Luxury Yacht Charter in Corsica

Why charter a luxury yacht in Corsica?

When you choose a Corsica yacht charter, you can explore beautiful coastlines, natural harbours, and enjoy a wealth of nature.

Two-thirds of the island is made up of mountain ranges, offering fantastic hiking and exploration opportunities. There are also UNESCO sites and nature reserves, such as the Scandola Nature Reserve, the Gulf of Porto, and the Corsica Regional Natural Park.

Lose yourself in the miles of forest, lakes and breathtaking scenery, or spot the flourishing wildlife being preserved here, such as golden eagles, deer and wild boar. Find hidden caves, paddle in rock pools, or sail the west coast to see stunning views of volcanic red cliffs.

If you’re a keen hiker, looking for a challenge, the GR20 trail is one of Europe’s most iconic routes. This long-distance trail is around 190km, going from north to south across the island – it’s incredibly tough, and not for the faint of heart!

If you prefer a slower pace, simply relax with a swim in clear, turquoise waters or visit historical towns such as Bonifacio, Calvi, and Porto-Vecchio to enjoy ancient structures and indulge in local cuisine.

Despite being the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean, Corsica has a relatively low population, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter, more authentic French island experience.

If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city, however, consider a yacht charter in Monaco, where the glitz and glamour of shopping, casinos and nightlife are all around.

Choosing to charter a yacht in Corsica gives you the ultimate private retreat, where you can experience the best spots on the island while journeying at your own pace. With a Princess Charter, you’ll also have a professional crew on hand to ensure your every need is met.

To book a luxury yacht charter in Corsica, contact our dedicated team on +44 (0)1489 557755 or email info@princessyachtcharter.com. Alternatively, you can fill in this simple enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

What cities can I reach on a yacht around Corsica?

Corsica is home to some of the most beautiful cities, which perfectly showcase the island’s culture and heritage. The best part of a French Riviera yacht charter is that you can easily venture to multiple parts of the island and experience everything on offer.

Some of the cities you can explore include:

Ajaccio

Head to the west coast of Corsica, to the capital city of Ajaccio. Famously, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, you can visit his family home, Maison Bonaparte, to see artefacts and learn more about the French emperor and military icon.

In the city’s old town, you can find relaxing cafés and artisan boutiques or head to Place Foch near the harbour for a more lively atmosphere with restaurants and market stalls. Here you can sample Corsican cheeses, charcuterie and pastries.

For art lovers, a visit to Musée Fesch (in the Palais Fesch) offers a collection of fine arts, including Italian Renaissance paintings, Corsican arts and Napoleonic pieces. If you’re interested in architecture, the Ajaccio cathedral (Cathédrale Notre Dame de l’Assomption) is a Baroque structure, with beautiful features and a tranquil atmosphere – Napoleon was also baptised here!

Ajaccio has fantastic beaches for relaxing and swimming at St. Francois Beach and Plage d’Argent. You can also surf in the more exciting waters of Plage de Capo di Feno to the east.

Bonifacio

Travel to the southernmost part of the island to experience the drama of Bonifacio. When you dock at the marina (Capitainerie du Port De Bonifacio), you’ll be greeted by the city’s medieval citadel, perched high atop sheer limestone cliffs.

This impressive welcome is only the beginning of what Bonifacio has to offer. From the marina, you can enjoy fine dining at seafood restaurants and experience Corsican specialities. Head towards the old town, navigating winding medieval streets to find craft shops and cosy cafés.

For nature fans, you can enjoy walks along coastal and clifftop trails, where you can see particularly dazzling views at sunrise or sunset.

By yacht, you can reach the nearby Lavezzi Islands Nature Reserve. This protected area is home to rare seabirds and marine life. You can hike here, birdwatch or simply enjoy the beaches. This is also a great spot for snorkelling and scuba diving – you can find many excursions to reefs and underwater caves in this region (or try jet skiing or kite surfing!).

Bonifacio’s sea caves are particularly impressive, with the best spots including the Grotte de Sdragonato and Cape Pertusato’s caves. They house unique formations, clear waters and a magical atmosphere.

If you’re a golf enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to play a round at the Golf de Sperone. Highly regarded as one of the more scenic courses in Europe, with direct access to the beautiful Petit Spérone Beach.

One highlight of travelling to Bonaficio is that you can combine it with an extended day trip to the surrounding areas, particularly if you wish to yacht charter Sardinia.

From Bonifacio, you can travel south to northern Sardinia in around 1 hour (to reach Santa Teresa di Gallura), or 2 – 3 hours to reach the popular areas of La Maddalena Archipelago and the Costa Smeralda – great spots for swimming, shopping, beach clubs and restaurants.

Porto-Vecchio

Those looking for a bit of luxury and excitement can head to the south-east coast of Corsica, to Porto-Vecchio. Here you can still experience the charm of the old town, with some stunning beaches and a more lively marina.

Porto-Vecchio has many must-see beaches, including Palombaggia Beach, which is famous for its white sands and turquoise water. Santa Giulia Bay is perfect for water sports, and Cala Rossa is a cove with a secretive, tranquil atmosphere.

Across Porto-Vecchio, you can visit historical sites, like the 16th-century Genoese citadel, an impressive fortress with incredible views. Visit the old town here and shop the boutiques for Corsican crafts, sample produce at the local markets, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Place de la République (Republic Square), home to many restaurants and cafés.

You can also enjoy the nightlife here, with waterfront bars and restaurants offering fine wines and live music, or experience Corsican cuisine and sunset views. There are also vineyards to visit in nearby Figari, or summer festivals you can join which celebrate the area’s music, food and culture.

Bastia

Heading further north, you will find the city of Bastia. This large port city is a lively gateway, connecting the island to France and Italy.

The old port (Vieux Port) is a hub for dining and drinks set against a backdrop of Corsican heritage, such as the surrounding colourful buildings and the towering baroque St Jean-Baptiste Church.

Bastia also offers a grand citadel to explore and the Bastia museum (Palais des Gouverneurs), where you can view local art and learn more about the area’s history.

Enjoy local markets and events at the tree-lined square of Saint Nicolas (Place St Nicolas), or sample local produce, wine and pasties at the Place du Marché. If you’re looking for some nightlife, the old port and citadel have bars and live music, with open-air cafés in the summer months.

The biggest draw of visiting Bastia is the Cap Corse peninsula, stretching directly north from the city. Bastia is used as a great starting point for exploring this unique part of Corsica. Stretching 40km, the Cap Corse is often referred to as an ‘unspoiled area of nature’, with cliffs, shrubland, bays and mountains.

Visiting Cap Corse on a yacht charter means you can see dramatic cliff views, visit hidden coves and enjoy remote, wild locations such as Barcaggio and the Finocchiarola Islands.

The entire area is a haven for wildlife, with seabirds, dolphins and protected marine reserves. You can enjoy bird spotting, snorkelling or hiking along coastal trails. Water sports and activities are also enjoyed here, with several calm bays to swim, kayak or dive in.

This area offers a serene, relaxing experience with its natural elements and authentic Corsican culture. This is largely due to it being less developed and more rural. Travelling by sea also gives you more access to secluded areas that are less easily reached by land.

Calvi

Take a trip to the northwest coast of Corsica and you’ll find Calvi. This area combines the benefits of a lively port with plenty of nature, history and culture to enjoy.

Like many areas in Corsica, Calvi has an impressive citadel and cathedral (St. John the Baptist Cathedral) to explore, giving you a taste of the area’s history. There is also a small chapel (Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra), set on a hilltop, which is a beloved spot for seeing panoramic views and enjoying a magical sunset.

There are stunning beaches all around the coast of Calvi, in areas such as Plage de Calvi, Algajola Bay and Revellata, each offering soft sands and enticing waters. To enjoy more of nature here, visit the Scandola Nature Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with its unique red cliffs and exciting marine life.

If you’re the adventurous type, you can also enjoy water sports, such as paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling – or take a special scuba diving excursion to view the famous underwater wreck of a B-17 WW2 plane.

You can also hike or bike along the trails in Pointe de la Revellata, or take an off-road trip in the Balagne countryside to see olive groves and remote villages. If you’re a fan of local cuisine, there are fantastic harbourside restaurants, as well as Michelin-star venues in Calvi, offering local seafood, Corsican dishes and fine wines.

Tailor your yacht charter experience with a bespoke itinerary. When you choose Princess Charter, our dedicated team will create a getaway that includes all the sights, activities and destinations you choose.

To book your luxury Sardinian yacht charter, you can give us a call on +44 (0)1489 557755 or email info@princessyachtcharter.com. You may want to fill in our quick enquiry form instead, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

What to see on a trip to Corsica

Corsica is a beautiful island with an authentic Mediterranean experience, from stunning beaches to wild, natural reserves. It even offers lively areas for those looking to shop or enjoy some nightlife. Here are the best things to see on a yacht charter to Corsica.

Nature

A large part of Corsica is made up of natural, undeveloped areas, giving visitors the chance to escape into a picturesque wilderness. One place to see the raw elements is the Scandola Nature Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage site).

Sail to the north-west coast and enjoy this maritime conservation area, only accessible by boat. Here you can view Corsica’s famous red volcanic cliffs and rock formations, visit sea caves and spot a diverse range of wildlife.

Some rare and protected species here include ospreys, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, bottlenose dolphins and a variety of fish. This area is great for divers and wildlife fans, but there are also secluded beaches to enjoy.

Just south of the reserve is another UNESCO site, Calanques de Piana, which can be explored on foot with breathtaking rock formations which tell the history of the island’s volcanic landscape.

In the northern central area of Corsica, the peak of Monte Cinto can be found amongst the island’s mountain ranges. A great challenge for hikers, with incredible surroundings and views, such as meadows, gorges, rivers and lakes.

If the soothing sounds of the forest are more your speed, you can escape among the island’s diverse woodlands. Areas such as Foret d’Aïtone, Foret de l’Ospedale and La Forêt De Bonifato have great reviews for their outstanding beauty and enjoyable walks.

Activities

Take a tour of the sea caves at Bonifacio by boat, kayak or paddleboard. There are many to see, such as the Cape Pertusato Caves with a stunning sky cavity that creates magical reflections, or the Grotte de l’Orca (Orca Cave), with large limestone formations eroded over millennia.

These locations offer secret coves and lagoons, with clear-blue waters and beautiful surroundings, perfect for swimming or snorkelling with marine life.

Other outdoor activities include hiking the epic long-distance GR20 trail, wild swimming in the mountain pools, or birdwatching for rare species.

Beaches

The main perk of a yacht charter is that you can sail around coastlines and find the best, most private beaches to enjoy. In Corsica, there are plenty of gorgeous areas to discover. The most famous being Palombaggia Beach.

On the southeast coast, near Porto-Vecchio, this 2km beach is often regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. Its waters are clear, turquoise, and serene, with soft white sands. It’s also surrounded by red rock formations and a lush forest of pine trees.

Other notable beaches include Plage de Santa Giulia, Rondinara, Plage de Roccapina, and Plage de la Tonnara.

Food and Drink

There’s nothing quite like experiencing new foods when travelling, and Corsica has plenty to offer here. Visit La Table de la Roya in Saint-Florent or Casadelmar in Porto-Vecchio for Corsican food at Michelin-starred venues.

For a more rural delight, visit the markets in Ajaccio or Bastia for cheeses, charcuterie, olives, honey and other fresh produce. You can also enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants or bistros in Porto-Vecchio, Calvi, or L’Île Rousse.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, you can tour vineyards in Patrimonio or Ajaccio to discover Corsican wines (Vermentino and Niellucciu).

History and culture

Corsica also offers activities for those interested in the island’s history, such as tours of the striking medieval citadel in Bonifacio or visiting the birthplace of Napoleon at the Maison Bonaparte museum in Ajaccio.

There are also historical museums, such as the Museum of Corsica (Musée de la Corse) in Corte, which explores Corsican traditions, languages and identity. There are cathedrals, Genoese-era buildings and art galleries across the island that offer a glimpse further into the island’s culture and heritage.

You can also arrange to see a traditional Corsican polyphonic singing festival, or attend village fêtes, which usually take place during the summer.

Essential Corsica travel information

Before you book a Corsica yacht charter, it’s good to consider some key travel information first. This ensures you get the very best from your trip. Here are a few things to think about:

Seasons
Decide on the best season for your trip – for example, do you want to do a lot of hiking or would you prefer to catch the festivals and wine tasting events? Planning your visit around tourist numbers and temperatures can make a difference.

Typically, the best months to charter a yacht in Corsica are May, June and September. These times offer good weather, but the fewest tourists. Temperatures average 25 – 27°C on land, and 21 – 25°C at sea, which can make outdoor activities more enjoyable.

During July and August, the weather is at its hottest (27 – 30°C+), which means it’s usually the busiest season on the island. This can lead to more crowded beaches and restaurants.

Late autumn and early spring (November, March-April) can be unpredictable, with cooler temperatures (17 – 20°C) and higher chances of rain. This isn’t such a good season for watersports or swimming, but it may be suitable for hikers.

As you may expect, winter is a very poor season to sail in Corsica. December to February are especially cold (8 – 9°C) with frequent rainfall. This creates rougher sailing conditions, and many restaurants and other businesses will be closed.

Duration
To see the best of Corsica’s coastlines, a yacht charter from 7 to 14 days is recommended. This allows for leisurely travel around the island with time to explore inland areas. You could take a short trip, however, from 5 to 7 days, if you’re interested in just seeing the main hot spots (like Ajaccio and Bonifacio).

If you’re keen to explore Sardinia as part of your trip, talk to our dedicated booking team, who can easily fit it into your tailored itinerary.

Accessibility
Corsica can be reached by direct flights from across Europe and mainland France. There are several airports on the island, including:

• Napoléon Bonaparte Airport (Ajaccio) – For West/South-West Access to Ajaccio
• Bastia Airport (Poretta) – For North East access to Bastia, Cap Corse
• Sainte-Catherine Airport (Calvi) – For the North West Gateway to Balagne, Calvi
• Sud Corse Airport (Figari) – For the South to Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio

There are also regular ferries from France and Italy to the main ports in Corsica (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Porto-Vecchio). Alternatively, speak to our team about accessing a private jet or other VIP travel options.

Currency
Corsica is a French island which uses the Euro. This is also the case in nearby Sardinia (an Italian island).

Language
The island’s official language is French. However, the regional language of Corsican (Corsu) is also used by locals, more frequently in the villages.

Italian and English are also understood in some areas; however, this can be limited outside of tourist locations, so knowing some basic French will be helpful.

How to charter a yacht in Corsica

Starting your journey to explore the beautiful island of Corsica is simple when you choose to travel with Princess Charter. When you’ve decided the key points – which places you wish to see, how long you want to travel, and who’s going to join you – our team can get it all set up.

We’ll talk you through your trip, creating a fully bespoke itinerary and ensuring the needs of your entire group are being met. We’ll plan everything and pair you with the ideal yacht and an experienced crew to get your luxury charter underway.

Our dedicated team is on hand 24/7 to help you with any queries, before and during your trip. We can arrange special activities while you’re in Corsica, and even assist with your travel arrangements to your starting destination.

To plan and book your perfect Corsican yacht charter today, call us on +44 (0)1489 557755, email info@princessyachtcharter.com or fill in our simple enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

FAQ

What do I need to know before booking a Corsica yacht charter?
You should think about the best season to visit, the places you want to see and how long you wish to travel. Knowing these key points can help our team plan the best yacht charter experience for you based on your wishes.

How do I secure my booking for a yacht charter in Corsica?
Once you know the kind of trip you’re looking for, when you want to travel and how long for, simply contact our dedicated team, who can secure a booking for you in no time. Just call +44 (0)1489 557755, email info@princessyachtcharter.com or fill in our simple enquiry form.

How do I find the right yacht for a Corsica yacht charter?
When our team finalises your bespoke itinerary and understands the needs of everyone in your party, we’ll choose the perfect yacht to match your trip requirements. We’ll also assign a highly qualified crew to help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why choose Princess Yacht Charter for my charter?
Princess Charter offers you a completely bespoke trip, from your ideal itinerary to exclusive private travel options. We’re here to support you 24/7, before and during your trip, to give you the luxury experience you deserve.