Corsica Yacht Charter Guide 2025–2026

Bonifacio

UNESCO · White cliffs · Medieval citadel

The most dramatic anchorage in the western Mediterranean. The old town sits on white limestone cliffs 70m above the sea — enter by tender through the narrow inlet with the citadel rising directly above. Anchorage in the Bouches de Bonifacio has excellent holding. Best approached from the south; strong currents in the strait.

Best anchor: Bonifacio old port (vessels <50m), anchoring off the strait

Scandola / Gulf of Porto

UNESCO · Red cliffs · Sea caves

The Scandola Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible only by sea — no road access. The red porphyry cliffs and sea stacks are unlike anything else in the Mediterranean. Anchor off Girolata (reachable only by sea or a 2-hour hike) — one of the most secluded overnight anchorages in Europe. The Gulf of Porto has accessible caves and turquoise water.

Best anchor: Girolata anchorage, Porto bay

Porto-Vecchio / Palombaggia

Beaches · Marina · Provisioning hub

The south coast charter hub. Porto-Vecchio has good marina facilities and the best beach access on the island — Palombaggia (white sand, pink granite boulders, turquoise water) is one of Europe's finest beaches, reached by tender. Santa Giulia bay is excellent for swimming. The old town is worth exploring for dinner.

Best anchor: Porto-Vecchio marina, Palombaggia anchorage

Cap Corse (northern peninsula)

Unspoiled · Villages · Vineyards

The 40km northern peninsula is the least-touristy part of Corsica — small fishing villages, terraced vineyards producing Patrimonio wine, and secluded anchorages. Centuri-Port is a working lobster port with excellent seafood restaurants. Macinaggio at the northern tip has a small marina. The east coast of the cape is calm; the west more exposed.

Best anchor: Macinaggio, Centuri-Port, Báia di Tamarone

How much does a yacht charter in Corsica cost?

Corsica yacht charter rates: 35m motor yacht €28,000–€55,000/week; 45m motor yacht €55,000–€95,000/week; 55m+ motor yacht €95,000–€180,000/week. French TVA (20%) applies in French territorial waters but a commercial waters exemption can reduce this by 50–70% for charters spending significant time in international waters (beyond 12nm). APA typically 30–33%. Corsica offers strong value compared to the French Riviera, with similar scenery at lower base rates.

What are the best places to charter in Corsica?

Bonifacio: the highlight of any Corsica charter — a medieval citadel perched on white limestone cliffs above a deep inlet. Dramatic by tender. Porto-Vecchio: the main charter hub on the south coast, with excellent marinas and access to the finest beaches (Palombaggia, Santa Giulia). Golfe de Porto / Scandola: UNESCO World Heritage Site — red porphyry sea cliffs, sea caves, and crystal-clear water on the west coast, accessible by yacht. Cap Corse: the northern peninsula — unspoiled villages, vineyards, and secluded anchorages away from the tourist crowds. Girolata: a village reachable only by sea or footpath — one of the most beautiful anchorages in the western Mediterranean.

When is the best time to charter in Corsica?

Best season: June–September, with July–August peak. May and October are excellent shoulder months — warm, less crowded, lower charter rates. Corsica has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. The Tramontane and Mistral winds can affect the west coast, while the east coast is generally calmer. The Scandola UNESCO area and Gulf of Porto are best approached from the north in calm conditions. Water temperatures peak at 25–27°C in August. Winter charters are possible but most charter yachts reposition to the Caribbean October–April.

Can I combine a Corsica charter with Sardinia?

Yes — Corsica and Sardinia is one of the most popular charter combinations in the western Mediterranean. The Bonifacio Strait (Bocche di Bonifacio) separates the two islands — only 12km wide, making the crossing a 1–2 hour motor. A Corsica–Sardinia circuit typically starts in Ajaccio or Bastia, works down the Corsican west coast via Scandola and Bonifacio, crosses to the Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo), and returns north. This gives two distinct characters: Corsica's wild UNESCO coastline and Sardinia's glamorous superyacht scene. Two weeks minimum for justice.

What is the VAT on a Corsica yacht charter?

Corsica is legally part of France, so French TVA at 20% applies to charters conducted in French territorial waters (within 12nm of the Corsican coastline). However, France (like Italy) allows a commercial waters exemption — time spent outside 12nm is excluded from the VAT base. A Corsica charter with significant offshore passages and anchorages beyond 12nm can qualify for a 50–70% TVA reduction, bringing the effective rate down to 6–10%. GPS logs documenting time in territorial vs international waters are required. Your central agent or broker will advise on the documentation.

What marinas are available in Corsica for superyachts?

Corsica has improved significantly for superyacht infrastructure. Ajaccio: the capital — decent marina with berths for vessels up to 80m, good provisioning, airport access. Calvi: north coast, 150-berth marina, good for exploring Cap Corse. Porto-Vecchio (Simone Vella marina): south coast hub, best for accessing the southern beaches. Bonifacio: dramatic but tight — the old port can accommodate vessels up to 50m, with anchoring outside for larger yachts. Propriano: west coast, good anchorage with provisioning. For larger vessels (70m+), planning is essential — Ajaccio offers the most capacity.