Ile RousseCorsica · France

All About Ile Rousse

Ile Rousse is somewhat of a late bloomer compared to its surroundings, having been founded by Pascal Paoli in 1758. The famous Corsican leader established Ile Rousse as a trading port to counteract the power that the Genoese had over neighboring cities. Initially named Isola Rossa, the town gets its name from the reddish-colored rocky islets in the Pietra Peninsula. Situated centrally in the Balagne region, Ile Rousse has an unmatched character due to the architecture, dating back only to the 18th and 19-centuries. A gem of a holiday destination on the north-western coast of Corsica, Ile Rousse’s traditionality has surprisingly remained grounded even as its popularity grows among international travelers. Taking a ferry to Ile Rousse is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets
 

Routes and Ferries to Ile Rousse

Ferries from mainland France and Italy dock at Ile Rousse frequently. However, sailings are not daily, and thus it is crucial to plan a trip and book tickets in advance. In all probability, ferry tickets to Ile Rousse are for Corsica Ferries vessels since they are the primary company operating in the area. Toulon has the best connection, with five sailings a week and a journey that takes six hours. Ships from Nice and Savona arrive once a week, whereas the seven-hour trip to and from Livorno is possible twice weekly.

Ile Rousse is 25 minutes from Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport. Flights from Paris, Marseille, and Nice land here throughout the year. Several low-price airlines have seasonal planes connecting Calvi with European cities like Geneva, Bordeaux, Zurich, Brussels, Lille, Nantes, and Bern.

If road-tripping in Corsica, Ile Rousse is comfortably reachable by road. The driving time from capital Ajaccio is 2 hours 30 minutes and from Bastia is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
 

Port of Ile Rousse

The Port of Ile Rousse greets over 400,000 visitors annually. Located on the eastern side of the Pietra Peninsula, it is within walking distance from the city center. Nevertheless, the port has taxis stationed outside to zip away passengers to other parts of Corsica. The ferry terminal at Ile Rousse port has free WIFI, toilets, and a nursery. There is a free shuttle to the town as well as paid parking closeby. Passengers with ferry tickets to Ile Rousse can depart from the terminal’s North or South exits, as per their preference. Next to Ile Rousse’s port is the town’s main marina with a 50 and 60-meter pier. The marina accommodates over 150 yachts and fishing boats.
 

Best Beaches

Soft sand, turquoise waters, and the warmth of the summer sun, beach days in Ile Rousse are brimming with temptations and fun times along its spectacular coastline.

Plage de L’Ile Rousse

The city’s main beach is a white sandy strip with shallow and inviting light-blue water. Busy during the summers, parking is hard to find near the beach later in the day. The promenade bordering the shore is great for a morning jog or an evening walk. A little further back from the beach, several restaurants and shops create a lively ambiance from late morning till late at night.

Piaghja di Lisula

Piaghja di Lisula is only a short walk from Plage de L’Ile Rousse. However, it remains less crowded than its sister beach. The water here is equally clear and clean, although a few rocks on the sandy seabed add drama to the otherwise endlessly flat panoramic views. Parking next to the beach is unpaved but free.

Plage di Lozari

Among the best beaches in Ile Rousse, Lozari is 15 minutes along the coast towards the city’s north. There aren’t many amenities here except a restaurant and free parking. Remember to bring along an umbrella and extra towels to sit on the white sand. The seafloor gets deep relatively quickly, making the transparent waters of Lozari Beach ideal for snorkeling.

Plage di Bodari

As one of the stops on Le Petite Train from Calvi to Ile Rousse, Bodari is easily accessible for a family outing in the sun. The broad but short sandy beach is scenic, sandwiched between rugged hills and the open sea. Undoubtedly cozy, Bodari does get crowded even though there are no facilities and one has to walk 5 minutes from the parking area to the beach. The sea at Bodari is unpredictable, particularly on windy days.

Plage di l’Ostriconi

An unmissable beach opportunity lies 15km to the north of Ile Rousse in the arid Agriate desert region. Plage di l’Ostriconi is a rural seaside paradise reachable after a 20-minute walk from the parking. One of the best beaches in Ile Rousse, l’Ostriconi’s fame sees many offbeat travelers and families come here when the weather is warm. As a result, lifeguards are on duty on the beach from June to August. Even though wild in its disposition and without amenities, l’Ostriconi lures beachgoers with its picturesque setting and tranquil waters.
 

Places To Visit

With a hint of history, a dash of nature, and amusing family-oriented attractions thrown in for good measure, the best places to visit in Ile Rousse are an authentic introduction to the region’s past and present.

Ile de la Pietra

The stony islet of Ile de la Pietra is a must-visit when vacationing in Ile Rousse. The walk to the lighthouse at the far corner of the peninsula takes about 15 minutes from the center. Snorkeling enthusiasts should walk the trail down to the bay on the western coast of the islet to observe vibrant aquatic life. Also on Ile de la Pietra are the remains of a 16^th-century Genoese tower. On pleasant days, the islet is fitting for a picnic involving sunbathing on the rocks and waving to passengers arriving at the port with ferry tickets to Ile Rousse in hand.

Ile Rousse Food Market

First built-in 1850, in classic Greek temple style with 21 columns, Ille Rousse Food Market buzzes with activity every morning. Next to Paoli Square, the covered market offers the freshest of products, from fish and olive oil to honey, meats, and vegetables. Due to the market’s fame among locals and tourists, the stalls often extend into the streets, with Corsican residents selling distinct culinary souvenirs.

Le Petit Train

Tourists get to enjoy the excitement of riding not one but two small trains during their stay in Ile Rousse. The local baby train rides along the coast, stopping at all the major sightseeing stops in Ile Rousse. A round-trip costs €7 and includes a visit to the lighthouse on Pietra. A trip on the other Le Petite Train that journeys from Calvi is one of the must-do things in Ile Rousse. The 45-minute leisurely drive between the two cities promises stunning vistas and includes stops at various villages and beaches along the way.

Calvi

The town of Calvi ensures a change of pace from the serenity of Ile Rousse. The marina in Calvi is an attractive place that welcomes luxury yachts day in and day out. The citadel on the hill and its ancient streets are a step back in time from where tourists are privy to astounding sea views. The cafes of Calvi are a delightful respite during a day in the city. Gourmands, however, should plan for a meal at the Michelin starred restaurant ‘La Signoria’.

Parc de Saleccia

Parc de Saleccia is located 4km away from the city and consists of beautiful botanical gardens spread across seven hectares. The park features an array of colorful Corsican flora, a few domesticated animals, a playground, and plentiful shaded areas for visitors. A restaurant, open only for lunch, serves tummy-filling refreshments. An adult ticket for Parc de Saleccia costs €9.
 

Transportation Around Ile Rousse

Upon arriving through ferry tickets to Ile Rousse, tourists quickly realize that it’s a small, walkable town with all the attractions nearby. Taxis are easy to find and helpful if planning to visit nearby villages or beaches. Travelers staying in Ile Rousse for long should look into renting a car. A self-drive holiday allows for multiple day-trips covering the rest of the island. There are plenty of paid parking options in and near Ile Rousse.