Although a French territory, Corsica is closer to Tuscany (90 km) than to the Cote d’Azur (170 km). Also known as l’Îl e de la Beauté, at 180 km long and 80 km wide, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The language spoken here is closely related to the dialect of Tuscany whilst the cuisine is a bold mix of French and Italian, giving the island a unique identity.
With 1,000 kilometers of dazzling coastline and over one third of the island occupied by nature reserves, Corsica is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Its sparkling blue waters, teeming with marine life, are a magnet for divers, whilst the GR20, one of Europe’s finest and toughest long-distance treks, rewards hikers with some of the most diverse and unique landscape on the continent. In one way or another, this Mediterranean paradise stirs all your senses, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in its distinctive culture than with a stay at one of the luxury villas in Corsica.
In the south of the island, the sophisticated port towns of Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio are particularly popular with the international yachting crowd, but also attract those with an interest in culture and history. The beaches around Porto-Vecchio, including Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, are renowned for their powdery sands, crystal-clear aquamarine waters and wonderful facilities. Some of Corsica’s most dramatic scenery can be found along the rugged western coastline, where picturesque villages top the hills and the red cliffs of the Calanches plunge into the deep blue sea.
Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon and the island’s capital city, serves up a taste of the Riviera. Its pretty harbour and captivating Old Town is teeming with cobblestone lanes, boutiques and lively cafes.To the north, sunny Calvi is Corsica’s most upmarket destination, with a chic mix of restaurants and brasseries lining its broad seafront walkway. Dominated by a magnificent Genoese citadel, the resort is home to a glamorous yacht marina and a beautiful beach backed with trendy bars.
The best months to visit Corsica are May, June and September as July and August are extremely busy. The island’s climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and moderate winters, but bear in mind that there are considerable differences between the coasts and the mountains.
