Planning the Perfect Trip to Corsica’s West Coast

Planning a trip to Corsica can be daunting for first-timers. Getting to the island is fairly simple — a quick flight from Paris — but choosing where to spend your precious vacation time takes some practice.

We’ve visited Corsica multiple times, and each trip gets us closer to the ‘perfect itinerary’’ — which I’m sharing all the details of here!

If you like vacations that include a mix of relaxing on the beach, challenging hikes, breathtaking scenery, and fresh local food — this one’s for you!

5 Perfect Days on Corsica’s West Coast: Cargèse, Piana, Ota and Porto

The basics:

• Getting there: to explore the west coast, you’ll want to fly into the capital city of Ajaccio. There are regular affordable flights from major cities in France. From Paris, the flight is less than 2 hours. You can also take a ferry from port cities in the South of France, or the neighboring islands.

• Transportation on the island: to experience the best of Corsica, you’ll need a car (and someone who is comfortable driving on winding, narrow, mountain roads!) Public transportation is not very comprehensive here, even in the major cities and especially not in the smaller towns you’ll want to explore.

• Language: French is the official language of Corsica. The younger generation & many people in the hospitality industry speak some English, German or Italian too — but knowing some basic French will come in handy.

• Money & expenses: keep a supply of Euros with you while traveling, as many restaurants and local businesses are cash-only. Prices in Corsica are roughly similar to prices in Paris — hotels are around €120-150 per night, while dinner for two (with drinks) is about €70-100 in most restaurants.

• Best time to travel: you’ll have sunshine in Corsica from May to September. High season is July & August. We like to visit in June when the weather is predictably warm, there are less tourists, and accommodations are more affordable.

The Itinerary:

I recommend four to five days in Corsica — it gives you time to settle in, relax, and explore some sights beyond the beach. Though, if you just want beach time, a long weekend would do the trick!

I love the itinerary below because it gives you a little bit of everything: beach, mountains, rivers, and charming villages — the best of the west coast!

Part 1: Chill beach time in Cargèse

Start your trip on the beach in Cargèse, about 2 hours north of Ajaccio by car. This part of the west coast is picturesque, uncrowded and authentic (don’t expect St. Tropez!)

Where to stay in Cargese

Motel Ta Kladia

Don’t let the “motel” title fool you. Every room has a beachfront view at this simple and amazingly-located hotel. The rooms have everything you need to be self-sufficient: full kitchen, dining area, comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and balcony with ocean views — all for around €120 euros per night. The beach is steps away, and the water is calm, clear and perfect for swimming.

What to do in Cargese

It’s all about the beach! Take a morning run or swim in the Mediterranean. Enjoy coffee from your beachfront balcony. Have lunch at one of the paillottes (beach bars). Take a nap! Explore the village of Cargese (a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk up the hill). This is the place to slow down and get into vacation mode.

Where to eat in Cargese

On the beach…

• Ta Kladia has it’s own restaurant on-site with ocean views, fresh seafood (the mussels are a must), wood-oven pizza, and plenty of local wine. Otherwise, you have 2 other beachfront restaurants nearby, just a ten minute stroll along the beach…

• Paillote A Piaghja has laid back beach vibes, fruity cocktails, and a copious plates. Just next door, Paillote 1768 is a bit more classy & refined. You can’t go wrong with either one.

Eating in the village of Cargese…

• Creperie L’Ortu - perched on the hillside between two churches, this creperie has a beautiful garden terrace, friendly service, and delicious savory galettes.

• Le Yuka - a bohemian haven with garden seating, ocean views and healthy food

• Epicerie Leca - they specialize in local cheese, charcuterie, wine & beer. A great spot to sample Corsica’s artisanal offerings or pick up some gifts to bring home.

Part 2: Hiking the cliffs of Piana

Piana has been officially named one of the most beautiful villages in France. And you’ll quickly understand why…

Where to stay in Piana

You won’t find chic, modern hotels in Piana. But you will find incredible views & decent amenities. Here are the best located options:

1. Les Roches Rouges — the most stunning views in Piana can be seen from this historic hotel, perched on the cliffs overlooking the coast. The hotel itself is pretty outdated, but I highly recommend stopping for a drink on the terrace, ideally at sunset.

2. Hotel Capo Rosso — like Les Roches Rouges, it’s all about the views at Capo Rosso. The hotel itself is perfectly average, but the amenities (outdoor pool overlooking the coast) and rooms with terraces, make it feel more luxurious.

What to do in Piana:

Time to get sporty! Piana is famous for it’s striking copper-colored cliffs (called “les roches rouges”) and the many hiking trails along them. I’ve including the highlights & linked to some helpful guides below:

• Capo Rosso — perhaps the most well-known hike on Corsica’s West Coast, it’s a fairly strenuous loop but the view from the old lighthouse at the top is unbeatable.

• Les Calanques de Piana — this includes over 23km of trails but you can explore just a portion of it. I recommend the “Chemin Muletier” (the old mule’s trail) for flat trails and epic views. You can park at the old stadium in Piana, and follow signs from there.

• Plage de Ficaghjola — this one is breezy on the way down, and killer on the way back up (6km round trip). But in between, you’ll be rewarded with a swim at the gorgeous secluded beach of Ficaghjola. The trail starts right in the centre of town in Piana.

Where to eat in Piana:

• Les Roches Bleues — on the road between Piana and Porto, this casual restaurant is perched on a cliffside overlooking the sea. You can’t beat this panoramic view!

• Casa Corsa — right in the town of Piana, Casa Corsa specialises in Italian wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie, and gelato. And they have the best view in central Piana.

Part 3: Riverside nature retreat in Ota & Porto

Drive further north of Piana to immerse yourself deeper into Corsica’s lush natural beauty. Porto is a quiet old fisherman’s village, with it’s sister village Ota situated in the hills above.

Where to stay in Ota & Porto:

Casa Del Torrente — if you’re ready for some glamping, look no further than Case del Torrente. Le Porto river and it’s natural swimming holes are are right in your backyard. But if fresh water isn’t your thing, they also have a pool, giant outdoor rec room (for the kids) and fully-equipped cabins with outdoor kitchens & private balconies. The hosts are incredibly friendly, too.

What to do in Ota & Porto

Les Gorges de Spelunca — one of the easiest trails in the region, it’s mostly flat and runs all along the Porto River. No matter how much or little you do, you’ll benefit from the scenery immediately.

Where to eat in Ota

Drive to the hilltop village of Ota, it’s incredibly picturesque and very tiny. Plan ahead and reserve a sunset dinner on the terrace at Chez Marie, a family-run “hunters bistro”. Yes, they specialise in meat, but the vegetarian cannelloni made with the local Corisan cheese is a must.

Where to eat in Porto

There are many more dining options in the town of Porto, and a couple of our favourites were Le Palmier Porto, with all white furniture & garden seating, it feels a bit like the Greek Isles.

If you’re craving seafood and sand in your toes, head to Restaurant U Pescadore for the catch of the day.

Et voila… that’s my tried & true perfect itinerary for exploring Corsica’s West Coast. If you’ve found something helpful, I’d love to know — feel free to leave a comment below! Bon voyage, mes amis.