Overview
Circumnavigating Corsica is one of the great Mediterranean sailing experiences — a complete circuit of an island that manages to pack fjord-like calanques, Sardinian-quality water, dramatic sea cliffs, and the most challenging strait in the western Med into less than 400nm. Base from Ajaccio, go clockwise (south first), and return from the north.
Day by day
Day 1 — Ajaccio: Provision and depart south. Anchor in the Iles Sanguinaires bay — spectacular granite islands at sunset. Day 2 — Iles Sanguinaires to Propriano (35nm): Sail down the southern coast to Propriano — excellent marina, gateway to the Valinco Gulf beaches. Day 3 — Propriano to Bonifacio (35nm): The highlight of the southern route. Arrive in Bonifacio's cliff-top harbour — one of the great arrivals in Mediterranean sailing. Day 4 — Bonifacio (day trip: Maddalena): Cross to Sardinia's Maddalena Archipelago for the day (20nm round trip). Day 5 — Bonifacio to Porto-Vecchio (25nm): Sail east to Porto-Vecchio — glamorous marina, excellent beaches, superb local charcuterie. Day 6 — Porto-Vecchio to Solenzara (25nm): East coast cruising — calmer seas, pine forests to the water. Day 7 — Solenzara to Bastia (50nm): Long day up the east coast to Bastia — Corsica's second city with a Genoese old harbour. Day 8 — Bastia to Centuri (30nm): Round Cap Corse — the wild northern tip. Centuri is a tiny lobster-fishing village with an excellent restaurant. Day 9 — Centuri to Calvi (50nm): Across the north and down the west coast. Calvi is magnificent — a Genoese citadel above a turquoise bay. Day 10 — Calvi to Ajaccio (60nm): Down the spectacular west coast — sea cliffs, calanques, and the Scandola Nature Reserve (UNESCO). Return to base.
Key anchorages
Iles Sanguinaires — anchor east side, 4–8m, granite backdrop. Bonifacio — marina in the creek (expensive) or anchor outside in settled conditions. Centuri — small anchorage, 3–6m, very charming. Girolata (in Scandola Reserve) — anchor in the bay, no landing in restricted areas.
Provisioning & marinas
Provision in Ajaccio — good supermarkets near the marina. Restock at Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio. Calvi has excellent provisioning. Budget $44–$99/night.