Around Ajaccio
In a day around Ajaccio, you can explore a range of captivating sights with ease. Begin by visiting the stunning Sanguinaires Islands, a short boat ride from the port, where you can enjoy breathtaking coastal views and rugged landscapes. Head to the picturesque town of Cargèse, renowned for its blend of Greek and Latin churches and charming waterfront. For a touch of history and nature, the prehistoric site of Filitosa is also accessible by car or bus, offering fascinating insights into Corsica’s ancient past.
Public transport options, including buses and trains, connect Ajaccio with Corte and Bastia. Using bus services you can get to Bonifacio (via Porto-Vecchio) and Calvi (via Ile-Rousse), but this will be not for 1-day excursion as the jorney time is pretty long and there are only a couple departures per day. In low seasong there might be no services on Sundays and holidays.
*Prices and conditions are as of 2024, can change with a time, check on official websites
Sanguinaires Islands
By Car around Ajaccio
There are few options for one-day trip from Ajaccio:
Piana and Calanques de Piana:
- Drive along the scenic coastal road (about 1.5 hours)
- Explore the picturesque village of Piana
- Visit the stunning Calanques de Piana rock formations
- Optional: Continue to Porto for lunch
Porto:
- About 2 hours drive.
- Visit the stunningand the Gulf of Porto.
Scandola Nature Reserve:
- Drive to Porto (about 2 hours)
- Take a boat tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Admire the dramatic red cliffs and diverse marine life
- Return to Ajaccio via the scenic D81 road
Parc Naturel Régional de Corse:
- Drive to the heart of Corsica (about 1.5 hours to Vizzavona)
- Hike in the beautiful mountain scenery
- Visit the Cascade des Anglais waterfall
- Optional: Continue to Corte for lunch
Corte:
- About 2 hours drive.
- Explore the historic capital of Corsica.
Bonifacio:
- Drive south to Bonifacio (about 2.5 hours)
- Explore the medieval citadel and old town
- Take a boat tour of the dramatic limestone cliffs
- Return to Ajaccio in the evening
Porto-Vecchio and Palombaggia Beach:
- Drive to Porto-Vecchio (about 2 hours)
- Explore the charming old town
- Spend the afternoon at the stunning Palombaggia Beach and other most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- Return to Ajaccio in the evening
Propriano and Sartène:
- About 1.5 hours drive.
- Visit these traditional Corsican towns.
If you have limited time, focus on the most beautiful spot on Corsica — Bonifacio. It is one of the most incredible landscapes of the island and very sharming old town.
Bonifacio
By Bus / Train around Ajaccio
Most of this trips cannot be realized in one day due to limited transportation in Corsica.
Corte:
- Train journey time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
- Frequency: 2-3 trains per day
- Approximate price: €21.60 one way
- Direct service available
- What to do:
- Explore the historic citadel and old town
- Visit the Museum of Corsica
- Return by train in the evening
Îles Sanguinaires:
- Take bus #5 to Pointe de la Parata (about 30 minutes)
- Enjoy panoramic views of the islands
- Hike along the coastal path
- Visit the Genoese tower
- Return by bus in the afternoon
Porticcio Beach:
- Take a short ferry ride across the Gulf of Ajaccio (about 20 minutes)
- Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beach
- Return by ferry in the evening
Bastia:
- Train journey time: About 3 hours 45 minutes
- Frequency: 2-3 trains per day
- Approximate price: €33.40 one way
- Direct service available
Calvi:
- Train journey time: About 3 hours 30 minutes with a change at Ponte-Leccia
- Frequency: 1-2 trains per day
- Approximate price: €32.40 one way
- Transfer required at Ponte-Leccia
L’Ile-Rousse:
- Train journey time: About 3 hours with a change at Ponte-Leccia
- Frequency: 1-2 trains per day
- Approximate price: €30.20 one way
- Transfer required at Ponte-Leccia
Bonifacio:
- Bus journey time: About 3 hours
- Frequency: 1-2 buses per day (more frequent in summer)
- Approximate price: €22 one way
- Transfer at Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio:
- Bus journey time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
- Frequency: 1-2 buses per day (more frequent in summer)
- Approximate price: €19 one way
- Direct service available
If you are using trains (ticket for 1 week cost only 50 €), you can get only to such places like Corte, Bastia, Calvi, Ile-Rousse.
South Corsica has no train connection and limited bus services. There is no way to go to Bonifacio by bus and get back the same way. It is possible to make a loop trip, but it takes at least 2 days. For one day excursion to Bonifacio from Ajaccio it is possible to use a day cruise (11 hours, 4 hours to walk through Bonifacio, nice overview of corsican cliffs from the sea, minimum 65 € per person).
Corte
Please note:
- Public transport options are more limited compared to driving, especially for places like Piana and Porto, which are not easily accessible by public transport for a day trip.
- Train services are operated by Chemins de fer de la Corse (CFC), while buses are operated by various companies including Eurocorse Voyages.
- Frequencies and prices can vary seasonally. It’s always best to check the latest schedules and book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- For some destinations, especially by train, the journey time might make a day trip challenging. You might need to leave very early and return late to make the most of your day.
- Some services may require advance booking, particularly in the busy summer months.
- Number of bus routes is very limited, even in popular directions it can be just 1 – 2 departures per day.
- At low season (outside of July-Auust) on Sundays and Public holidays there might be no buses at all.
Scheme of Public Transport in Corsica
Useful links:
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