BASTIA - GETTING AROUND
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.
There are several national and international ferry routes from Bastia, to Ajaccio (Corsica), Genoa (Italy), Marseille, Nice, Livorno (Italy) and Savona. Bastia Port (www.bastia.port.fr) is typically open for same-day ticket sales a couple of hours before sailings. It is very busy during the summer, and it is always best to book early.
By Public TransportationPublic 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
A daily bus runs to Calvi (about €20) as well as all other
major Corsican cities.
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
Trains run daily from Bastia to Corte and Ajaccio.
There is a small tourist train that starts its tour in the Place St Nicholas and
spends 45 minutes passing by the main sights in Bastia.
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 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.
Driving in busy towns can sometimes be a little
challenging but not particularly dangerous. Most visitors quickly get used to
the Corsicans` liberal interpretation of the Highway Code and find the whole
experience relatively stress-free.
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.
By BicycleTouring 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.