The Trails of Corsica Cap Corse, Corte & Bonifacio with Original Travel +Added to my favoriteItem already present

Plenty more secrets lie behind the picture-perfect scene of a turquoise cove lined with pine trees. Mountains and rivers, cliff-top villages, historic and lively cities: from north to south, Corsica offers a variety of landscapes and atmospheres galore.

From the winding paths of Cap Corse, to the forests and summits in the heart of the island, to the emerald waters of the south, there are three legs to this trip so you can really get to grips with the island's beauty. Three home ports - Oletta, a few miles above Saint-Florent, Corte in the heart of the island, Bonifacio and the Gulf of Santa Manza.

Three intimate hotels in perfect harmony, offering impeccable hospitality and meticulous attention to detail, indulging the most hedonistic modern-day visitor while always embodying Mediterranean charm. We have carefully chosen these hotels for their tranquillity: all are far from the summer crowds and promise peaceful nights and serene relaxation. Set in the shadow of a century-old olive tree, the gorgeous patio is very hard to leave.
The intoxicating scents of Lebanon cedar trees and lavender mingle above the swimming pools and fountains. Relax and soak it all up, but not for too long, as endless adventures await. So, jump in the car and get exploring!

Your hire car gives you the freedom to quickly reach all the island's top sites, or alternatively, mix the itinerary up a little and embark on your own adventures. A few highlights have been included in your itinerary to set a gentle pace: Spend a day exploring Cap Corse in a 4x4 with a private guide - Meet a local from Corte - Enjoy a visit to a 'bergerie' (farm), Corsican picnic and hike to the glacial lake of Melo - Sail to the protected paradise of the Lavezzi archipelago.

You can always tailor the itinerary to suit your interests; just contact our local Concierge service, available throughout the trip for advice and support.

YOUR TRIP
Cap Corse, a rocky peninsula piercing the Mediterranean. Explore the northern tip on the old customs officers' path, turning sharply towards the seascape of Centuri before returning to the eagle's nest village of Nonza. Then go back to famous Saint-Florent, before returning to the spectacular maquis in the Agriates desert and finally cooling down in the crystal clear waters of Saleccia.

Second part: Abandon the big blue sea – just for a little while – and gain some height. Climb to Corte, beneath the island's highest peaks, to explore the cool chestnut groves on the banks of the Restonica River. Slip down its gorges, linger in the 'bergeries' and taste Corsican charcuterie specialities, including 'figatellu' (liver and pork sausage flavoured with spice), 'coppa' (traditional Italian and Corsican pork cold cut) and 'lonzu' (air-cured pork loin).

Finally, head south to join the coast again in the Bonifacio region. The limestone cliffs of the south are legendary and Freto is home to beautiful vineyards. En route visit secret coves and swim in crystal clear waters, smell fragrant thyme and myrtle, a generally soak up a gentle way of life. Corsica's romantic beauty and charm never fade, and the three legs of the trip complement each other perfectly.

DAY 1
Flight to Bastia - Oletta

Pick up your hire car at Bastia airport. Take a short drive to Oletta for a three-night stay at the foot of the village. The property is quintessential Corsica with its golden stone walls, lavender, distressed wood, vaults, tiles, palm trees and olive trees. The 'hammam' (steam room), lanterns and other exotic decorative elements represent the travels of the wanderlust owners. The swimming pool and luxuriously comfortable rooms are the perfect place to relax. The pool-house, housed in an old 'bergerie', is a lovely little place for an aperitif or nap and it's so well-designed you can seamlessly slide from one to the other. The whole place strikes a beautiful balance between Corsican traditions and exotic wanderlust vibes from around the world. Guests are made to feel immediately at home, the welcome and service are truly a highlight of the stay. The local, homemade dishes are a deliciously easy way to refuel and replenish your strength in between adventures.

DAYS 2 & 3
Oletta and Cap Corse

Nestled in the valley, the hotel enjoys a superb location, with a symbol of Corsican patriotism, the San Francescu convent, standing proudly nearby. In the village, the magnificent church of Saint Andre has a beautiful 16th-century wooden triptych, depicting the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus between Andrew the Apostle and Saint Reparata.
Continue a little to the west, to the Nebbio region; Cap Corse is to the north and Saint-Florent, with its Genoese citadel and impressive 13th-century Pisan Romanesque cathedral, is just over two miles away. Take your time to soak up the beaches, including the white sandy beach of Roya, Ospedale with its pink pebbles and Loto, in the heart of Agriates desert, reached by boat or a five-hour walk on the old customs officers' trail (which starts from Saint-Florent and leads to Ostriconi).
The maquis is a wild, green haven of tangled evergreen oaks, heathland plants, mastic trees, myrtles and cistus. It fills the air with sweet smells, while the sea matches the blue sky. Included in the itinerary is a day spent exploring Cap Corse between sea, mountains and desert, on paths only accessible by 4x4. The peninsula is nearly 25 miles long and six to ten miles wide and paints the perfect picture of wild Corsica, far from the crowds.
Wander the steep streets of Sisco, visit a distillery, and then head to the village of Santa Severa and relax on a terrace. Tamarone beach is a lovely spot for a swim, followed by a visit to Rogliano wind farm with beautiful views of Cap Corse.
Alternatively, or in addition to Cap Corse, explore the Agriates desert, also in a 4x4. Or head out on a boat to the protected beach of Saleccia, one of the most beautiful on the island with its soft sand, crystal clear waters and majestic Aleppo pine trees.

DAY 4
Oletta - Corte

Head to the centre of the island, towards Corte and Restonica Valley. Enjoy a three-night stay in a lovely riverside setting in the middle of nature and all its sensual fragrances. This hotel offers an enchanting location in the heart of nature; it's the perfect base to explore inland. Have dinner at 'Auberge de la Restonica' on the banks of the river, a restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine with local accents.

DAYS 5 & 6
Corte and Restonica Valley

In the heart of Corsica, the imposing citadel of Corte enjoys a beautiful location, standing proudly between the Monte Rotondo, and retains its role as a crossroads between the two parts of the island. The museum retraces the island's troubled past, while the winding, narrow streets of the old town are just waiting to be explored. Everywhere you look is the splendour of Corsican nature, from the crystal clear waters of the Restonica and Tavignano rivers to the majestic landscapes of the Melo and Capitello lakes. Another option is to take a private tour of Corte, its citadel and museum.

DAY 7
Corte - Bonifacio

Drive to Bonifacio, on the southern tip of the island. Spend three-nights staying just outside the city, overlooking the Gulf of Santa Manza. The hotel is designed with intertwined terraces to allow for as many sea views as possible. Tranquillity and majestic beauty reign supreme in the surrounding area. The bright rooms are a great example that contemporary design can be seamlessly blended with traditional Mediterranean style. The infinity pool is perfectly integrated into the landscape and a path takes guests down to the beach below. The spa, featuring soothing wood everywhere, only looks after one guest at a time, so enjoy this ultimate pampering experience. The restaurant is run by a talented Senegalese chef, who skilfully combines subtle Mediterranean flavours with more elaborate ones.

DAYS 8 & 9
Bonifacio and the South

Bonifacio's glory begins with its impressive crumbling white cliffs, which have slowly been shaped and hollowed out by erosion from the elements. Surrounded by the sea, this limestone lace is a natural wonder to behold. The upper town, surrounded by imposing ramparts, is home to countless medieval buildings. Below, the harbour looks out onto the Strait of Bonifacio and you can spot Sardinia in the distance. Idyllic, sandy beaches are everywhere you look. Sail to the Lavezzi archipelago or take a kayak to explore the coves and find your own little slice of paradise. As for the hinterland, Freto's plains and mountains are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, quad biking or canyoning adventures, or discovering the plant life or the rural culture shaped by hard work and patience. The inns serve hearty 'civet de sanglier' (wild boar stew made with chestnuts and fennel) and delicious 'tarte aux figues' (fig tart).

Head inland to Bavella, with its grandeur, rugged terrain and lush forests, which encapsulates the distinctive features of this island's landscape. Here, you'll find perpetually shifting shapes and a colour spectrum that ranges from the lightest red to the deepest grey, all interwoven with vast Laricio pine forests. For the most breathtaking vistas, particularly the iconic Bavella Needles, venture to the pass bearing the same name, nestled within the regional park at an altitude of 3,996ft. This pass serves as the starting point for numerous hikes suited to all skill levels, including the fascinating geological feature known as the bomb hole. Accessible within an hour, and shaded by pine trees, this path provides a relatively safe introduction to the world of high-altitude mountain terrain. The hike then continues along the GR20 trail to the Paliri Refuge, offering captivating views of Punta Tafunata.

DAY 10
Bonifacio - Figari - Return flight

Take a short drive to Figari, return your hire car to the airport and catch your flight home.