Bitesized guide: Corsica
For the final of our bitesized guides to the Mediterranean islands, we head to ‘l'île de beauté' ('the island of beauty'). More than Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, discover France's hidden treasure: Corsica.
Why go?
Paradisiacal beaches, rugged and unspoilt mountains and picturesque towns make ‘the island of beauty' the perfect Mediterranean retreat. June to September are the best months to visit, with balmy temperatures peaking at around 28°C (82°F) and pleasantly warm nights.
What to do
Beaches
With warm Mediterranean waters and sun-kissed beaches covered with multi-coloured pebbles or fine white sand, Corsican beaches are paradise on earth. Consistently rated as some of the finest in Europe, Barcaggio, Ostriconi, Palombaggia and Saint Giulia beaches are among the best.
Walks
Beyond the beach, you'll find magnificent scenery blessed with rugged mountains, green fields and dense forest. Corsica boasts some stunning natural spots and sandy paths ideal for walking or hiking. Venture into the island and you'll access remote and deserted spots.
Adrenaline
Adventure activities like rock climbing and canyoning, and plenty of watersports, including scuba diving, all await you in Corsica.
Historical towns
The island is dotted with beautiful and iconic citadels. Descend the 187 steps of the ‘Escalier du Roi d'Aragon' (King of Aragon Steps) in Bonifacio or head to the charming town of Corte, east of Bastia, to see its 15th-century citadel and breathtaking views of the dramatic mountains and countryside.
What to eat
Corsicans are famed for their charcuterie (cured meats) and cheeses, and their milk- or cheese-based desserts like Fiadone (cheese torte). The most famous Corsican cheese is brocciu, a soft sheep's cheese. The island's geographic location also means that local cuisine blends French and Italian influences, resulting in unique dishes.
Did you know?
Corsica's landscape is so diverse and mountainous it's got two nicknames: ‘the island of beauty' and ‘the mountain in the sea'. It's not hard to see why, as the island has more than 1,000km (620 miles) of coastline, over 200 beaches and more than 20 summits reaching over 2,000m (6,560 ft).
Getting there
The shortest ferry journey to the island is from Nice (south of France), with regular Corsica Ferries and SNCM ferries to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Ile Rousse (check www.visit-corsica.com for timetables, depending on season). If you're flying in, there are four international airports in Corsica: Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio and Figari.
Read our bitesized guide series to the Mediterranean islands for more dream holiday destinations:
Bitesized guide: Sardinia
Bitesized guide: The Greek islands
Bitesized guide: The Balearic Islands
Bitesized guide: Sicily
26 June 2009
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