Cap Corse and the Balagne
Round the wild finger of Cap Corse from Bastia, through the Patrimonio vineyards to Saint-Florent and the hill villages of the Balagne.
- Distance
- 146 km (91 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 01 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 3, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 146 km (91 mi) with 9 stops, from Bastia to Calvi. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Bastia
Route description
Corsica is reached by ferry from Marseille, Toulon or Nice, or from Italian ports, to Bastia, L’Île-Rousse, Calvi and Ajaccio. From Bastia, the D80 follows the east coast of Cap Corse north, past Erbalunga, a fishing village with a Genoese tower on a rocky point. Allow a full day for the loop of about 120 km; the road is slow and twisting throughout.
At the northern tip, near the Col de la Serra, the restored Moulin Mattei looks over both coasts and the island of Giraglia. The west side of the cape is higher and wilder, with villages hanging above the sea. The road is often narrow with low walls; motorhomes can manage it but should drive slowly and use the lay-bys to let others pass.
Nonza is built on a cliff with a tower on top of a rock and a long grey beach below, reached by several hundred steps. Continue south to Patrimonio, Corsica’s oldest wine appellation, where estates along the D81 offer tastings. Then drop down to Saint-Florent, a small port with a citadel and a good base for boat trips to the Saleccia beach in the Agriates.
The D81 crosses the empty Désert des Agriates to L’Île-Rousse, a port founded by Pasquale Paoli. Turn inland into the Balagne, a region of olive groves and hill villages, and walk the lanes of Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest villages on the island. Finish in Calvi, below its Genoese citadel. From Calvi, the west coast route continues south to Porto.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bastia
France - 211 km
Erbalunga
HistoryBrando, FranceA fishing village built on a rocky point with a ruined Genoese tower, the first stop on the Cap Corse road. Parking is along the D80 above the village; walk down to the little harbour.
- 330 km
Moulin Mattei
ViewsErsa, FranceA restored windmill near the Col de la Serra, near the tip of Cap Corse, with views over both coasts and the islands. A rough track and a short walk lead up from the D80.
- 426 km
Nonza
ViewsNonza, FranceA village clinging to a cliff with a tower on the rock and a long dark-grey beach below, made of old mine tailings. Several hundred steps lead down to the shore; parking is scarce on the D80.
- 511 km
Patrimonio vineyards
FoodPatrimonio, FranceCorsica’s oldest wine appellation, on slopes of limestone above the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Many estates offer tastings along the D81; the village church stands alone on a rise among the vines.
- 67 km
Saint-Florent
France - 738 km
L'Île-Rousse
France - 87 km
Sant’Antonino
ViewsSant’Antonino, FranceOne of the oldest villages in Corsica, a knot of stone lanes on a granite summit above the Balagne. Cars must stop at the car park at the entrance; the view reaches Calvi and L’Île-Rousse.
- 916 km
Calvi
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bastia → Moulin Mattei · 41 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Erbalunga.Overnight nearby, for example: L’Isulottu (2 km); La Pietra (17 km).
- Day 2: Moulin Mattei → Saint-Florent · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Nonza, Patrimonio vineyards.Overnight nearby, for example: Acqua-Dolce (2 km); U Sole Marinu (5 km).
- Day 3: Saint-Florent → Calvi · 60 km · 0 h 50 minOn the way: L'Île-Rousse, Sant’Antonino.Overnight nearby, for example: La Clé des Champs (1 km); Bella Vista (2 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Cap Corse and the Balagne?
3-day road trip of about 146 km (91 mi) with 9 stops, from Bastia to Calvi. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Cap Corse and the Balagne?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 01 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Cap Corse and the Balagne start and end?
It starts in Bastia and ends in Calvi.
Which countries does Cap Corse and the Balagne pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Cap Corse and the Balagne?
OpenStreetMap lists 56 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping San Damiano, U Sole Marinu and A Casaïola.
When is the best time for Cap Corse and the Balagne?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
