HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the cliff top seaside town of Bonifacio
- Explore Cap Corse, Corsica’s beautiful peninsula
- Marvel at Calvi’s 15th century citadel
- Soak up the atmosphere at Ajaccio’s food markets
- Relax and unwind cruising on the water at the Reserve Naturelle de Scandola
Corsica
Although Corsica has been governed by France for more than 200 years, it still retains its individual character with its own distinctive language and customs. The island has an extraordinary variation of landscapes, sea swept coastline, a mountain range, a marine reservation and an uninhabited desert that runs through the centre of the island.
The beauty of Corsica is that despite an influx of tourists in the summer, once away from the main resorts it has peaceful mountain towns, quiet fishing villages and empty beaches that can all be discovered by the visitor prepared to explore the island. A day’s touring on Corsica can incorporate a wealth of spectacular scenery. Hidden coves, cascading waterfalls, plunging canyons and dense pine forests are just some of the gems to be found on this jewel of an island.
Cap Corse is the narrow strip of peninsula found on the northern tip of the island. It is a rugged, but incredibly beautiful area with sandy coves and craggy cliffs divided down the middle by mountains. Travel south west down the coast from Cap Corse and you will arrive at Calvi, a thriving harbour town enjoying the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of Monte Cinto and its neighbouring mountains. A 15th century citadel dominates the harbour with its foreboding Genoese fortifications.
Another fascinating citadel, not to be missed on the island is Bonifacio. It is precariously situated above the sea on a rocky headland. Some of the tall buildings of the old city lean out hanging dramatically over the white cliffs tilting towards the lapping waves below.