How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Corsica? A Complete Guide
Understanding Corsica's Geography
So, you're thinking about driving around Corsica, huh? Great choice! The island is stunning, filled with dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and charming little villages. But, how long will it actually take you to drive around this gorgeous place?
Let’s break it down, because the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Corsica isn’t some tiny island – it's big enough to have diverse landscapes and winding roads that can throw off your travel time. If you’re imagining a quick drive, you might be in for a surprise (I sure was when I first visited!).
Distance Around Corsica: The Basics
To give you a general idea, the island measures roughly 160 km (100 miles) from north to south and about 83 km (52 miles) from east to west. So, in theory, it might seem like you could just zoom around in a day, right? Well, there’s a catch – Corsica’s roads are narrow, often winding, and steep, especially in the mountainous areas.
The Coastal Drive: A Breathtaking Experience
If you're aiming to drive the entire perimeter of Corsica (which is what most people mean when they ask this question), you’re looking at a distance of about 1,000 km (620 miles). Now, don't panic – it’s not like driving across a flat stretch of road. Corsica is all about curves, hills, and coastal routes that’ll make your jaw drop every few minutes.
How Long Does the Coastal Drive Take?
The entire coastal drive around Corsica typically takes about 7-10 days if you’re in no rush, allowing you to soak in the views and visit the highlights along the way. But, if you're like me (always in a bit of a hurry, haha), you could drive around in about 5-6 days – but you’d be missing out on a lot of the island's charm!
It’s hard to stay focused on just driving when you’re passing crystal-clear waters and villages perched on cliffs. Plus, you’ll want to take breaks to explore those adorable towns. Trust me, it’s not a race – enjoy the journey!
Key Stops on Your Road Trip Around Corsica
You might be wondering, “Well, where exactly should I stop?” Excellent question! Corsica is dotted with incredible places to visit, and if you’re driving around, you’ll want to take a few detours.
The West Coast: Ajaccio and Scandola Nature Reserve
Starting in the capital, Ajaccio, you’ll get a taste of Corsican history (Napoleon was born here!). From there, head north along the west coast towards the Scandola Nature Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage site is only accessible by boat or foot, but it’s worth it if you’re up for a mini adventure. On your drive, expect rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and dramatic coastal views that’ll have you pulling over every 15 minutes for a photo!
The Eastern Side: Bonifacio and the Southern Beaches
Head south to Bonifacio, the picturesque town perched on limestone cliffs. This is the part of the island where you’ll get the classic Corsican feel – medieval streets, historical sites, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean. The drive here from Ajaccio takes about 3 hours without stops, but let’s be real, you’ll want to stop at those sandy beaches along the way.
The Mountainous Roads: Why Patience is Key
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – driving through Corsica’s mountains. While the coastline is a beauty, the interior of the island is a completely different story. Winding roads, steep climbs, and the occasional hairpin turn make it challenging to maintain a quick pace.
The Time-Consuming Mountain Passes
If you’re planning to drive through the center of Corsica, it’ll take you at least a couple of hours more than you’d expect. For example, the drive from Corte (a central mountain town) to Calvi on the coast takes roughly 3 hours under normal conditions, but expect it to be slower because of the mountain roads.
The good news? The views! Once you reach the peaks of the island, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ve ever seen. The driving can be a bit stressful if you're not used to mountain roads, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. You might even want to take a break to breathe in the fresh air and just enjoy the view.
Practical Tips for Driving Around Corsica
Now that you know how long it takes, let me share some tips from my own experience. You’ll want to make your road trip around Corsica as smooth as possible. Trust me, I learned a few things the hard way!
Renting a Car and Road Conditions
First off, make sure to rent a small car if you’re not used to tight spaces. Many roads, especially in the villages, are pretty narrow. Also, the driving isn’t as fast-paced as you might expect, so don’t rush. Take your time, especially if you’re visiting in the summer, as traffic can get heavy near tourist spots.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
You’ll encounter a few surprises. Maybe it’s a sudden detour, or maybe it’s a goat crossing the road (yes, seriously). Keep your cool, and just enjoy the randomness of Corsican life. It’s all part of the experience.
Conclusion: Is Driving Around Corsica Worth It?
So, how long does it take to drive around Corsica? The short answer is that it depends on how much you want to explore, but expect anywhere from 5-10 days for a comfortable, scenic drive. Whether you're admiring the coastal beauty, venturing through the mountains, or stopping at hidden beaches, Corsica has a lot to offer.
In the end, it's not just about the time it takes to drive – it’s about soaking in every moment on the road. Happy travels, and enjoy Corsica’s unforgettable charm!
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Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.