Overview
Corsica's west coast circuit runs from Calvi in the north to Bonifacio in the south, hugging a coastline of extraordinary dramatic beauty. The mistral is the defining weather feature — a northwesterly that can strengthen rapidly. Check forecasts obsessively and keep an escape anchorage in mind.
Day by day
Day 1 — Calvi: Explore Calvi's Genoese citadel and prepare the boat. Sail a short hop south to Girolata (20nm) — only accessible by sea or a 2-hour hike. Day 2 — Girolata to Porto (15nm): A short sail into the extraordinary red granite gorge of the Gulf of Porto. UNESCO World Heritage site. Day 3 — Porto to Ajaccio (35nm): Napoleon's birthplace and Corsica's capital. Excellent restaurants, good provisioning, and a large marina. Day 4 — Ajaccio to Propriano (40nm): Southbound down the west coast. Anchor in Campomoro bay — one of Corsica's finest. Day 5 — Propriano to Bonifacio (30nm): The destination. Arrive at Bonifacio's cliff-top harbour in the afternoon for the full dramatic effect. Explore the old town perched 70m above the water. Day 6 — Bonifacio to Figari Bay (15nm): Explore the southern tip of Corsica before heading north. Day 7 — Return to Ajaccio or Calvi (one-way charter).
Key anchorages
Girolata — no road access, extraordinary setting. Campomoro — wide sandy bay with a Genoese tower. Bonifacio — marina or anchor off; the former is more convenient. Cala Longa (near Bonifacio) — beautiful alternative to the crowded town anchorage.
Provisioning & marinas
Provision at Calvi or Ajaccio. Bonifacio marina: $88–$132/night peak season, essential to pre-book in July/August. Propriano and Porto have smaller marinas with fewer facilities. The mistral means secure marinas are often preferable to anchoring — budget for more marina nights than you'd plan in Greece.