Corsica experts: Where should I spend an extra night?
 

Please help me to fine tune this itinerary.

After landing in Ajaccio and overnighting there, we plan to rent a car and drive to Piana for 2 nights (hike Calanques, boat trip from Porto to Scandola, and visit Plage Arone) then on way to Calvi, drive the Spelunca Gorge to Evisa and return, stay in Calvi for 2 nights, then drive to St. Florent (visiting Pigna on way) for 3 nights, where I'd like to drive Cap Corse and visit some of the mountain villages, then drive to Corte for 2 nights (drive Restonica Valley) then drive to Levie to eat/stay at A Pignata seeing Col de Bavello on way, then end up in Bonifacio for 2 nights before we take the ferry to Sardinia.

So, I'm wondering if it's best to spend that 3rd night in St. Florent or would it be better to spend it in Piana for driving the Spelunca Gorge. Can I get by with only one night in Calvi? I'm not sure of what there's to do there besides visiting the old town, since we'll have taken the Scandola boat trip out of Porto. Or, could I cut Corte to one night? Originally, I wanted to also stay somewhere near Porto Vecchio or San Giula to see the beaches, but ran out of time....unless you thinks it's better to do than than something else.

Please offer whatever suggestions you have. Thanks!

Also, if you think I should cut out one area to spend more time in others, please tell me.

Personally, I'd spend the extra night in Piana. If there is a more gorgeous corner of Corsica, I've yet to find it. By doing so, you can take your time driving up from Ajaccio and then have two full days to hike the calanque, take the boat ride and drive the Gorge (all well worth the time and not worth rushing)...

- Kevin

p.s.: Calvi is lovely and the Old Town is great to walk around, but one day there should cover it.

If you want to do Cap Corse and the hill village drive (which includes Oletta - I think you expressed an interest in it) you'll need two full day in St. Florent. I suppose in theory you could drive from Calvi and do the hill villages in one day, but it would be a lot of mountain driving. We did it in a day, leaving St Florent around 10am and taking the smaller road to Murato where we had a great lunch, and then the "easier" road (D82) back to St. Florent.

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/p...eat-lunch.html

thanks Kevin and Elizabeth!
Here's my new simplified approach:

1 night in Ajaccio; 3 nights in Piana (I agree, there's a lot to do around there); 3 nights in Calvi or L'lle Rousse (which is a better base?); 2 nights in Corte, 1 night in Levie (to see Col de Bavella enroute) and 3 nights in Bonifacio (if it's nice, I can drive to the beaches, and take a boat trip to the islands)
As much as I'd love to see Cap Corse, I think I need to cut out St. Florent and the north since I have to leave out of Bonifacio.
Any more comments?

OK, another revision. I'm going to skip overnights in Calvi and instead stay the 3 nights in St. Florent. It seems like there's more to see/do around there.

Anyone make the case for the Calvi area instead?

I forgot to mention we'll be there early to mid September.

You'll think I'm a schizo, but have decided to make the driving easier and stay in Calvi rather than St. Florent.

Any good ideas on how to spend 3 nights in Calvi?

Calvi is lovely and make sure you go to U Fanale a lovely restaurant just out side of town. I also like Bon Amis which is right in the heart of town. The quai laundry area is always good for people watching but the restaurants are expensive here and not all are of the best quality. Sometime they have musical shows on in the citadel. When are you going? You can easily drive to Il Rousse from Calvi.
A LOVELY restaurant on the beach about 10 mins outside of calvi is Le Matahari in Lumio. (check out their web) gorgeous spot for lunch but even nicer at dinner... We are going to be there in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again Smeagol for the restaurant recommendations.
I really couldn't find a place i wanted to stay in Calvi, so opted for the Stella Mare in Algajola, but I'm sure we can easily get to these restaurants from there. We'll be there in mid-Sept.

If anyone knows of a better place to stay in Calvi, please let me know.

Ooooh you must go to Le Chariot in Algajola lovely lunch spot..... I go to Corsica Sunday. Can't wait. And yes Calvi is about 15/20 mins by car from where you are staying so easy to get to IR or Calvi for dinner as it's about mid way between the two!

Smeagol,
Have a fantastic trip! Be sure to let us know any new great finds. Hope you have lovely weather.

thanks BB I will reread you itin before I go, so anywhere I think you will be interested in I will note and hopefully remember to come back and let you know!! So far weather channel saying 26c and sunny fingers crossed!

BB did you check out U Castellu in Algajola? Lovely looking chambre d'hôte right by the castle walls. Got back from Corsica today.
also we timed the journey from Lumio ( about 5-10 mins from Algajola) to St Florent and we did it in just over 1 hour. We have been before to St Florent but this time we went to plage de loto which was gorgeous and only accessible by boat or a ( very long) walk. Today we had breakfast in Cafe di Miossa (SP?) in Lumio just as the church service was finishing, this was one stylish congregation.......

Glad to hear from you Smeagol! I just checked out U Castellu and it looks lovely...however, going through Booking.com they say it's full....I've contacted the place directly and I'll see what they say. At the least, we'll eat dinner there.
Thanks for the travel time to St. Florent...I do want to visit plage de loto.
Can't wait to read more about your trip!

Be aware that the advertsised sailing times to Plage de loto on Popeye aren't neccessarily when they actually sail. Suggest you go to the kiosk as soon as you arrive in SF to ascertain the actual sailing times.

Thanks again, Smeagol...it's so helpful to listen to someone who's already been there! I heard back from U Castellu and they do have an opening. Did you see Stella Mare? That's where we booked and I believe they charge something to change a reservation, but I have to look up my confirmation. But, it may be worth the penalty to change. I don't know how I missed U Castellu in Algajola.

No sorry didn't see it but it does look lovely so I wouldn't change it if they will charge and also I would be horrified if U Castellu turned out to be not as nice......

Yes, I checked and they'd charge me a whole night, so I'm just going to book dinner at U Castellu. I'm sure Stella Mare will be fine.

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