A Dream Week on a Sailboat: The Tour of Corsica’s Best Anchorages
Discover the Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week of Adventure
Corsica, the “Île de Beauté” (Island of Beauty), is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Its wild coastlines, turquoise waters, and sheltered anchorages make it a dream destination for any sailor. If you have one week and want to maximize every day to discover the essence of the island, this article is for you. We will detail a perfect Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week journey, optimized for maximum enjoyment and discovery, focusing on safety and comfort.
Therefore, this guide aims to be both informative and accessible, whether you are an experienced mariner or chartering a sailboat for the first time. We will cover practical aspects, the best spots to drop anchor (safely and legally), and the unmissable sights.
Preparation: The Key to a Successful Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week
First and foremost, thorough preparation is essential for your Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week to go smoothly. Corsica is a magnificent island, however, its weather conditions can be changeable, and its anchoring regulations are becoming increasingly strict, especially in nature reserves.
Essential Paperwork and Checks
Initially, ensure your sailboat is in compliance. This involves boat documentation, insurance, and up-to-date safety equipment (life jackets, flares, VHF, etc.). Moreover, don’t forget to check the condition of the sails and the engine.
| Item | Quick Checklist | Why is it Important? |
| Weather | Daily bulletins (local services, Navionics) | Anticipate strong winds (Libeccio, Mistral) or local storms. |
| Charts | Up-to-date nautical charts (paper and electronic) | Essential for safe navigation, identifying hazards and restricted areas. |
| Reservations | Marina berths (optional but recommended) | Ensures a comfortable stop if anchoring is difficult or if the weather deteriorates. |
| Regulations | Marine Park zones and authorized anchorages | Avoid hefty fines, especially around Lavezzi or Scandola. |
Managing Weather and Wind
Corsica is famous for its winds. The Mistral (North-West) and Tramontane (North) can blow strongly on the western side, while East or South-East winds are more frequent on the eastern coast.
Consequently, your Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week must remain flexible. If the wind is too strong in the West, it is safer to favor the East, and vice-versa. In case of doubt, a golden rule is to always seek an anchorage that offers maximum protection from the dominant wind direction at night.
The Detailed Cruise: Your Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week
We will detail a Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week starting from Ajaccio, as it is an easily accessible starting point and well-equipped with nautical services. This itinerary is a loop allowing you to explore the West and South coasts, renowned for their stunning landscapes.
Day 1 Ajaccio : Gulf of Girolata (Approx. 35 Nautical Miles)
Upon leaving Ajaccio, your adventure begins with a sail along the West coast. After rounding the Sanguinaires Islands, you will head North towards the Gulf of Porto.
- Sailing: A beautiful transition leg. You will pass in front of the sublime Gulf of Sagone.
- Dream Anchorage: Girolata. This is a must-see. This small fishing village, accessible only by sea or on foot, offers a spectacular setting. The anchorage is often crowded in high season, nevertheless, it is well-protected from westerly winds.
Practical Tip: The Girolata anchorage is on a sandy bottom. Therefore, be careful not to drop anchor on Posidonia seagrass beds, which are protected by law. Check the anchor’s hold, as the wind can change quickly.
Day 2 Girolata : Gulf of Porto / Calanques de Piana (Short Sail)
The next day, take the time to explore the Scandola Nature Reserve, just south of Girolata.
- Activity: Visit the Scandola Reserve (UNESCO). It is important to note that anchoring and sailing within 300 meters of the coast are strictly forbidden in many areas of the reserve. Strictly respect the markers.
- Evening Anchorage: Porto. If you desire a bit more civilization, anchoring in front of Porto village or docking at the small port can be a good option. Furthermore, this allows you to access the famous Calanques de Piana by road or local boat (but not with the sailboat itself for safety and regulatory reasons).
Day 3 Gulf of Porto : Cargèse / Propriano (Approx. 30 Miles)
To continue your Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week, resume your course South. You will discover the beauty of the granite coasts.
- Day Anchorage: Cargèse. This Greek town offers a pleasant anchorage in front of Pero beach.
- Evening Anchorage: Propriano. If you are looking for a port with all amenities (re-provisioning, water, fuel), this is the ideal stopover. Conversely, if you prefer nature, the anchorage in the Gulf of Valinco, in front of Portigliolo beach, is wilder.
Day 4 Propriano : Bonifacio (Approx. 35 Miles)
This is the leg that will take you to the South of the island, towards a spectacular site: Bonifacio.
- Sailing: The sail to Bonifacio is often one of the most beautiful. The Strait of Bonifacio passage is subject to strong winds (Mistral), so caution is advised.
- Must-See Stopover: The entrance to the Bonifacio fjord. The sight of the white cliffs and the citadel is breathtaking. The port is very well sheltered.
Pitfall to Avoid: Bonifacio harbor is often very crowded in high season. It is strongly recommended to book your berth if you wish to spend the night there. Otherwise, you risk having to anchor outside, in less comfortable conditions.
Day 5 Bonifacio : Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands (Very Short Sail)
This day is dedicated to the Strait of Bonifacio, an essential stop on any Corsica cruise!
- Dream Anchorage:The Lavezzi Islands. These islands are a paradise of rocks and crystal-clear waters. However, be very careful. Anchoring is strictly regulated.
- Imperative: Use the available (and paid) mooring buoys so as not to damage the seabed. Free anchoring is prohibited in most of the reserve.
- Evening Anchorage:Cavallo Island or Santa Giulia Beach.
- Cavallo: The island is private, but anchoring in front of the beach is often tolerated, offering a postcard landscape.
- Santa Giulia: This bay is ideal for a well-sheltered night anchorage in calm weather, with an excellent sandy bottom.
Day 6 South-East Santa Giulia : Porto-Vecchio (Short Sail)
Finally, you will slowly sail up the East coast. This part is less wild than the West but boasts exceptional white sand beaches.
- Anchorage: Rondinara Bay or Palombaggia Bay. These bays are magnificent, however, they can be very busy. Rondinara, with its almost circular shape, is an excellent shelter.
- Stopover: Porto-Vecchio. This is the second-largest port on the island. It’s an opportunity to refuel and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the upper town.
Day 7 Porto-Vecchio : Return to Ajaccio (Long Sail / Port Option)
Given that the distance between Porto-Vecchio and Ajaccio is too great to be comfortably covered in a single day (approx. 70 miles), you have several options to conclude your Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week:
- Option A (Intensive Sailing): Very early departure from Porto-Vecchio and direct return to Ajaccio. This is a full day of sailing.
- Option B (Mixed): Head North to Porto Pollo or Campomoro (Gulf of Valinco) for a final night, then return to Ajaccio on the morning of Day 8 if your charter allows it.
- Option C (Propriano Drop-off): If you were able to arrange a return to Propriano, this significantly reduces the return distance.
Practical Tips for an Optimal Corsica Cruise
For your Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week to be perfect, it is essential to know a few local tips and apply good sailing principles.
Explanatory Diagram: Responsible Anchoring
Respecting the seabed is crucial in Corsica. Consequently, the diagram below illustrates the difference between authorized and prohibited anchoring.
| Seabed Type | Anchoring Status | Practical Advice |
| Clear Sand | ✅ Anchoring OK | Look for light patches. Excellent holding power. |
| Posidonia Grass | ❌ Anchoring Prohibited | Raise the anchor immediately! Protected by law (risk of fine). |
| Rock / Gravel | ⚠️ Risky Anchoring | Difficult to anchor and risk of dragging or damaging the anchor. |
Golden Rule: Look for patches of sand. If you see seagrass (Posidonia), raise the anchor immediately. Indeed, seagrass beds are the lungs of the Mediterranean.
Comparative Tables: Types of Anchorages
Choosing your anchorage is vital for safety and comfort. Thus, this comparison will help you choose the ideal spot.
| Criterion | Wild Cove Anchorage | Buoy Mooring (e.g., Lavezzi) | Marina Stopover |
| Safety | Good if sheltered from dominant wind | Very good, fixed position | Excellent, total shelter |
| Comfort | Low (possible swell, dinghy needed) | Medium (boats close together) | High (water, electricity, facilities) |
| Cost | Free | Paid (reserve fee) | Paid (most expensive) |
| Vibe | Wild, quiet | Natural, regulated | Lively, urban |
| Complexity | Evaluating depths and weather | Simple (attaching to the buoy) | Docking and maneuvering |
Pitfalls and Points of Caution
- The Strait of Bonifacio: Although magnificent, it acts as a wind tunnel. If the forecast announces West/North-West wind (Mistral) above Force 5, it is safer to wait or stay sheltered.
- Water Supply: Contrary to popular belief, fresh water is precious at sea. Plan stopovers to refill (Propriano, Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio) and be frugal while sailing.
- Fast Ferries: Especially in the South, many fast ferries shuttle between Sardinia and Corsica. Maintain a diligent lookout.
Conclusion: Your Dream Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week
This sailing tour of Corsica, focusing on the most beautiful anchorages and iconic sites, is a rich and memorable Corsica Sailing Itinerary: 1 Week. In summary, it combines the beauty of the West coast landscapes (Girolata, Scandola), the prestige of the South (Bonifacio, Lavezzi), and the charm of the East’s beaches.
However, never forget that the sea is the master. Therefore, this itinerary is only a suggestion. Give yourself the freedom to change stops if the weather dictates. The essence of a successful Corsica cruise is to sail safely and take the time to appreciate the raw beauty of the “Island of Beauty.”
Happy Sailing!