Two weeks in Corsica
 

I read a fantastic,very helpful trip report about Corsica on this website recently and decided to seek advice for my own 2-week trip to Corsica for next May. This is my first time posting on this website.

I'm hoping for comments and suggestions for my itinerary below. I tried to plan the trip so we would stay in one place for a few nights and explore the area by day trips and hikes. I included a little extra time in Corte because we love the mountains. Also when we are by the sea we unfortunately won’t be able to take any boat excursions because I get terrible motion sickness. Here’s the itinerary:

May 9-11 (2 nights) Ajaccio (arrive from US, rest and explore city)

May 11-14 (3 nights) Piana (drive up from Ajaccio; explore area including Calanques and Porto)

May 14 – 18 (4 nights) Corte (drive to Corte via Evisa, Gorge de Spelunca; Foret d’Aiton; explore area including Valee de L’Asco, Gorges de Tavignano; Gorges de la Restonica)

May 18-20 (2 nights) Zonza (drive from Corte through Solenzara; explore Aiguilles de Bavella)

May 20-23 (3 nights) Bonafacio and surrounding area

May 23-24 (1) Ajaccio (drive from Bonafacio; depart for US on the 24th)

A few of questions:

1. Is 3 nights in Bonafacio too long a time given that I won’t be able to take any boat excursions? What are some suggestions for on land explorations of the area?

2. Am I right in understanding that there is a train that goes from Corte to I’lle Rousse? If yes, would this be a reasonable day trip?

3. I like to vary the kinds of lodging in which we stay. I was wondering about the possibility of a vacation rental around Corte. What’s the availability of these in the Corte area?

As you will have a car, I cannot see why you should take the train de Corse for a day trip to Calvi and Ile Rousse.

The visit of Bunifaziu takes only a few hrs. There are very nice beaches in the area, but in May it doesn't make any sense to go there. Most excursions are made by (small) boat: Lavezzi Islands, Sea caves, etc.

What about Pisan churches, menhirs and dolmens?

http://corsicabus.org/ has bus and train timetables.

Thanks for your input on my itinerary. Based on the comment about Bonifacio, we've decided to focus this trip on the northern part of Corsica. Bonifacio and the Aiguilles de Bavella we will save for our next trip. Here's the new itinerary:

May 9-11 (2 nights) Ajaccio (arrive from US, rest and explore city)


May 11-14 (3 nights) Piana (Calanques, Porto, Ota, Evisa)


May 14 – 17 (3 nights) L’lle Rousse (Desert des Agriates; Calvi,
Balagne)

May 17-19 (2 nights) St. Florent or Bastia (Cap Corse)

May 19-23 (4 nights) Corte (explore Valee de L’Asco, Gorges de Tavignano; Gorges de la Restonica)

May 23-24 (1 night) Ajaccio (depart)

Questions:
1.Which would be the better place to base ourselves for the driving tour around Cap Corse - St.-Florent or Bastia? From what I've read, driving in and out of Bastia is not very pleasant.
2. What are the pros-cons of driving clockwise or counter clockwise around Cap Corse?