In addition to kayaking, Corsica’s coastline makes it a dream destination to sailing and yacht aficionados.

With some 15 marinas evenly spread along its 1,000 km coast and numerous anchoring points, sailors can enjoy the ocean and stop for lunch or aperitifs at several harbours and then return to the sea. If you’re looking for privacy, you can take your pick among the many sandy beaches and secluded coves along the coastline where you can drop anchor and swim to shore. Photo © Celine Ragonnet

Southeast Corsica
Bonifacio and its surrounding area offers a perfect setting for sailing and yachting in Corsica. If you want to take a break from the sea, you can explore the Haute Ville or enjoy dinner at one of the cafes lining the harbor. Many sailors choose to stock up on provisions at the local grocery stores and enjoy quiet candle lit dinners on their moored boats where they can experience the lively harbor’s atmosphere.

The Southwest
The coves at Roccapina and around Punta di Senetosa are among the best on the island with a wild and rocky coast, long white beaches and clear waters.

The Gulf of Valinco
North of Porto Pollo in the Gulf of Valinco lies a fantastic bay with a white sandy beach called the Bay of Cupabia, located near the archeological site of Filitosa. The bay of Campomoro is also a good choice but tends to get more crowded.

The Northwest
North of Ajaccio and the Golf of Sagone is Capo Rosso, a red mountain marking the entrance to the Gulf of Porto, also popular with hikers.

A very popular spot in the Gulf of Porto is Girolata, a fishing village with its own Genoese fortress accessible only by boat or hiking trail.

Further north, the area from Punta Rossa (not to be confused with Capo Rosso) to the island of Gargalo is home to the Scandola Nature Reserve and provides some of the most spectacular ocean scenery in Corsica with caves, rock pillars and deep blue waters.

The passage between the island of Gargalo and Corsica is very scenic but should not be attempted in bad weather.

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This is just a sample of some of Corsica’s most popular anchoring spots. There is no shortage of sailing opportunities in Corsica from boat rentals to customized tours, bare boat cruises and sailing lessons.

The Corsica Office of Tourism publishes a water sports guide in four languages with detailed information on sailing, diving and fishing activities. Many places do not have web sites but may be contacted through the local tourist offices. (see links below)

When to Visit

When visiting Corsica it is best to avoid the peak summer vacation months of July and August as you may struggle to find anchoring space. Try to book your sailing vacation during the months of June and September when the weather is warm, prices go down and there are less crowds.

A Few Precautions

• The Mediterranean can be a rough sea because of sudden unexpected changes in weather even in the summer. Pay attention to the weather forecasts and don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a skipper if you’re not well experienced.
• In Corsica strong winds, cold fronts, and thunderstorms can occur at any time, though they are less common in summer.
• The Mistral can blow strongly in any month of the year bringing with it high swells and strong currents, specially as it flows through the Straits of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia. This area is also punctuated by numerous rocks and islands which can make it even more challenging to those unfamiliar with the area.
• Another strong wind to look out for is the southwesterly Libeccio, usually less fierce and warmer but still capable of raising the sea with fury.

Clothing

Regardless of the time of year, when sailing in Corsica come prepared with warm clothing for the evening to protect yourself from wind, moisture and cold.

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Links

Corsica by Sea

Sailing in Corsica -The photo on the main page of this site features the Bay of Rocappina in the south.

Filed under: Water Sports