How to get to Île-Rousse?
Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nestled in Upper Corsica, Île-Rousse captivates visitors with its magnificent fine sandy beaches, its surrounding hilltop villages, and its Mediterranean atmosphere.
If you're looking for sunshine and authenticity, this seaside resort is a must-see.
The good news is that it's easily accessible by air and sea.
Here's a quick overview of the different ways to get to Île-Rousse from the mainland.
The fastest way to reach Île-Rousse is by plane. The closest airport is Calvi Sainte Catherine, just 25 km from Île-Rousse.
Several airlines offer regular flights, notably from Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse. Others offer seasonal flights only.
You can also land at Bastia-Poretta Airport, located approximately 78 km from L'Île-Rousse. The flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
These flights connect Bastia to more than 30 destinations in France and internationally.
Once you arrive, you can reach your hotel by rental car, taxi, or shuttle.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Calvi and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bastia.
The port of L'Île-Rousse is a strategic arrival point for travelers arriving by ferry.
The commercial port offers regular crossings from the mainland.
It is connected to France via the ports of Marseille, Toulon, Nice, and Sète, and to Italy via Savona and Livorno.
In total, approximately 11 crossings are operated each week, depending on the season.
The crossing time varies between 6 hours (Savona) and 14.5 hours (Sète), with all the necessary comforts on board for a pleasant journey.
This mode of transport is particularly popular if you wish to travel with your vehicle.
You can also reach Île-Rousse via the ports of Calvi, Bastia, and Ajaccio.
If you enjoy road trips, access by road is ideal. From Bastia, allow approximately 1.5 hours of travel time via the T30 national road, a scenic route that runs along the island's north coast to Calvi.
This route passes through spectacular little villages in the Balagne region and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the Balagne countryside.
If you are coming from Ajaccio or Porto-Vecchio, allow 3 to 4 hours of driving time.
Original and authentic, the little Corsican train connects Bastia to Calvi every day.
Nicknamed "Trinichellu," this picturesque train runs along the sea, crosses magnificent landscapes, and serves several coastal beaches.
It's the ideal mode of transport if you don't have a car or if you want to admire the scenery at your leisure.
From Bastia, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and only 30 minutes from Calvi.
A charming way to explore the region without a car.
Located just steps from the center of Île-Rousse, the Hotel Santa Maria is a prime choice if you're looking for upscale amenities and tranquility.
It's also an excellent starting point for exploring the Balagne region.
Our 4-star hotel combines elegance, a friendly atmosphere, and a strategic location, just minutes from the port and train station.
You can also relax by the heated pool, enjoy a drink at the lounge bar, and benefit from attentive service—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Private parking is also available.
The entire Santa Maria team looks forward to welcoming you!
If you're looking for sunshine and authenticity, this seaside resort is a must-see.
The good news is that it's easily accessible by air and sea.
Here's a quick overview of the different ways to get to Île-Rousse from the mainland.
✈️ Getting to Île-Rousse by plane
The fastest way to reach Île-Rousse is by plane. The closest airport is Calvi Sainte Catherine, just 25 km from Île-Rousse.
Several airlines offer regular flights, notably from Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse. Others offer seasonal flights only.
You can also land at Bastia-Poretta Airport, located approximately 78 km from L'Île-Rousse. The flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
These flights connect Bastia to more than 30 destinations in France and internationally.
Once you arrive, you can reach your hotel by rental car, taxi, or shuttle.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Calvi and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bastia.
🚢 L'Île-Rousse by sea
The port of L'Île-Rousse is a strategic arrival point for travelers arriving by ferry.
The commercial port offers regular crossings from the mainland.
It is connected to France via the ports of Marseille, Toulon, Nice, and Sète, and to Italy via Savona and Livorno.
In total, approximately 11 crossings are operated each week, depending on the season.
The crossing time varies between 6 hours (Savona) and 14.5 hours (Sète), with all the necessary comforts on board for a pleasant journey.
This mode of transport is particularly popular if you wish to travel with your vehicle.
You can also reach Île-Rousse via the ports of Calvi, Bastia, and Ajaccio.
🚗 By road for those already in Corsica
If you enjoy road trips, access by road is ideal. From Bastia, allow approximately 1.5 hours of travel time via the T30 national road, a scenic route that runs along the island's north coast to Calvi.
This route passes through spectacular little villages in the Balagne region and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the Balagne countryside.
If you are coming from Ajaccio or Porto-Vecchio, allow 3 to 4 hours of driving time.
🚆 The Corsican train: a unique experience
Original and authentic, the little Corsican train connects Bastia to Calvi every day.
Nicknamed "Trinichellu," this picturesque train runs along the sea, crosses magnificent landscapes, and serves several coastal beaches.
It's the ideal mode of transport if you don't have a car or if you want to admire the scenery at your leisure.
From Bastia, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and only 30 minutes from Calvi.
A charming way to explore the region without a car.
Plan your trip now
Located just steps from the center of Île-Rousse, the Hotel Santa Maria is a prime choice if you're looking for upscale amenities and tranquility.
It's also an excellent starting point for exploring the Balagne region.
Our 4-star hotel combines elegance, a friendly atmosphere, and a strategic location, just minutes from the port and train station.
You can also relax by the heated pool, enjoy a drink at the lounge bar, and benefit from attentive service—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Private parking is also available.
The entire Santa Maria team looks forward to welcoming you!
