yacht charter corsica

dream holiday destination

Set in the Mediterranean, south east off the mainland coast of France, the island of Corsica is the ideal location for combining beach hopping and a coastal tour with a charter sailing vacation. Corsica has always been a source of trade both for the Greek galleys and the Carthaginian and Roman sailing boats. The Greeks thought Corsica was the most beautiful (Kallistos) island in the Mediterranean. It has beaches in plenty and stunning mountains some of which are snow-covered all the year round. Although since 1770 the island has been a part of France it shows a major Italian influence on its culture and language after five centuries of rule by the republics of Pisa and Genoa.

Corsica itself is reported to have 2,737 hours of sunshine each year and can still receive quite heavy rainfall for short periods during the year. The average rainfall is around 650 mm per year and this greatly benefits the forested areas. These forests of pine and olive trees cover an important central part of the island and are of commercial interest. Average temperatures are 27 degrees in summer and 13 in winter, principally due to the fact that the land soaks up the slight changing temperatures of the surrounding coastal waters.

For those arriving by chartered yachts or pleasure boats the first port of call can be Bastia. It is Corsica’s main centre of commerce for the northern part of the island. The name Bastia meaning fortress, was for many years a Genoa city capable of repelling intruders, and later a station for French troops. The nearest Corsican airport today is Poretta airport which is some 20 Km south of the city. The three other airports on the island of Corsica are at Ajaccio and two minor airports at Calvi and Figati. These airports between them account for the reported 550,000 passengers that arrive each year. For a small island this is a good indicator of its popularity.

Moving around the island from Bastia via Corte to Ajaccio in the south there is a rail connection taking Corsica’s little train “the Trinighellu.” This is a little slower than the bus, but it is unusual and gives the traveller glimpses of Corsica which are inaccessible by road. In addition, there is a branch line of this railway running to the small airport at Calvi. For those touring the island by yacht, before sailing down the western coast, there are some dramatic views that should not be missed namely the “Calanques de Piana” around the northern peninsular. They are composed of pink granite. It is possible to get a closer view by road from Bastia but the parking areas are very limited. The best views and the most photogenic are those captured from the sea at sunset.

Sailing down the western coast anti-clockwise around Corsica, one first meets the small island (Ile Rousse), before arriving at the ferry port of Calvi. This is a splendid port and town to investigate although it is rather more exclusive in having only 350 moorings.

Leaving Calvi, the yachting tourist will next view the wildest part of the Corsican coast at Scandola. It has an important nature reserve, which has been recognised as a World Heritage area for wild life preservation. This area extends along the coast past the marina at Elba and the pretty fishing village of Girolata. Girolata is the place to anchor overnight if your vessels have less than 2 metres draught. If so, to make a landing will lead to the one small restaurant via a donkey trail.

Possibly the largest anchorage is to be found at Ajaccio with its two marinas and over 1,000 berths. This port is well known from its twin portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was born here in 1769 and a Museum in his honour is linked to the local Town Hall. Again this is a “must-see” port and is part of the very deep Porto Gulf, which attracts many visitors in their yachts and pleasure boats during the holiday season.

At the southern-most tip of Corsica is the medieval fortress town of Bonificio with its famous golf course.

For the tourist golfer this again is a must-visit port of call. Known as the Sperone golf course it is regularly ranked in the top hundred of the Golfing World’s best courses. Here you can tee off and enjoy direct views of the long peninsular with the Mediterranean Sea on either side and Larezzi Island and Sardinia in the distance. Leaving Bonifacio and its lobster-fishing port, the coast shifts northward leading to Porto Vecchio, which has a 400-berth marina. This is a convenient point to finish circumnavigating Corsica and worth checking out as an old port crammed with good restaurants.

Blue Water Yachting Charter brokers have an enormous knowledge of this delightful Island and will be able to advise you on booking the ideal charter package.

charter corsica on a luxury yacht

Find the perfect luxury charter yacht during your Corsica yacht charter holiday. We have an exclusive portfolio of the finest charter yachts including luxury motor yachts, superyachts, mega yachts and access to the most reputable & largest yachts in the charter industry.

To start planning your yacht charter email us at charter@bluewateryachting.com or call Rebecca Cutter on +33 (0)6 20 20 06 11 or +33 (0)4 93 34 34 13

Ajaccio

Bonifacio

Porto Vecchio

yacht charter locations

When it comes to deciding where to cruise on your luxury charter yacht, the highly experienced staff at bluewater are only too happy to advise and offer suggestions on where to charter. Email us at charter@bluewateryachting.com with your requirements to receive further information or a personalised itinerary.