Saleccia Beach, Corsica

Corsica

France & Ireland

Corsica, often called the most beautiful island in the world, is nothing like the image we have of a Mediterranean island. In fact, no other Mediterranean island has Corsica's lushness.

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With its conservation areas and nature reserves (which have been given national protecttion or are registered on Unesco's world heritage list) its International marine reserve, and its Regional Nature Reserve which stretches from one side of its mountain rangeto the other, from Calvi to Porto-Vecchio.

With more than 2000 plant species, Corsica will dazzle you with colour.

Five nature reserves protect some unique flora and fauna with the Cerbicale Isles that provide a sanctuary for crested cormorants, the Lavezzi Isles where 68 species of fish have been recorded, the Finocchiarola and Scandola Isles that are France's leading land and sea reserve, and the Biguglia lagoon where 127 species of aquatic birds nest.

In the spring everything is in bloom and the maquis is at its most fragrant, autumn is also a delight when the chestnut harvest is celebrated in the hilltop villages, making Corsica a delight to explore whatever the season.

Corsica also boasts some of the most beautiful and spectacular beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean.

Balagne is an idyllic region in the north-west of Corsica, with both mountain and sea, touching each other, untouched by over commercial development. At Calvi, the Genoese citadel, visit the pretty Baroque church of Saint John the Baptist. Why not visit the Revellata peninsula with its remarkable seabed and head up to Notre Dame de la Serra to enjoy its commanding views over the bay.

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On the Île Rousse, tour around the market place with its 21 columns and go for a lovely stroll along the Marinella and visit the traditional coffee-making plant. At Aregno, you can admire the church of the Trinity of San Giovanni, a remarkable Roman work of art,decorated with magnificent statues, including one of a man extracting a needle from his foot, as asymbol of the evil that can be extracted from the soul.

All types of water sports are available all year round, the water never goes below 14° even in the winter! You can also go cycling along the coast and ifyou follow the “Strada di l’Artigiani” it will lead you to the craftspeople that continue the traditions passed down over generations, also do not forget to visit the wine cellars.

Certain development projects are tolerated in Balagne, but the coast line is untouchable.

In the South of Corsica is the Porto Vecchio region. A large number of prehistoric sites are dotted all over the region, including those at Castellu d’Araghju and Ceccia. Also visit the sites at Cucuruzzu and Castellu di Capula with their impressive cyclopean walls. At Levie, discover the “lady of Bonifacio”, the island’s oldest inhabitant (6570 years BC).

Bonifacio has a stunning cliff-top setting with a lovely old town, Bastion de l’Etendard - a medieval fortified citadel. Visit the Place d’Armes, the very moving sailor’s cemetery, the magnificent King of Aragon's steps carved out of the cliff face and the church of Saint Dominique, one of the island’s few Gothic buildings. At Porto-Vecchio, you can stroll around the old town that is protected by Genoese fortifications.

Head off along the inland tracks to explore the “barraconni” shepherd shacks and old oil mills. Refresh yourself at the Piscia di Gallo waterfall, in the Ospedale massif. Play a round of golf on the superb course at Spérone, designed by Robert Trench Jones by the sea. From Bonifacio, take a boat trip to explore the famous sea caves.

In the South of Corsica around Porto Vecchio, develoment has been
tolerated to a certain degree and yet the coast is still stunning as
in the North.