Today, the Samboat crew is setting sail for a tour of Corsica by boat. We have selected 10 ideal stopovers to discover the beauty and diversity of the Corsican coast by boat. From the bay of Saint-Florent to the Cap Corse in the north of the island, set sail on a Mediterranean adventure by renting a boat with SamBoat.
STOP 1 – The bay of Saint-Florent
Framed by a white sandy beach and turquoise waters, the large bay of Saint-Florent located in front of the Cap Corse is protected from almost all winds. This very steep coastline is distinguished by its beautiful villages perched under the mountains and its popular port of Centuri. Make sure you check our sailing itinerary along the beaches of Saint-Florent.
Tip: When the sea is nice and flat, a night at anchor near a beach in the Agriates desert will leave you with unforgettable memories.
STOP 2 – The bay of Calvi
The city of Calvi and its large bay protected from the west sea is bordered on six kilometres by a magnificent beach of fine sand and a pine forest still well preserved. Its turquoise waters that bathe the western coast of Corsica are among the purest in the Mediterranean.
Tip: Avoid anchoring at night. On one hand, it has been regulated for several years and on the other hand, the proximity of restaurants and discotheques does not allow for a restful night.
STOP 3 – The creeks of Piana
Torn and chiselled by erosion, the calanques of Piana (UNESCO site) give the impression of a fantastic sculpture. The hollowed out blocks, sculpted on these impressive heights, plunge into an intensely blue sea, and draw unexpected silhouettes formed in the stone by erosion.
Tip: The Calanques de Piana is an ideal anchorage, sheltered from the wind. A shortcut allows access to the West coast which must be approached with care (preferably with a GPS plotter).
STOP 4 – Ajaccio
With its wide range of landscapes, Ajaccio offers an overview of Corsica in miniature. The city provides mountain activities and when you turn your back on its green heights, you can contemplate an exceptional maritime setting.
Tip: The beach of Saint-François is very popular for a stopover. It is located just before the citadel, near the port and close to the city centre, ideal for shopping!
STOP 5 – Propriano
Propriano is a seaside town in the heart of the Gulf of Valinco. A gulf so deep and so calm that it looks like a lake, ideal for a peaceful anchorage on your tour of Corsica by boat.
Tip: Located south of the centre of Propriano, the beach of Capu Laurosu is without a doubt one of the wildest beaches. The view on the Gulf of Valinco is magnificent with a panorama extending from Porto-Pollo to the tip of Campomoro. However, one must be very careful on swell days.
STOP 6 – Bonifacio
One hundred and twenty kilometres of coastline, two seas, a marina, organised anchorages, countless beaches, coves and even lagoons worthy of the Bahamas… Bonifacio is a stopover that offers an infinite number of possibilities.
Tip: Reputed to be one of the most beautiful coves in Corsica, the Fazzio is of a striking beauty, all scrub and chalky cliffs. You can anchor there against the cliff, with a mooring line brought to the ground. A beach allows disembarkation, and a path leads to Bonifacio for a one and a half hour stroll.
STOP 7 – Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio, ancient city of salt, wood and cork, has become today a great seaside resort thanks to its coastline with turquoise waters sparkling in the sun and bordered by its magnificent white sand beaches.
Tip: Let yourself be tempted by the anchorage of Santa Giulia for its exceptional setting.
STOP 8 – Ghisonaccia
Located in the heart of the Costa Serena, Ghisonaccia offers its visitors many assets: beautiful beaches, diverse heritage and preserved nature.
Tip: Drop anchor in front of the Pinia beach, it borders the Pinia forest which is the largest maritime pine forest in Corsica. This beach of fine white sand is magnificent and very wild. It is still very little known by tourists.
STOP 9 – Bastia
Bastia, classified as a city of Art and History, clinging to the mountainside, is ideally located to discover the history, culture and nature of Corsica.
Tip: Stop by the old port of Bastia, under the citadel. Then explore this city, full of history and character.
STOP 10 – Rogliano
North of Cap Corse, Rogliano has become a must-see getaway. This majestically perched village is made up of eight hamlets with a style that will plunge you into a Corsica of another time, authentic and still wild with landscapes of exceptional beauty and rarity.
Tip: Anchor in front of the beach of Barcaggio with its fine sand, dunes among the highest on the island, occasional cows and a panoramic view of the islet of Giraglia, once inhabited all year round by sailors.
You are now ready to sail for an incredible tour of Corsica by boat. Don’t forget to get information from the different harbour master’s offices to know the codes and some extra tips for these various spots.
