the routes and timetables are difficult to find. Tourist offices in towns should be able to give you information on local bus companies, or visit the unofficial web site: www.CorsicaBus.org that provides frequently updated bus timetables arranged by the towns of departure and arrival.

The main bus routes include:

-Bastia to Corte (1hr 30 min) and Ajaccio (3 hours)
-Bastia to Ill Rousse (1 hr 40 min) and Calvi (2 hr 20 min)
-Calvi to Porto (2 hr 30 min)
-Ajaccio to Propriano (2 hr) and Porto Vecchio (3 hr 30 min)
-Porto Vecchio to Bastia

By Train

Corsica`s little train called Trinighellu is rather an attraction for tourists than a really convenient and fast vehicle. There are only three narrow gauge lines with a junction in Ponte Leccia. One line connects Ponte Leccia with Bastia, the second one goes south to Ajaccio via Corte and Vizzavona and the third one goes to Calvi along the western coast via Ile Rousse.

The train service is not very frequent, just two to four a day on each line. The journey from Ajaccio to Corte takes 1 hr 40 min, from Corte to Bastia 1 hr 30 min, from Corte to Ill Rouse 1 hr 55 min, from Bastia to Ill Rousse 2 hr 30 min and from Ill Rousse to Calvi 40 minutes. Traveling times in opposite directions may be a little different.

By Car

By far the most convenient way to get around the island is by renting your own vehicle. A car allows freedom to explore the island and is what a majority of visitors to Corsica choose to get around by. Although Corsica is compact, the interior roads are narrow and winding, so it`s best to base yourself out of multiple locations if you`d like to explore the entire island. You can rent a vehicle from major carriers at any airport (or bring a car via ferry from the mainland). The cost of rentals will depend on the model, but plan to spend at least around 400 Euros for a week. Be aware: the car standards are not as high as in the US, you`ll probably get an older model of a French car). We recommend upgrading to a higher category, such as an SUV, when renting a car, especially since roads are rocky in many part of Corsica. Make sure that your car is insured; locals tend to drive quickly and don`t mind passing other vehicles on sharp curves.

By Taxi

This may be an alternative option for a planned day out to a town center or simply if you want to leave your car at your hotel for the day. Taxis in Corsica have a `Taxi` sign on the roof and prices are given on request.

By Bicycle

Touring the island of Corsica bicycle is possible. Generally speaking, a degree of experience and fitness is required to cycle the island, as well as a decent road bike equipped with a good range of gears.