Long golden beaches, red rocks, scrub scent and sunsets on the ocean… Corsica has everything you can dream of. So close to the metropolis and yet so different, this resolutely Mediterranean island is the ideal setting for a charming stay. Its inhabitants at the fort will make you discover a proud and authentic island, both in the sea and in the mountains.
Live the north!
Cape Corse is the most surprising and contrasting part of the island. Once called the «finger of God», this continent-oriented tip is a true mountain of the sea. On its 40 km lie the cliff-covered cliffs plunging into peaceful waters. A road makes it possible to cross the course while admiring the sight at the detour of each turn. To the east, marinas harbor testimonies of the cultural richness of the island, such as the church of Oletta, the Erbalunga Sponge Tower or the old port of Bastia. In the west, the vineyard of Heritage, the most famous appellation of the island, deserves the detour to find the ideal wine to accompany a tasting of local produce in the small fishing port of Centuri. After bordering the wild and rugged coast, the south of the region turns into white sandy beaches with peaceful waters in Loto, Saleccia or Malfalcu. Havres of peace between sea and mountain, charming establishments allow to discover the region.
In the northwest, Balagne is the garden of Corsica. A picturesque region used to looking to the sea while maintaining a strong agricultural and pastoral tradition. It is discovered by the Route des Artisans, which follows the coastline through beautiful small villages on the balcony. Built on a hill, they offer panoramic views of the surrounding area and, in particular, the Fango Valley, a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The two main cities, Calvi and Île-Rousse, combine urban festivity and bucolic tranquility. The Calvi Citadel suggests close ties with Italy while the red rocks and white sand of Île-Rousse recall distant horizons. The massive silhouette of Monte Padro, which grows at 2,393 m, will fill the lovers of hiking. The colimaan road that crosses the village of Lumio and allows to go down to the sea offers one of Corsica's most beautiful panoramas.
Between lakes, valleys…
The Corse Center is the natural lung of the island. The Restonica and Tavignano lakes and valleys offer examples of unique fauna and flora. A walk on the Santa Regina, old transhumance path, or a swim in the Vizzavona forest waterfalls are planned. The Corsica is also the historic center of the island. Pasquale Paoli built the Corsica Nation in the eighteenth century in the typical town of Corte. A true capital in the heart of Corsica, Corte revives the strong moments of the island through its museum and citadel, two unmissable surroundings. Mountainous labyrinth and preserved environment, this part of the island remained crude and wild.
… and postcard landscapes
The West Corsica is the landscape of postcards. Large beaches of fine sand, charming coves, typical villages, imposing mountains, high lakes and wild trails make this region a dream destination. Internationally renowned by UNESCO's ranking in World Heritage, Piana's calanches form a stunning site. Its shredded rocks present strange shapes that are teere at sunset. Less known but equally remarkable, Girolata is a small fishing village accessible only by boat, with a beautiful panorama. The region has many other natural wonders, such as the Scandola reserve, the ideal place to start diving, or the Spelunca gorges which give access to pleasant hikes. The hinterland, however, has nothing to envy the coastline. The inhabitants, shepherds or producers that we encounter at the detour of a trail, are of mixed hospitality.
D 'Ajaccio, direction the South
A land that has seen Napoleon I and Tino Rossi born, Ajaccio has an extraordinary historical, cultural and visual heritage. With 300 days of sunshine a year, it is a small town where it is a good place to live. Its gulf, known as one of the most beautiful in the world, combines with wild coves and buildings loaded with history. In the north-west, the Parata site is the ideal place to observe a sunset on the ocean, facing the Sanguinaires Islands that cut out on the horizon. In the south, Porticcio is the most popular seaside resort. Its wild beaches and turquoise water make it a place for water sports. There is also an extraordinary view of the mountains along the bay. On these heights traditional Corsican villages recall the authentic character of the island. The village of Bastelica, known for its charcuterie and hikes, is a haven of freshness that turns into a ski resort in winter.
The southwest is one of the cradles of humanity. A walk on the sites of Cucurruzzu and Capula observes the remains of the activity of prehistoric men. Even more surprising, on the Filitosa site, classified as UNESCO's World Heritage Site, are carved menhirs of human faces. At sunset the colors transform and the place envelops the mystery. On the coast, Propriano, a former fishing village, boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and access to the thermal waters of Baracci baths, famous since ancient times. From the sea are narrow and winding roads leading to the village of Olmeto. Its stone-built stone houses have a breathtaking view of the sea. Also on the heights, Sartene is also a city of history, which revives the Corsican traditions daily.
Finally, the Corsica is the preferred destination for tourists. A region that captures through the vividness of its colors. From the turquoise of the water to the white cliffs of the calcareous cliffs passing through the sunshine of the sun, this region has everything to seduce the traveler. The city of Porto-Vecchio is the ideal place to explore the most beautiful beaches of Corsica, Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. It is also the port of access to the Cerbicales Islands natural reserve. At the extreme south of the island, the other big town, Bonifacio, is built in equilibrium on the vertiginous cliffs. Just a dozen km from Sardinia, the view from the narrow streets of the city is captivating. If the coastline gives you a lasting memory, the mountain hinterland also has its charm. In this hiker paradise, the Ospédale forest or the Piscia di Gallu waterfall are worth a visit.
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When is it? Mediterranean climate, warm and dry summer, mild winter, Corsica is pleasant all year round. The tourist season extends from June to September, but the waters remain warm long.
Go there. By plane or boat.
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