Affectuously called “L’Île de Beauté” (Beauty Island) by the French, Corsica lies to the South-east of continental France in the Mediterranean Sea.
The island of Corsica
Its two main cities, Bastia and Ajaccio, are linked to the continent (France and Italy) with an incessant stream of ferries, which contributes to the island’s touristic success. Every year, more than 2 million visitors set foot in Corsica and its wild mountainous territory.
- Corsica © P Corbet – French Moments
Corsica is renowned for its beaches, which are said to be the most beautiful ones in Europe. Transparent water and white sandy beaches are often found far away from any roads or houses, in overwhelming proximity of the mountains.
A multitude of deep-blue coves is punctuated by singularly shaped copper-tinted rocks, making the site incredibly photogenic.
- Bonifacio, Corsica © Patricia Corbet
L’Île-Rousse, Calvi or Porto-Vecchio are amongst the most popular destinations for visitors looking for the authentic spirit of Corsica, while Bonifacio’s fantastic setting on top of the cliffs will always surprise any visitor.
- Mountains of Corsica © Olivier Risnes
Inland are magnificent mountains, peaking up to Monte Cinto at 2,706 metres. Gorges and intimate little villages surrounded by chestnut tree sand pine forests and maquis are yet to be discovered. The epic GR 20 footpath winds some 170km from the Calenzana to the North (12km from Calvi) to Conca to the South (22km from Porto Vecchio). For many, the arduous long-distance trail offers Corsica’s most spectacular views while getting to experience the Corsican wilderness at its best.
Without a doubt, Corsica deserves its nickname for the overwhelming beauty of its landscapes!
