PORTO-VECCHIO - GETTING AROUND

On Foot

Porto-Vecchio can easily be explored on foot. The marina is about 1.25 miles from the town center of Porto-Vecchio, or about a 20 minute walk. Free shuttles are provided as well if you don`t wish to walk.

While visiting any of the small towns and villages around Porto-Vecchio, walking is typically the best 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 Boat/Ferry

There are connections by ferry with Marseille (by Corsica Linea). The ferry Terminal is Port de Commerce (Tel +35 04 95 70 06 03.

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 Citadina (Electric Shuttle)

To make your travels easier, the City of Porto-Vecchio offers you A Citadina, an electric shuttle that is free. The Citadina connects all the car parks, the heart of the city, the port, and the 4-Paths.

In high season (July - August), a shuttle runs every 15 minutes, every day, from 8:10 am to 11:30 pm. In low season, a shuttle runs every 20 minutes, every day, from 8:10 am to 7:30 pm (except Sunday, last departure at 1:30 pm).

ATTENTION: on Sunday until 1:40 pm, because of the market, stops Stazzale and Matonara are not served. The Citadelle stop has been moved to the corner of Cours Napoléon and Rue Joseph Terrazoni (Rue du Clocher).

By Bus

All bus departures and arrivals are at the bus station (near the marina). There are buses from other major Corsican towns: Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Bastia, Zonza, Conca, Figari.

Gare routiere (Regional bus hub) in Porto-Vecchio.

There are many bus companies that operate routes between the main towns. 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

The Corsican railway offers a whole range of varied landscapes between sea and mountain. Beware, there are no connections in the extreme south of Corsica. The five resorts are in Ajaccio, Corte, Bastia, Calvi and Ile Rousse.

Information for all railway stations:

Gare de Bastia: 04 95 32 80 61
Furiani station: 04 95 33 58 95
Biguglia station: 04 95 33 71 03
Corte station: 04 95 46 00 97
Ajaccio station: 04 95 23 11 03
Railway station Ile Rousse: 04 95 60 00 50
Calvi station: 04 95 65 00 61

Various schedules can be found at www.train-corse.com

By Car

Car rentals can be found directly at the airport or in Porto-Vecchio. The rental agencies offer you the choice: cars all categories, utilities or scooters (practice to avoid traffic jams).

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.

By Taxi

For all your trips on Corsica, transfers airport to hotel, Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio, or long distances, taxis are a great alternative option. It is advised to book in advance for reasons of availability.

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.