Day 1: Arrive Corte — The Mountain Heart
Arrive Corte. The town’s dramatic mountain setting — granite peaks on all sides — immediately communicates why Pascal Paoli chose this as the capital of his Corsican Republic. Afternoon: climb to the citadel for 360° views and the Museum of Corsica. Evening: dinner at a traditional restaurant — try the wild boar stew (civet de sanglier) with chestnut polenta. Overnight Hôtel U Passa Tempu (rated 8.6/10).
Day 2: Restonica Valley Hike
Full-day independent hike in the Restonica Valley. The trail follows the river through Laricio pine forests to the Bergeries de Grotelle (shepherd huts at 1,400m). Options to continue to Lac de Melo (1,710m) and Lac de Capitello (1,930m) — the glacial lake with turquoise water surrounded by black granite is worth every step. Overnight Corte.
Day 3: Tavignano Gorge & Sant’Antonino
Morning: hike the Tavignano Gorge from Corte — the river has carved deep pools through polished granite, creating natural swimming holes (thermal springs feed some of them, making the water surprisingly warm). Swim in crystalline pools surrounded by forest. Afternoon: drive to Sant’Antonino, one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” — a circular hilltop village perched at 500m with arched passageways, stone staircases, and panoramic views from the Balagne plain to the Mediterranean. Continue to L’Île-Rousse. Evening: sunset on the red granite Île de la Pietra (the “Red Island” that gave the town its name), connected by a causeway with a Genoese watchtower at its tip. Overnight L’Île-Rousse.
Day 4: Calvi — The Citadel City
Morning: transfer to Calvi (30 min). Check into Hôtel les Arbousiers, just 150m from the beach. Free day to explore Calvi — the Genoese citadel, the marina, and the 6km Bailey’s Beach (fine white sand, turquoise water). Lunch at a beachfront café. Sunset from the citadel ramparts with a glass of local wine. Overnight Calvi.
Days 5-7: Calvi Free Exploration
Three full days based in Calvi. Options: day trip by boat to Scandola Nature Reserve (the UNESCO volcanic cliffs and sea caves, the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline), visit to the hilltop village of Sant’Antonino, Patrimonio wine tasting route, the Desert des Agriates (Corsica’s wildest beaches — Saleccia and Lotu, accessible by 4×4 or boat), or simply beach days at Calvi. In the evenings, Calvi has Corsica’s best restaurant scene — from Michelin-starred to waterfront seafood grills.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport or Bastia Poretta Airport for departure.
