Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca
Turquoise bays near Porto-Vecchio, the granite spires of Bavella, proud Sartène and the carved menhirs of Filitosa.
- Distance
- 109 km (68 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 30 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 22, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 109 km (68 mi) with 8 stops, from Rondinara bay to Filitosa. About 1 h 30 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Ferries from Marseille and Toulon dock at Porto-Vecchio, Propriano and Ajaccio, and from Sardinia you land at Bonifacio, half an hour south of the Rondinara turn. Start with the beaches: Rondinara’s round lagoon-like bay and the pine-backed sands of Palombaggia, before settling into Porto-Vecchio’s citadel.
Take the D368 up through the cork oaks and the Ospedale forest to Zonza in the Alta Rocca, then on to the Col de Bavella, where red granite needles tower over the pines. Walk to a viewpoint or one of the natural pools, and watch for free-roaming pigs on the road.
Return through Zonza and Levie to Sartène, a grey granite town of steep alleys above the Rizzanese valley. The T40 descends to the port of Propriano on the Gulf of Valinco, and a short detour inland leads to Filitosa and its menhir statues.
Mountain roads are narrow and slow, so plan fewer kilometres than you think. Many campsites near the beaches close from October to April, while May, June and September offer warm seas and easier parking.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Rondinara bay
NatureBonifacio, FranceA nearly circular bay of shallow turquoise water closed by a sandy isthmus. The car park fills by mid-morning in summer.
- 214 km
Palombaggia beach
NaturePorto-Vecchio, FranceA long curve of fine sand edged by umbrella pines and red granite boulders, facing the Cerbicale islands. Come early or late to find a parking place.
- 37 km
Porto-Vecchio
France - 425 km
Zonza
France - 58 km
Aiguilles de Bavella
ViewsZonza, FranceRed granite spires above a pass at 1,218 m, among wind-twisted pines. Short trails lead to viewpoints and natural pools; the road is narrow with wandering pigs.
- 635 km
Sartène
France - 711 km
Propriano
France - 89 km
Filitosa
HistorySollacaro, FranceA prehistoric site among olive trees with granite menhir statues carved with faces and swords. A good introduction to Corsican prehistory.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Rondinara bay → Porto-Vecchio · 21 km · 0 h 17 minOn the way: Palombaggia beach.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Arutoli (2 km); Camping Les Ilots d´Or (4 km).
- Day 2: Porto-Vecchio → Zonza · 25 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping La rivière (2 km); U Ponte Grossu (16 km).
- Day 3: Zonza → Aiguilles de Bavella · 8 km · 0 h 07 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping La rivière (5 km); U Ponte Grossu (9 km).
- Day 4: Aiguilles de Bavella → Sartène · 35 km · 0 h 29 minOvernight nearby, for example: U Libecciu (13 km); I Suvari (19 km).
- Day 5: Sartène → Filitosa · 20 km · 0 h 16 minOn the way: Propriano.Overnight nearby, for example: U Libecciu (3 km); I Suvari (11 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–December. 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 Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca?
5-day road trip of about 109 km (68 mi) with 8 stops, from Rondinara bay to Filitosa. About 1 h 30 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca?
We suggest 5 days: about 1 h 30 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca start and end?
It starts in Rondinara bay and ends in Filitosa.
Which countries does Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca?
OpenStreetMap lists 83 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping des Îles, Camping Arutoli and Camping naturiste La Chiappa.
When is the best time for Southern Corsica: Bavella and the Alta Rocca?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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