Off-the-Beaten-Path from L’Île-Rousse to Plage de Bodri
With tired eyes and excitiment filling our hearts, we embraced the early morning in Ajaccio that day, after a night of the echoes of music and concerts under our window of the AirBnB apartment. Boarding a train to L’Île-Rousse, we roamed through the beatutiful landscapes of Corsica. As the train chugged along, we passed through majestic mountains, valleys, tunnels and beautiful towns and villages. Our hike of the day? Plage de Bodri, a place from paradise calling us with its golden sand and waves crashing at the shore. Join us as we retrace the exciting day we had on our fourth day in Corsica.
Arriving in the charming town of L’Île-Rousse
Leaving Ajaccio at the early hour of 6:30 am, we boarded the train to L’Île-Rousse. Along the way, the train made stops at charming villages and towns, passing through tunnels and valleys that revealed the raw beauty of Corsica’s landscape. On our train ride we were accompanied even by a friendly mountain guide and his huge furry dog companion, adding an additional entertainment to our train ride. As we arrived in L’Île-Rousse, we fell instantly in love with the city. L’Île-Rousse, meaning “The Red Island” in French, derived its name from the reddish-colored granite rocks that line its coastline. These distinctive rocks make the town very charming and picturesque.
The city holds also historical significance as the birthplace of Pascal Paoli, a prominent Corsican, who played an important role in Corsican independence movements during the 18th century. You will not be able to ignore his name on the streets, cafes, restaurants, and many statues of this figure around the island.
You can see the map here!
A Warm Corsican Welcome
Our home for the week was a lovely Airbnb apartment, hosted by a Corsican lady who welcomed us with a smile and a touch of language-barrier-induced comedy. Communicating through a mix of English, French, and gestures, we found common ground and settled into our cozy apartment. The north-oriented balcony provided us a refuge from the strong midday sun, allowing us to relax and restore the energy before embarking on our hike.
Dusty Roads to Plage de Bodri
It took us a while on the balcony before the excitement started boiling in us for the hike and we soon packed our backpacks for the much-anticipated hike to Plage de Bodri. Leaving behind the urban hustle and bustle of L’Île-Rousse, we set off on a dusty road that led us through a high hill and towards the hidden paradise of Plage de Bodri. Although the pathway initially seemed to be easy to walk, it proved to be a bit challenging, amidst the thorny bushes that left our legs and arms with scratches. Despite the minor discomfort, our eyes were treated to captivating sight of the cityscape behind us, and the the golden sand before us.
A Blissful end of the day at L’Île-Rousse Beach
Plage de Bodri: a Little Paradise on Earth
After a 45-minute hike filled with excitement, we arrived at the enchanting Plage de Bodri. This secluded beach, with its vast expanse of fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters, was a little paradise that felt far removed from the busy urban life. Plage de Bodri is framed by rock formations, which create a captivating background and making it an attractive spot for hikers and photographer enthusiasts. Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Plage de Bodri offered a quiet atmosphere, allowing us to relax and unwind. Scratched legs, sunburnt skin, and messy hair couldn’t dampen our spirits as we plunged into the refreshing turquoise waters. Little did we know that day that this kind of appearance would become the norm for our hikes on Corsica.
A Blissful End of the Day
Sun-kissed and with windswept hair, we decided to take an alternative route, which proved to be a tad risky as we walked on a busy pathway with cars. Safely reaching our Airbnb apartment, we couldn’t resist a sweet and juicy treat. Hurrying to the local market, we bought a watermelon and eagerly run back to our balcony, where we sliced it into mouthwatering pieces and savored it.
Our hike from L’Île-Rousse to Plage de Bodri was another adventure in Corsica leaving us with lasting memories. From the bustling streets of L’Île-Rousse to the tranquil Plage de Bodri, we embraced the enchanting island’s nature. The rugged paths may have left us dusty and sweaty and with scratches, but they also made us experience a unique and authentic day, making our holiday in Corsica all the more unforgettable.
Start
L’Île-Rousse
End
L’Île-Rousse
Duration
1.5 hours
Length
10 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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