Corsica or otherwise ‘Île de beauté’ is a French island located in the Mediterranean sea. The island offers breathtaking views, quiet anchorages, and unique natural beauty; a gem in the Med. The spectacular medieval towns overlook the ocean and in the background dominate imposing mountain ranges. Corsica’s rocky coastline has numerous hidden coves, grottoes, and amazing beaches. A popular destination for yacht charting, elegant tourists, but also for those that look for peace and tranquility. In this article, I’m going to recommend you a sailing itinerary to Corsica in order to explore the most of this Meditteranean jewel.

Here Are a Few Places to Visit During Your Sailing Trip to Corsica

Set Sail to Macinaggio Bay

When crossing the Channel of Corsica, you’ll then approach the coast of Corsica from the North to discover the Cap Corse and its marina Macinaggio. Earth of the sailors, every stopover in Corsica Cape is a new discovery. Macinaggio is the largest marina and an old traditional port of Cap Corsica. It’s a great destination to begin your itinerary as you’ll get to know the picturesque and authentic Corsica. If you have the time, it’s really worth visiting the village and historic capital of Corsica cap. Macinaggio bay has many coves and sandy beaches and most of them are only accessible by boat. The area is protected by the Natura 2000 Network therefore it still remains wild and authentic. So, make sure to “keep it green” and respect the environment and biodiversity.

From Macinaggio to Centuri and Saint Florent

Up next Maginaccio you can continue sailing for about 40 miles further and anchor to Centuri. Centuri is a small and picturesque port situated away from crowded beaches and mass tourism. Enjoy strolling around the alleys and afterward have your lunch in a cozy restaurant in the port. Continue navigating to Saint Florent a popular resort among elegant sailors. Don’t miss exploring the Patrimonio wine region, an area famous for making the best wines in Corsica. Take a tour in the vineyards and taste some delicious Nieluccio or Vermentino wines. As you discover the gulf of Saint Florent head towards the tower of Mortella and the beach of Saleccia; a small paradisiacal corner in the middle of Agriates Desert. Take a swim in the turquoise crystal clear Mediterranean waters and take your dinghy to explore some hidden gem coves!

L’Ile Rousse and Calvi

You have now sailed for 132 miles! Just after Saint Florent continue to the beautiful area of L’Ile Rousse. The area has the famous lighthouse of the Pietra peninsula and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. There are also three sandy beaches where you can go for a swim or anchor to the bay and enjoy diving in the turquoise waters. Don’t miss strolling around the city from the Plage de l’Ile Rousse on the pedestrian promenade which leads you to the historical square of Pascal Paoli where you can visit the local market and buy some local goodies.

Then head down south to the Gulf of Calvi. A commune with a beautiful picturesque port and a small marina where you can moor at. The marina is situated in the middle of a historical site, the Citadelle de Calvi. Wander around the Citadelle and enjoy superb views from its five bastions. Then, walk along the beach, stroll around Clemenceau street, and hike inside the pine and eucalyptus forest. If you’re visiting Calvi during the summer months, you’ll experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city; elegant nightlife, and music all night long! I would recommend spending at least 4 days in both L’Ile Rousse and Calvi.

Scandola Natural Reserve and Calanques de Piana

I totally suggest sailing about 33 miles from Calvi to the Scandola Natural Reserve which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You’ll enjoy sailing in a rugged and authentic natural environment where you can benefit from swimming in the Piana coves. The Calanques de Piana, at an altitude of 400m with the remarkable pink granite rocks, and hidden caves, is a shelter for many flora and fauna species. You can moor at the protected fishermen’s port of Girolata, a little village with rocky inlets, and a splendid anchorage. The rich biodiversity and magnificent landscapes will enchant you; enjoy a hike as there are so many waymarked trails in the area.

Afterward, continue navigating to the Gulf of Porto, located in the middle of Scandola Reserve at the north and the Calanques de Piana at the south. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of this landscape; a mix of paradisiacal waters with a backdrop of green and red maquis, and colorful steep mountains.

Capo Rosso, Cargèse and Iles Sanguinaires

Continue sailing along the coast and head towards Capo Rosso, a peninsula that extends to the Gulf of Porto and is dominated by the Genoese tower of Turghio, at an altitude of 350m. Then sail to the Gulf of Sagone and moor at the picturesque marina of Cargèse. A typical Mediterranean city with a historical past and many places for sightseeing. Don’t miss sailing to the Sanguinaires Islands, a natural reserve of exceptional flora. The so-called Bloody Islands, with steep cliffs offer splendid views from the red ocher color of the sunset. Located in the tip of the Parata, at the entrance of the Gulf of Ajaccio, the islands were the ultimate bastion of protection of southern Corsica.

The Gulf of Ajaccio

Up next, anchor to the well-known capital of Corsica and Napoleon’s city where you can get your provisions and supplies for the rest of your voyage. The old town around the harbor is definitely worth visiting and do some sightseeing in the Bonaparte home and to the Fesch Museum. The old town is adorned with medieval colorful houses, cobblestone alleys, and elegant little cafés and restaurants to enjoy your lunch or dinner before leaving.

Propriano and Roccapina

Continue sailing for about 25 miles further south along the coast of the Gulf of Ajaccio and anchor to Propriano. Propriano was an important port during the Genoese period but was subsequently overtaken by the larger harbors of Calvi and Ajaccio. Today, it’s a relatively quiet backwater with a growing tourist trade and a crowded city during the summer months. Its small fishing harbor has been converted into a small marina with three basins sheltered by breakwaters. Propriano forms a convenient stop-off point to await favorable winds in case you want to cross the Straits of Bonifacio. Take a swim in the beautiful beaches of Porto-Pollo and Campomoro Baracci and if you have time then enjoy hiking in the hinterland. Afterward, sail to the authentic and rugged Roccapina; the ideal place to anchor and relax in your sailboat.

Last Stop – Bonifacio

This is the last stop to our suggested Corsica itinerary. Bonifacio is situated at the southern tip of Corsica and is the most visited city after Bastia. Due to the situation of the port which is at the head of a deep fjord, the berths are well-protected from currents and winds. Keep in mind that the Strait of Bonifacio is one of the windiest places in the western Mediterranean. Many sailors continue their sailing voyage to Sardinia and moor to Bonifacio waiting for the winds to calm down.

There’s a lot to explore in the city of Bonifacio, and there are also great waymarked trails along the surrounding cliffs. Furthermore, in the hinterland, there are mountains, rivers, and waterfalls to explore. The old town of Bonifacio is built on limestone cliffs overlooking nearly 70 meters of the narrow sea passage of the Bonifacio Mouths. There are also numerous beaches, crowded or remote, as well as many secluded coves and islets around.

Summary

Corsica is one of my favorite places to visit in the Med and can offer you a memorable sailing experience. Corsica’s Mediterranean climate offers a large sailing season from April to October. In general, during the summer months, the wind blows at 3 – 4Bft, but the Mistral and the Libeccio winds might cause some difficulties. Corsica provides a great and varied cruising ground for sailboats, ranging from the bay of Calvi at the north end of the island, with its numerous mooring buoys, to the superb sea cleft and harbor of Bonifacio. Moreover, there are plenty of ports and anchorages, with low tides and currents. However, always be cautious and check the weather forecast. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy sailing on the remarkable island of Corsica and I wish you a Bon voyage!

>>Also Read: Best Beaches to Visit in Corsica