The port of l'Île-Rousse is located in the north-western part of Corsica, and is characterized by a large quay and a long pier where ships from mainland France (Toulon, Marseille, Nice) and from an internal and sheltered area intended for pleasure boats. And it is precisely the pleasure craft that represents one of the main sources of income for the pleasant Corsican resort, especially during the summer season.
There are several ways to reach the port of l'Île-Rousse.
Car
From Bastia - Once you have disembarked at the port of the capital of Upper Corsica, rent a car or a motorbike. In about an hour and a half and after traveling 90 km you will reach your destination (you can get to l'Île-Rousse by following the T11, T20 and T30).
From Ajaccio - Near the port you will have the opportunity to rent a means of transport. To get to l'Île-Rousse you will need to take the T20 and T30. The journey takes about two and a half hours , the distance between Ajaccio and Île-Rousse is about 142 km.
Bus
If you prefer to move in an alternative way, you can do so by relying on the bus service that leaves from Bastia and which allows you to reach, among other places, the Île-Rousse. For more info, consult the website of the Tourist Office.
The closest airports to l'Île-Rousse are those of Calvi Sainte-Catherine and Bastia-Poretta.
From Calvi Sainte-Catherine airport
There are basically two solutions to get to l'Île-Rousse: rent a car at the airport or take a taxi.
In both cases, the journey takes about half an hour (the airport and the port are 23 km from each other).
From Bastia-Poretta airport
At the international airport you can rent a car and head directly to l'Île-Rousse. Alternatively, after reaching the center of Bastia by shuttle or taxi , take the bus that will take you to your destination (see How to reach the port - Bus).
Corsica Ferries - Gare Maritime, 20220
Île-Rousse is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Upper Corsica. Strolling along the streets of the city center, you will find a whole series of shops and small shops where you can go shopping and taste local food and wine products.
Contrary to what one might think, the Île-Rousse territory is rich not only from a landscape point of view, but also from a historical-artistic point of view.
Walking in its historic center, in fact, you will find the Town Hall building, the Tour de Scalo, the war memorial and the bronze statue of the Siren of the Red Island.
The covered market is also noteworthy: built in the mid-19th century, the structure overlooks the town's main square, Place Pascal Paoli.
Among the most notable places of worship in l'Île-Rousse are the Church of Mercy and the Church of the Immaculate Conception.