Porsche Travel Experience Corsica/Sardinia: an island-hopping 911 adventure
A twin destination roadtrip of peaceful coves, challenging roads and rugged mountains
Porsche Travel Experience_montage of aerial views of scenery in Corsica and Sardinia
Two islands, two countries, one extraordinary journey. From France to Italy, mountains to sea. A Porsche 911 adventure to remember
Not far from Olbia, the small Sardinian village of San Pantaleo is slowly waking up, while our Porsche 911 tackles the first kilometres of its journey. The streets are still empty, the engine not yet fully up to temperature. We quickly head out of the village, past paths that were once used by the Romans as trade routes. Today, they take us through a beautiful landscape that looks its very best in the morning light.As we travel along the coastline, the view alternates between sea and mountains. To the left, rugged cliffs reach skyward while to the right, the water glitters beneath us. In Sardinian folklore, the mountains are described as the dwelling place of ancient gods and spirits, their setting offering a unique backdrop for the first few kilometres.The roads of Sardinia offer drivers on the Porsche Travel Experience Corsica/Sardinia a route that demands concentration, paired with a landscape defined by contrasts and ancient culture. With the scent of pine trees mingling with the fresh sea breeze, the elements battle for dominance. And we, along with our 911, are at the very heart of it.
Porsche Travel Experience of man and a woman driving a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, roof down
A Mediterranean adventure: the Porsche Travel Experience begins on the winding coastal roads of Sardinia Photo: Porsche
A 911 roadtrip through CorsicaThis twin destination Porsche Travel Experience begins with a short ferry ride from Sardinia to Corsica, where rugged mountains, deep forests and charming coastal towns await us. Perched high on white limestone cliffs, Bonifacio welcomes visitors with stunning architecture and an unparalleled view of the Mediterranean.The charming alleys of the old town invite you to stroll around, offering numerous hidden spots where you can enjoy the unique Corsican atmosphere. If you take the opportunity to leave the car behind and surrender to the island’s relaxed pace, Corsica is a pleasure for all your senses – and what better way to enjoy it than by stopping at a local winery? Here, the non-drivers enjoy outstanding wines, with the highlight being a glass of Mattei Cap Corse. The island’s traditional aperitif, its fruity-bitter notes pairs perfectly with the local delicacies, such as Corsica’s renowned ham and cheese selections that we all partake in.
Porsche Travel Experience_composite image of Palombaggia beach, Corsica and the peaks of Monte Corrasi, Sardinia
At Palombaggia Beach in Corsica (left), pine trees line the coast while red granite rocks rise picturesquely out of the sea. In Monte Ortobene, Sardinia (right), a breathtaking view opens up over the rugged peaks of Monte Corrasi and Punta sos Nidos Photos: Shutterstock; Stefan Hefele
Bays, mountains and winding passes on the Porsche Travel Experience Corsica/SardiniaOne of the highlights of Corsica’s west coast is the Calanques de Piana, a dramatic cliff formation plunging into the sea. Spreading out between the coastal town of Porto and the picturesque village of Piana, it’s as if the towering cliffs have risen up to assert their superiority over the sea. The clash of elements feels especially tangible here.Legend has it that the devil created the bays – which burrow into the rock like fjords – after turning a shepherdess to stone for rejecting his advances. In the bright sunlight, the granite formations take on a pinkish hue, while in the glow of the setting sun, they appear blood red. During these hours, a mystical atmosphere descends upon the rugged mountains with their spires, columns, jagged peaks and monolithic boulders. These curious rock formations have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Corsica Natural Park for many years.Right through the Calanques de Piana runs a narrow, winding road that passes cliffs and deep gorges – heaven sent for anyone at the wheel of a 911, as we are. Here, driving becomes a dance with nature, the rock formations providing a silent backdrop.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet on a hillside pass in Corsica
On this Porsche Travel Experience, you traverse Corsica’s wild heartland with driving precision in a Porsche 911, through winding bends and a countryside full of legends Photo: Porsche
In the heart of Corsica, the landscape begins to change. The Col de Bavella, a legendary pass, is challenging with its tight bends and changing terrain. Dense forests give way to open mountain slopes. Time-honoured stories of bandits and ancient legends abound in this region. The serpentine turns of the pass put even experienced drivers to the test – but in the 911, we accept the challenge. This is not about speed, but about perfect mastery of every movement. The nature that envelops us is untamed, and yet the road remains the connecting element between the driving experience and the surroundings.
Porsche Travel Experience_composite image of river in Golfo di Orosei National Park, Sardinia and Bonifacio, Les Trois Points, Corsica
In the Golfo di Orosei National Park, Sardinia (left), a stream winds through a landscape of steep cliffs and lush greenery. Bonifacio-Les Trois Points (right) offers a breathtaking viewpoint of Corsica, with spectacular views of the cliffs and the deep blue Mediterranean Photo: Stefan Hefele; Getty Images/Eric Volto
History, food and clear waters in Porto-Vecchio, CorsicaPorto-Vecchio, a port town on the south coast of Corsica, is captivating, with a lively charm and stunning coastal landscape. Surrounded by clear waters and picturesque bays, the town offers a combination of historic architecture and modern amenities. Pastel-coloured buildings and a bustling harbour give Porto-Vecchio a welcoming atmosphere, while a throng of restaurants and cafés capture the flavours of the regional cuisine. Strolling through the town and relaxing at one of the nearby coves offers a relaxing opportunity to say goodbye to Corsica before we head to the port at Bonifacio to take the ferry back to Sardinia.
Porsche Travel Experience_plate showing a number of Corsican specialities
In Porto-Vecchio, a dish of fresh regional specialities serve as a culinary farewell to Corsica Photo: Porsche
From Corsica to SardiniaThe voyage from Corsica to Santa Teresa Gallura in northern Sardinia offers a moment of reflection. The gentle rolling of the sea carries stories of age-old connections between the islands – shaped by commerce, friendship and, sometimes, war. Yet our thoughts are already turning to the roads of Sardinia, full of eager anticipation. We’re ready for the next emotional uphill sprint from the coast to the serenity of the mountains.The winding stretches of the Strada Provinciale 3 road in Sardinia alternate with short straights offering uninterrupted views of the countryside. The Monte Albo massif, a prominent limestone hogback ridge, rises sharply on the horizon, while the sea appears between the trees from time to time. In Sardinia, the scenery opens up anew with every turn, combining history, culture and nature in a special way.
Woman from first-person perspective behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Open road, open view: on Sardinia’s Strada Provinciale 3 road, driving dynamics, nature and freedom merge for moments to savour Photo: Porsche
The Maddalena archipelago, Sardinia: shaped by historyOur route circles around towards the Maddalena archipelago, a place that captivated Napoleon Bonaparte over two centuries ago. The then young Corsican lieutenant suffered one of his first military defeats here. With its granite formations and turquoise lagoons, this island group is captivating.Here, for a short while, we leave the 911 behind on land to head out in a motor yacht through sheltered coves. The scent of rosemary and cypress trees fills the air, while abandoned fortifications and ancient settlements tell stories of times gone by. It’s said that the pirate Dragut, the terror of the Mediterranean, once hid here before launching lightning raids on the coastal towns.We reflect on the experiences of the past few days while the water glistens peacefully in the sun. Corsica and Sardinia have inspired us with their beauty, and now we begin our journey home, filled with memories that truly reflect the diversity of this restful and intoxicating Porsche Travel Experience.
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