Blue Ocean Club
9 days · 9 stops

Corsica's Wild West

The air on deck is thick with the scent of pine and wild herbs as your yacht glides from the chic harbour of Calvi. You are bound for Corsica’s western shores, a coastline carved by time into a dramatic spectacle of crimson cliffs and sapphire bays. This is a journey through a land of fierce beauty, where Genoese towers stand sentinel over secluded anchorages and ancient citadels cling to impossible heights. From the protected wilderness of Scandola to the fjord-like entrance of Bonifacio, the 'Island of Beauty' reveals its raw, untamed heart.

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  1. DAY 01

    Calvi

    Your journey begins beneath the immense Genoese citadel of Calvi, its honey-coloured walls glowing in the afternoon sun. The vibrant quayside hums with life, where superyachts moor beside traditional fishing boats. Stroll through the cobbled lanes of the 'Haute Ville' (upper town), catching glimpses of the turquoise bay between historic buildings before returning to the yacht for your first sunset aperitif.

    • Walk the ramparts of the 13th-century citadel for commanding views
    • Explore the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste in the heart of the old town
    • Enjoy a coffee at a café on the palm-lined Quai Landry
    • Take a short tender ride to the secluded Plage de l'Alga
    Anchorage
    Port de Calvi
    Dining
    A Piazzetta, for refined Corsican cuisine within the citadel walls.
  2. DAY 02

    Scandola Nature Reserve & Girolata

    Cruise south into the raw wilderness of the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site where no construction is permitted. Volcanic red rhyolite cliffs plunge into a cobalt sea, sculpted by wind and water into fantastical shapes and hidden grottos. Anchor in the sheltered bay of Girolata, a tiny fishing hamlet accessible only by sea or a long hiking trail, and feel completely disconnected from the world.

    • Explore the Scandola sea caves and rock formations by tender
    • Spot for ospreys nesting on the dramatic rock stacks
    • Hike to the Genoese tower overlooking the village of Girolata
    • Snorkel in the crystalline waters of the protected marine park
    Anchorage
    Anse de Girolata
    Dining
    Le Bon Espoir, a simple and authentic restaurant in Girolata serving the catch of the day.
  3. DAY 03

    Les Calanques de Piana

    Witness one of the Mediterranean's great natural wonders as you navigate the Calanques de Piana. This geological marvel of pink-hued granite has been eroded into a forest of stunning rock formations, best appreciated from the water at sunset. The rocks seem to catch fire in the day's last light, casting long shadows across the placid surface of the Gulf of Porto.

    • Cruise slowly through the heart of the Calanques as the sun sets
    • Paddleboard or kayak beneath arches and towering granite pinnacles
    • Anchor and swim in the secluded cove of Anse de Ficaghjola
    • Hike part of the 'Château Fort' trail for spectacular overhead views
    Anchorage
    Mouillage de Ficaghjola
    Dining
    Dinner served on the aft deck, positioned for a perfect view of the glowing Calanques.
  4. DAY 04

    Cargèse

    Arrive at the peaceful port of Cargèse, a village with a unique history. Founded by Greek immigrants in the 17th century, the town is distinguished by its two churches—one Latin, one Greek—that face each other across a small valley. The atmosphere is serene, a gentle blend of Corsican and Hellenic culture, surrounded by five pristine sandy beaches.

    • Visit the opposing Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches
    • Relax on the wide, sandy expanse of Plage du Pero
    • Enjoy a quiet coffee in the village's main square
    • Try out the yacht's water toys in the calm, protected bay
    Anchorage
    Port de Cargèse
    Dining
    A Cantina, a charming spot in the village known for its authentic Corsican dishes.
  5. DAY 05

    Ajaccio & Îles Sanguinaires

    Time your arrival at the Gulf of Ajaccio for late afternoon to witness the sunset over the Îles Sanguinaires. This small archipelago of porphyry rock glows a deep, blood-red in the evening light, creating a memorable spectacle. Afterwards, cruise into the bustling port of Ajaccio, the island's capital and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, where history lines every street.

    • Take a sunset tender cruise around the Îles Sanguinaires archipelago
    • Visit Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's ancestral home, now a national museum
    • Explore the impressive art collection at the Musée Fesch
    • Browse the chic boutiques and food markets along the Cours Napoléon
    Anchorage
    Port Tino Rossi, Ajaccio
    Dining
    Le 20123, for a theatrical and traditional Corsican dining experience in a rustic setting.
  6. DAY 06

    Golfe de Valinco & Propriano

    The wide, sweeping arc of the Golfe de Valinco offers a change of pace, with long sandy beaches backed by rolling hills covered in fragrant maquis. The main town of Propriano has a relaxed, holiday feel, with a busy marina and plenty of waterfront cafés. The bay provides numerous options for anchoring, swimming, and enjoying a full day of water sports.

    • Anchor off the magnificent Plage de Cupabia for swimming and lunch
    • Take a shore excursion to the prehistoric megalithic site of Filitosa
    • Stroll along the harbour front in Propriano
    • Go wine tasting at a local estate such as Domaine Comte Abbatucci
    Anchorage
    Port de Propriano or Anse de Portigliolo
    Dining
    Terra Cotta, offering modern Mediterranean food with views over Propriano harbour.
  7. DAY 07

    Campomoro

    Drop anchor in the expansive and beautifully sheltered bay of Campomoro, watched over by the largest and most formidable Genoese tower on the island. The small, sleepy village retains an authentic charm, and the surrounding coastline is a protected natural site. The bay's calm, clear waters are ideal for a peaceful afternoon of swimming and paddleboarding before a quiet night at anchor.

    • Hike up to and explore the vast Campomoro Genoese tower
    • Snorkel in the clear, shallow waters of the bay
    • Follow the coastal path for wonderful views of the Golfe de Valinco
    • Enjoy the tranquility of a night anchor away from any town
    Anchorage
    Baie de Campomoro
    Dining
    A private barbecue prepared by the chef on a secluded part of the beach, or dinner aboard.
  8. DAY 08

    Roccapina & Tizzano

    The coastline becomes wilder as you approach the iconic 'Lion of Roccapina', a remarkable rock formation guarding a perfect crescent of white sand and turquoise water. After a swim, continue to the tiny, rugged fishing port of Tizzano. This small haven, tucked into the coast, feels like a discovery and provides a wonderfully rustic stop for your final night before Bonifacio.

    • Swim and relax on the stunning beach at Cala di Roccapina
    • Hike up to the viewpoint for the classic photo of the 'lion' rock
    • Explore the miniature, authentic fishing harbour of Tizzano
    • Savour a final, quiet sunset over the wild western coastline
    Anchorage
    Port de Tizzano or Mouillage de Roccapina
    Dining
    Chez Antoine in Tizzano, a celebrated restaurant for its incredibly fresh, simply prepared fish and lobster.
  9. DAY 09

    Bonifacio

    Prepare for one of the most dramatic harbour entrances in the world. Your yacht will navigate a narrow, fjord-like channel into the bustling port of Bonifacio, hidden beneath a medieval citadel perched atop staggering white limestone cliffs. Disembark after exploring the ancient, wind-swept upper town, its labyrinth of alleys offering stunning views across the strait to Sardinia, a fitting end to your Corsican adventure.

    • Experience the awe-inspiring entry into Bonifacio's natural harbour
    • Climb the 187 sea-carved steps of the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon
    • Get lost in the narrow, cobbled streets of the citadel
    • Enjoy a final farewell lunch at a cliffside restaurant
    Anchorage
    Port de Bonifacio
    Dining
    Stella d'Oro, for a last taste of classic Bonifacien cuisine in the heart of the old town.
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