Corsica’s five main cruise ports show you different sides of this lovely Mediterranean island. You’ll find Napoleon’s birthplace in historic Ajaccio, stroll through Bastia’s lively Terra Vecchia quarter, and gaze at Bonifacio’s striking limestone cliffs. In Calvi, you can roam about a medieval citadel before lounging on a beautiful 4-mile beach, while Propriano puts you near prehistoric sites and local markets. Each port welcomes you in its own way – some with direct docking, others using tender boats – but all lead you to the island’s fascinating culture, gorgeous landscapes, and brilliant spots just waiting to be found.
Ajaccio is Corsica’s capital, and cruise ships pull into its deep natural harbour on the west coast. When you arrive, you’ll be at Quai l’Herminier – it’s only a 10-minute stroll to the heart of the old city.
The old town’s winding streets are home to Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, now a museum. Pop into the covered market on Rue Fesch for lovely local food, or sit at one of the cafes in Place Foch, where you’ll spot Bonaparte’s statue.
The 16th-century Citadel standing over the bay is worth a look too.
Fancy a swim? Plage Saint François is just minutes away. The port area has tourist info, shops for souvenirs, and ways to get around.
Local buses can take you to brilliant beaches like Plage de Ricanto, and if you fancy seeing the dramatic Corsican mountains, plenty of tour companies run trips there.
Bastia sits on Corsica’s northeastern coast, with cruise ships pulling into its Mediterranean port. You can walk from your ship to the city centre in about 10 minutes – it’s a straightforward stroll from the commercial port.
The city wraps around two harbours: the Old Port (Vieux Port) and the newer commercial port.
Place St-Nicolas square is the bustling centre of town, whilst the Terra Vecchia quarter is packed with 18th-century buildings and the grand St. Jean Baptiste church.
The citadel area (Terra Nova) is worth wandering through – you’ll come across the Governor’s Palace and the Cathedral of St. Mary.
Want cracking views? Head up to the Terra Nova ramparts or pop into the Jardin Romieu, where terraced gardens look out across the Mediterranean.
Bonifacio sits dramatically on white limestone cliffs, with one of the most jaw-dropping cruise ports you’ll see in the Mediterranean. Your ship will drop anchor in the natural harbour, and you’ll hop on a tender boat to get to the marina.
The Old Town (Haute Ville) sits up high – you can reach it by climbing the steep King of Aragon’s Staircase or taking the tourist train from the marina. Make time for the Bastion de l’Etendard, a 13th-century fortress with brilliant views across to Sardinia and the Lavezzi Islands.
Down at the marina, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops along the waterfront.
Fancy a boat trip? You can sail to the nearby Lavezzi archipelago or see the sea caves under the limestone cliffs.
Want amazing photos? Get out on the water – that’s where you’ll get the best shots of Bonifacio perched on its dramatic cliff edge.
Calvi sits on Corsica’s northwestern coast, where cruise ships drop anchor in the bay beneath a mighty 13th-century citadel. You’ll need to hop on a tender boat to reach the marina, but once you’re there, the lovely town centre is just a short walk away.
The whole place is brilliant for walking about – start with a wander through the citadel’s winding cobblestone streets.
Pop into the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and see the house that locals reckon was Christopher Columbus’s birthplace.
Fancy a swim? The 4-mile crescent beach is perfect for a splash or water sports.
For a taste of local life, take a stroll through Place Paoli with its cafes and shops, or nip into the lively market for some Corsican treats.
The port’s tourist office is dead helpful – they’ll sort you out with maps and tips for exploring on your own.
The calm waters of the Valinco Gulf cradle Propriano’s harbour on Corsica’s west coast.
When your cruise ship pulls in, you’ll find yourself at the main port, with just a quick stroll to reach the lovely old town centre – a brilliant mix of classic Corsican buildings and modern shops.
After stepping off the ship, wander through the local market, pop into the boutiques, and grab a bite at the cafes along Rue du General de Gaulle.
Make time for the Church of Notre Dame de la Misericorde – it’s worth climbing up for brilliant views across the bay.
Being so well-placed, Propriano makes a great base for day trips to nearby spots like Sartène (they call it “the most Corsican of Corsican towns”) and the fascinating prehistoric site of Filitosa, just 20 minutes by car.
The best time to sail to Corsica is between May and September, when it’s lovely and warm with hardly any rain. If you want to avoid the busy summer crowds, try going in June or September – the weather’s still brilliant and you’ll find it much quieter.
The ports are well connected with lots of ferry routes between them. You can find regular boats running between Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, and L’Ile-Rousse. It’s simple to travel between the different harbours using Corsica Linea and Moby Lines ferries.
Costa, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn regularly pop into Corsican ports. They usually dock up in Ajaccio, Bastia or Bonifacio. You might catch Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity there too – they sometimes swing by these lovely ports as part of their Mediterranean routes.
French is the main language you’ll hear at Corsican ports, along with the local Corsican tongue. Since Italy’s just next door, Italian pops up quite a bit too. If you’re a cruise passenger, don’t worry – the port workers and tourist-facing staff generally speak good English to help visitors get about.
The waters near Corsica are pretty mild during cruise season from May to October. The Mediterranean’s quite gentle in this area, though things can get a bit bumpy when the Mistral winds blow through.
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