Activities |
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Corsica |
Golf de Porto, west coast
Today the invaders of this island, which gave birth to Napoleon and Columbus, are thousands of holidaymakers who flock particularly to the east coast, with its long sandy beaches and pretty fishing villages, for activities like scuba diving, sailing, kite-surfing and hiking. The west coast has awe-inspiring scenery with cliffs and rocky inlets, while the mountainous interior remains largely wild, in between cultivated groves of olives, pine plantations and cork forests.
Corsicans maintain their independent ways, and you'll find a strange mixture of French and Italian culture that is both and yet neither. In Corsica you'll find local beers and soft drinks not found anywhere else, and unique cuisine including locally-produced chestnuts, olive oil, pastries, and boar meat.
Resorts
See our separate guides to the following Corsica holiday resorts: Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio
Attractions
Belgodere, Balagne area of Corsica © Judith Duk
Balagne
The inland area along the northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange trees and the breadbasket of the island, crisscrossed by a network of narrow, winding roads. Tiny villages such as Sant'Antonino and Speloncato perch high above the countryside built around rocky outcrops, while others along the Artisan's Route, like Pigna, proudly display their traditional crafts such as pottery and stringed instruments. Set beneath a wall of imposing jagged mountains that remain snow-capped until July, the rocky coastline of the Balagne area shelters a string of stunning white sand beaches and an old fishing settlement, now turned into one of the island's most popular holiday resort towns, at Calvi. In the shadow of its citadel, built by the Genoese, Calvi bathes in the legend of Christopher Columbus whose birthplace it is said to be. It was during an attack on Calvi that another famous mariner, Lord Nelson, lost his eye. Not far away from this historic and compact gem can be found another port town, Ile Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in direct contrast to Calvi, which he felt was too Genoese. Many of the settlements along the Balagne coast have been developed into busy holiday villages, however the stunning scenery and idyllic beaches more than compensate for the crowds. Trains connect Calvi and Ile Rousse with Ajaccio and Bastia. Buses are also available.
Bastia, Corsica
Bastia
Situated in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia is the island's major commercial centre. Despite this the old town has retained its charms as a holiday destination; and opulent Baroque churches and crumbling pastel houses line the maze of tightly packed streets and alleyways. The Vieux Port is the most photogenic part of town, where old houses tower above the harbour and the reflections from colourful fishing vessels ripple on the water. The citadel perched high on the headland of Bastia dominates the other side. The Bastia harbour comes alive in the evening when tourists on holiday here fill the waterside bars and restaurants. The pebble beaches below Bastia town tend to be very crowded in summer and sun seekers are advised to head further south where a sandy shore extends for miles down the east coast of the island.
Bonifacio, Corsica
Bonifacio
The ancient town of Bonifacio, at the very southern tip of Corsica, dates from 833AD but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialisation of this buzzing haven that attracts huge holiday crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come on holiday here for the magnificent setting; Bonifacio sits on a narrow limestone peninsula, the bright white cliffs plunging into the Bouches de Bonifacio strait, between Corsica and Sardinia. The most scenic way to approach Bonifacio is by boat through the channel, almost a mile long, that protects the town's beautiful natural harbour. No wonder that the buzzing marina attracts yachts from all over the world, as well as ferries and passenger boats packed with tourists arriving on holiday from Sardinia and elsewhere. Alternatively you can fly in to Bonifacio from Marseille or bus from the other Corsican towns. The Italian-flavoured town boasts quaint medieval architecture, offset with the requisite cafés, restaurants and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. Bonifacio's old town and citadel, built in the 12th century by the Genoese conquerors, is an interesting holiday attraction and reached up a long, steep flight of steps. The citadel has been put to use in modern times as headquarters for the French Foreign Legion, which was based here between 1963 and 1983. There are diversions aplenty to enjoy on holiday in Bonifacio and surrounds, ranging from watersports of all sorts at the nearby Plage de Piantarella to some splendid golf courses, as well as boat trips to the offshore Archipel des Lavezzi island group.
Cap Corse, Corsica © Judith Duk
Cap Corse
North of Bastia is the holiday destination of Cap Corse, a 25-mile (40km) peninsula edged with quiet and quaint fishing villages. The peninsula is divided by a narrow spine of mountains, which rise over 3,000 feet (914m) above sea level. On the east side of the Cap Corse mountain spine are a series of small villages cuddle into coves, while on the west coast the settlements cling precariously to rugged cliffs battered by wild waves. The peninsula's best stretch of sandy beach to enjoy on holiday is Plage de Tamarone, near Macinaggio. A favourite with holiday visitors in Cap Corse is the picturesque village of Centuri, while hikers head for the many walking trails like the well-known Sentier des Douaniers. Make sure the camera is loaded for visits to the panoramic viewpoints of Capo Grosso, Moulin Mattei and the Tour de Seneque, above Pino. The vineyards of Patrimonio are renowned, particularly for their muscat, and most wineries welcome holiday visitors for wine tasting. The Cap Corse wine route, or 'route des vins', is signposted from St-Florent.
Corte, Corsica
Corte
For a change of pace on your island holiday, pack some hiking boots along with your swimsuit and head for the dramatic Corsican hinterland. Corte lies marooned in the centre of Corsica, surrounded by dramatic granite mountains. This independent and proud town has long epitomised Corsican nationalism - for a short time in the 18th century it was the capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state. Now a university town, it remains dominated by the Haute Ville (upper town) and its forbidding citadel, site of the Musée de la Corse, the island's premier museum. While on holiday in Corte, it's easy to spend a morning wandering around the narrow cobbled streets or soaking up the atmosphere in one of the many bars and cafés that line the main street. Corte is an excellent base for exploring the island's wonderful mountain scenery. A few miles to the southwest, near Bergeries de Grotelle, walkers will find a number of glacial lakes and around Valée de la Restonica are a series of stunning natural gorges and basins with refreshing swimming spots. Buses and trains connect Corte with Ajaccio, Bastia and other holiday towns on the island.
Filitosa © Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
Filitosa
The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica, Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient structures on the site. Filitosa V, with its sword and dagger, the face of Filitosa IX, and the five menhir statues around the foot of a 1,200-year old olive tree, are the most important structures of the prehistoric site of Filitosa. A small museum offers further menhirs, as well as some ancient tools and pottery found in the caves, dating back to 3,300 BC. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through the whole site.Address: The site lies 11 miles (17km) north of Propriano, and about 25 miles (40km) south of Ajaccio; Website: www.filitosa.fr; Telephone: (04) 9574 0091; Opening time: Daily 8am to sunset, April to October.
Iles Sanguinaires, Corsica © Judith Duk
Iles Sanguinaires
The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.
Les Calanques, Corsica © Judith Duk
Les Calanques
The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques, and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that outdo each other at every turn, where wind and sea have eroded the pink granite rock into pillars, huge boulders and weird shapes. The scenery is most spectacular at sunset, when the setting sun highlights the natural red and pink colours of the rock, and the drive is best appreciated in the direction from Piana to Porto.
Porto, Corsica © Judith Duk
Porto
The small seaside holiday resort of Porto is watched over by the 16th-century Genoese Tower standing guard over the fishing harbour, and although crowded in summer, retains a certain charm. While on holiday, Porto is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and spectacular coastline. The Gorges de Spelunca, a spectacular ravine, is popular for its rocky pools, Genoese bridges and hiking opportunities, while the Forêt d'Aïtone is one of the island's most beautiful forests, with waterfalls and numerous walking trails.
Corsica west coast with views towards the Scandola Nature Reserve © Judith Duk
Scandola Nature Reserve
The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations that were formed by Monte Cinto's volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The subsequent erosion has fashioned caves and grottoes deep into the rock. The headland and its surrounding waters support significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as 450 types of seaweed and some remarkable fish such as the grouper, a species more commonly found in the Caribbean. Scandola is off-limits to walkers and can be viewed only by boat; trips can be arranged from both Calvi and Porto.