Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Family Getaway to Southern Corsica From the Mountains to the Coast
France – Corsica – Levie – Bonifacio
Start in the beautiful village of Levie, capital of the rugged Alta Rocca region. Your days here can be spent hiking in the hills of the hinterland and sampling local delicacies during family dinners before travelling south to the medieval seaside city of Bonifacio.
Time to swap walking gear for sunnies and funky beach towels as you make the most of this gorgeous coastal gem. Between splashing in the sea and exploring the nearby coves, you’ll have plenty of time for games of cards under a shady canopy and post-children's-bedtime debriefs over a refreshing aperitif. It doesn’t come much better than this.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
The day of your family getaway to southern Corsica has arrived. After making sure every member of your clan is packed and ready to go, head to the airport, whizz through security and fuel up on some nibbles in the lounge before takeoff. Flights to Figari – the island’s southern hub – take around two-and-a-half hours. Time to sit back, put your feet up and (hopefully) relax.
After landing, collect your family-friendly hire car and drive one hour through the beautiful hinterland to Levie, a picturesque village in the heart of the mountainous Alta Rocca region.
Check in for three nights in a charming hotel surrounded by nature. Then, following some unpacking and post-car-journey downtime, spend the rest of the day scoping out your suave new digs before tucking into a delicious dinner this evening – sure to be the first of many.
The next two days are all about discovering the mountainous hinterland around Levie. After all, the region is oozing with scenic and cultural delights.
Start with a hike of the Bavella Massif, accompanied by a local guide. The mountain range connects Alta Rocca to the east coast of Corsica and is home to a series of red-granite spikes (the highest reaches over 6,000ft) that soar over the emerald countryside below. So, don’t forget your cameras.
The rest of your time here is free to do as you – or really, your children – please. For a scenic stroll, visit the charming village of Zonza, gateway to the Rizzanese River. If you have budding archaeologists in tow, explore the storied sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula. For an impromptu history lesson, head to the Alta Rocca Museum.
Alternatively, if everyone’s after another hike, lace up your walking shoes once more to trek through the Coscione plateau – a series of high-altitude meadows lined with traditional sheepfolds.
Today, it’s time to swap the mountains for the coast. After a delicious breakfast this morning, bundle back into the car to embark on the hour-and-a-half-long drive to the southern coast. Cue plenty of family sing-a-longs and games of I-Spy.
Wind your way through the hilly hinterland before cruising into Bonifacio, a medieval citadel perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by steep cliffs, creeks and sea caves.
Your home for the next four nights is set on these sun-soaked shores, so spend the rest of today relaxing and settling into your new surroundings. To use up some of the youngsters’ energy, you could head out for a stroll through the centre. But if everyone’s tired from their travels, simply kick back at the hotel in the lead up to dinner this evening.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning to prepare for your day of discovery around Bonifacio. For a proper introduction to the lush landscape surrounding this charming little city, set out with a friendly local for a guided walk along the coast.
Take the Strada Vecia trail – a pilgrimage route stretching west out of Bonifacio. As you stroll along, experience the perfect blend of walking, swimming, nature and heritage, thanks to the variety of sites that dot the trail.
About an hour in, you’ll reach Fazzio beach, a coveted corner of golden sand and crystal-clear waters just waiting to be dipped (or run) into. After this, you’ll come to the end of the trail at Paragan beach, where more enticing waters await – hooray.
Return to your hotel this afternoon to shower off any residual sand, lather on some after sun, wrap up in a robe and simmer down before dinner this evening.
Spend your last two days savouring the simple joys of island life. We’re talking about the feeling of sand between your toes and the absolute necessity of refuelling after a dip in the ocean with a generous helping of ice cream.
To add some structure to your R&R, you’ll also have a whole day dedicated to a catamaran cruise. Don your seafaring caps and hop aboard to sail to the idyllic Lavezzi archipelago, just off the south coast.
This smattering of granite islets in the turquoise waters of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve (say that three times) is famous for the wild beauty of its seabed and beaches.
On your return journey, you’ll also pass the billionaire-populated island of Cavallo, the Sperone Golf Course and the caves and cliffs of Bonifacio. Before returning to dry land, be sure to snap a shot of the whole family on board – this is bound to be one for the photo wall.
Sadly, the time has come to leave the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica behind. After your last fabulously French breakfast (bring on the pastries), load up the car and set off on the 30-minute drive back to the airport in Figari. Once you’ve dropped off your hire car and swept through security, settle into the lounge before boarding your return flight to the UK.
The journey takes two hours and 25 minutes, meaning you’ll be home in time for a post-holiday family debrief over dinner tonight. Dare we say: the perfect time to start planning your next one…
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
PRIVATE WALKING TOUR IN BONIFACIO
Meet up with a friendly local guide to discover the Medieval citadel of Bonifacio. This is a great opportunity to learn about the fascinating marine history of this corner of the island. You’ll probably break a sweat, since the tour ends with a hike up the 187 steps of the King of Aragon’s Staircase – ideal for tiring out the youngsters.WITH A FEW MORE DAYS…
SKIP TO SARDINIA
From the south of Corsica, a short boat trip takes you to the Sardinian coast, just over six miles away. This island shares the wild Mediterranean beauty of Corsica... but with an Italian twist. Here, you can explore the region of Gallura and the splendid Costa Smeralda before heading west to Alghero, a charismatic city still steeped in its Catalan past.SAIL TO CORSICA FROM THE MAINLAND
For families with sea legs, why not arrive in Corsica aboard a sailing boat? This journey, either from Marseille or Nice, is a great way to soak in the coastal landscape that surrounds the island.
Why visit France with Original Travel ?
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