Discover ancient chestnut forests, whitewashed villages, stunning landscapes and some of the Med's finest beaches on this idyllic French island.
Corsica's craggy coastline hides some of the Med's finest beaches. Heavenly Plage de Salleccia near Saint-Florent is a remote, white-sand beach best reached by boat. More accessible are the beaches along the Gulf of Ajaccio and the flour-fine sand of Pinarello beach in the south.
The ancient Greeks called Corsica 'Kalliste' meaning 'the most beautiful' and the island has been fought over ever since. It is the Genoese legacy that is most striking in the beautiful pastel-hued old town of Bastia and the citadels of Ajaccio and Bonifacio. How they must regret selling Corsica to France in 1768.
The island bewitching landscape of herb-scented hills, wild mountains, ancient chestnut forests and whitewashed villages makes it stunning for walkers. The GR20 trail traverses the island but, at 110 miles long, it is not for everyone. The rickety Micheline train from Bastia to Ajaccio offers scenery without the strain.
Corsican cuisine is simple and hearty. Meat dishes like wild boar or smoked prizzutu ham sometimes have a distinctive chestnut flavour. Cheeses such as Brocciu and Fromage Corse are strong and pungent while the island's Italian influences mean delicious pasta and pizza.
The Mistral, Tramontane and Sirocco winds sometimes buffet the island creating ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The warm waters are perfect for diving. Inland there is excellent canyoning and rafting on the Tavignano and Golo rivers.
