Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

Corsica & Capraia's Natural Wonders

Your charter begins as the scent of the maquis drifts over the historic port of Bastia. You cruise north along the wild spine of Cap Corse, a peninsula of granite cliffs and tiny fishing harbours untouched by time. The journey unfolds across the sea to the volcanic seclusion of Italy’s Capraia island, before revealing the UNESCO-protected wonders of the Scandola Nature Reserve. White-sand beaches and chic harbour towns provide a perfect contrast, culminating in the shadow of Calvi’s immense citadel. This is a voyage through nature’s most dramatic coastal architecture.

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  1. DAY 01

    Macinaggio, Cap Corse

    Leaving the morning bustle of Bastia, your yacht glides north along the untamed coast of Cap Corse. Genoese watchtowers stand sentinel on every headland as you approach the sheltered harbour of Macinaggio, the largest marina on the peninsula. The air is clean, the water is clear, and the rugged hillsides covered in maquis beckon for exploration.

    • Walk a section of the Sentier des Douaniers coastal path
    • Explore the hamlets of Rogliano, perched high above the sea
    • Visit Moulin Mattei for panoramic views of the cape's tip
    • Taste the distinctive wines of a local vineyard like Domaine Pieretti
    Anchorage
    Port de Plaisance de Macinaggio
    Dining
    Dinner at U Libecciu, enjoying fresh seafood on the quayside.
  2. DAY 02

    Centuri

    Rounding the northernmost tip of Corsica, the landscape becomes even more dramatic and austere. You arrive in Centuri, a diminutive fishing port nestled in a small cove, celebrated as France's primary harbour for spiny lobster. The pastel-coloured buildings huddle around the port where fishermen mend their nets, and life moves at a gentle pace.

    • Watch the fishermen unload their daily catch of spiny lobster
    • Swim in the clear waters of Plage de Mute
    • Walk up to the stone-roofed hamlet of Cannelle for views over the port
    • Photograph the imposing Genoese tower guarding the harbour entrance
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the bay outside the small port
    Dining
    A quintessential lobster lunch at Le Vieux Moulin.
  3. DAY 03

    Capraia Isola, Italy

    An open-water passage brings you across the Ligurian Sea to the Italian island of Capraia. This volcanic, rugged outpost, once a penal colony, is now a national park and a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The tiny port is the island's only settlement, a colourful and welcoming introduction to its wild interior.

    • Snorkel or dive in the exceptionally clear waters of Cala Rossa
    • Hike a trail through the maquis to see the ruins of the former prison
    • Explore the 16th-century Forte di San Giorgio overlooking the port
    • Wander the narrow street of the village up to the Chiesa di San Nicola
    Anchorage
    Porto di Capraia
    Dining
    Simple, delicious Italian seafood at a trattoria like Carabottino.
  4. DAY 04

    Plage de Saleccia, Désert des Agriates

    Cruise back towards Corsica's coast to the Désert des Agriates, a protected wilderness of scrubland that meets a shoreline of brilliant white sand. You drop anchor at Plage de Saleccia, a kilometre-long curve of fine sand lapped by astonishingly turquoise water. The scent of pine and juniper hangs in the warm air.

    • Swim and relax on the pristine white sand of Saleccia beach
    • Use the paddleboards to explore the coastline towards Plage du Lotu
    • Tender ashore for a walk inland through the fragrant maquis
    • Enjoy the solitude of the bay after the day-tripper boats have left
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Plage de Saleccia
    Dining
    Dinner at anchor, prepared by your chef, featuring Corsican specialities under a star-filled sky.
  5. DAY 05

    Saint-Florent

    A short cruise takes you from the wild Agriates into the sophisticated atmosphere of Saint-Florent. This chic harbour town, often compared to a miniature Saint-Tropez, curves around a beautiful gulf. The quayside buzzes with life, all under the watchful gaze of the formidable 15th-century citadel.

    • Explore the narrow streets and panoramic views from the Genoese citadel
    • Visit the unique 12th-century Cathédrale du Nebbiu
    • Indulge in wine tasting in the nearby renowned Patrimonio appellation
    • Browse the boutiques and art galleries in the old town
    Anchorage
    Port de Saint-Florent
    Dining
    Dinner at L'Auberge du Pêcheur for classic cuisine on the waterfront.
  6. DAY 06

    Girolata

    Heading southwest, the coastline becomes a spectacular display of red granite cliffs plunging into the sea. Accessible only by boat or a long hike, the tiny hamlet of Girolata is a truly special stop. It occupies a beautiful, sheltered bay, with a rustic charm and a Genoese fort standing on its own small peninsula.

    • Anchor in the bay, known for the wild cows that roam the beach
    • Hike up to the Genoese fort for superb views of the gulf
    • Swim and snorkel in the calm, protected waters of the bay
    • Watch for ospreys and other birdlife on the approach to the Scandola Reserve
    Anchorage
    Mooring buoys in the Golfe de Girolata
    Dining
    A rustic lunch ashore at a simple restaurant like Le Bon Espoir.
  7. DAY 07

    Scandola Nature Reserve

    Today is dedicated to the magnificent Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You explore by tender, navigating a geological wonder of volcanic red rock forged into towering sea stacks, caves, and jagged inlets. This protected marine and terrestrial park is a sanctuary for wildlife, with the calls of seabirds echoing off the cliffs.

    • Take a slow tender cruise to explore the grottos and rock formations
    • Observe protected osprey nests and other rare birdlife with binoculars
    • Cruise south at sunset to witness the Calanques de Piana's colours ignite
    • Snorkel at the edge of the reserve in the crystal-clear Golfe de Porto
    Anchorage
    Anse de Ficaghjola
    Dining
    Sunset cocktails while viewing the Calanques, followed by a celebratory final dinner on board.
  8. DAY 08

    Calvi

    A final, scenic morning cruise brings the immense citadel of Calvi into view, dominating its namesake bay. The lively marina, lined with palm trees and cafés, sits below the ancient walls. Enjoy a final Corsican breakfast on deck with this iconic view before stepping ashore at Port de Plaisance Xavier Colonna to disembark.

    • Walk up to the historic citadel and explore its cobbled lanes
    • Enjoy a final coffee at a café on the bustling Quai Landry
    • Take a last swim in the bay from the long Plage de Calvi
    • Browse the local produce and artisanal shops before departure
    Anchorage
    Port de Plaisance Xavier Colonna
    Dining
    A farewell seafood lunch at U Fanale, with views across the bay towards the citadel.
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