Corsica
Corsica remains a favorite among vacationers from around the world.
Corsica is an island on the southeast of the French coast that boasts a lively and long history that digs in deep with architecture and natural beauty. Accessible by plane or boat, Corsica is known to have been often conquered, but never subdued. The island’s rich history and Mediterranean location has forged a diverse culture and chic nightlife. Visitors can take advantage of pristine beach front life, hiking trails through beautiful, marked mountain passages, and aquatic activities in seas that are unrivaled around the world for beauty.
History and geography of Corsica
 The island of Corsica is the celebrated birthplace of conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte and shares many historically significant locations with visitors. Being off the coasts of France and Italy has its benefits for Corsica. Less than 200 miles from the decadent Cote D’Azur, Corsica adopted much of the luxurious tastes of their refined French parent. The island claims more than a 1,000 km of coastline with 200 beaches interspersed. Ajaccio, Bastia, Corte, and Calvi include the larger cities of Corsica, and there are dozens of beautiful and quaint smaller towns and villages dotting the mountainous terrain and coastline. Visitors are encouraged to walk the scenic trails of the mountain passes, interacting with the natural beauty of the island and getting to know the real Corsica.
The coastal areas are lined with protected beaches
The beaches are a driving factor in Corsican tourism due to their amazing quality and variety of activities; therefore, the Corsican government has protective regulations established for many areas. The eastern coast facing Italy is filled with idyllic strips of beach with shops dotting the coastline for diners and shoppers. The nightlife along the coasts is vibrant and thriving, pulsing to the sound of international influence and flavor. The business owners have access to the freshest seafood from the Mediterranean, delivered daily to the four and five star bistros, cafes, and restaurants of the island.
Aquatic activities available anywhere on the Corsican coast
 With unprecedented access to the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, Corsica offers many aquatic activities for visitors to the island. From any major beach there are snorkeling and scuba diving excursions available. The prices are extremely moderate considering the location of the state. For approximately $70 per hour the dive masters will equip and escort divers to the beautiful formations and reef activity below the clear blue surface. For vacationers that want something more fast-paced and demanding, wind and kite-surfing are a great way to challenge the mind and body. The island’s strategic position in the northern Mediterranean provides strong winds along the coasts and makes any form of wind-driven sport fun and exciting. There are personal water craft available to those that just want to go boating or jet-skiing. The horizon is always speckled with the sails of ships idly anchored offshore or cruising slowly to destinations unknown.
Corsica’s interior offers endless adventure and amazement
When visitors to Corsica venture more inwards towards the protected areas of the island’s forests and mountainous areas they can experience the wonder that drives their tourism each year. The Corsican reluctance to allow development of their most celebrated areas has prevented the despoiling of its natural beauty and appeal. The inland areas are home to volcanic alpine lakes and rocky crags as well as high peaks overlooking lush, deep valleys. People can spend weeks exploring the trails and villages of the interior area of Corsica and not begin to scratch the surface. The villages along the highways and trails offer small-town hospitality to tourists, and the residents and shop keepers generously provide suggestions and traveling advice. Corsica has been a part of France since 1768, growing into a favorite vacation destination for Europeans, mostly French, Italian, German and Austrian visitors. The Corsican economy is largely based on tourism and the locals have spent a great deal of effort in making the island the closest possible to paradise on earth.
The island of Corsica offers something for every vacationer or thrill seeker. Whether visitors want relaxing Mediterranean beaches or hikes through picturesque mountains, Corsica provides the perfect balance of tropical paradise and mountainous vistas. |
Ajaccio is the largest city in Corsica with roughly 65 000 inhabitants, and its administrative and political capital. It is located on the west coast of the island. The Gulf of Ajaccio is considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica; it is deep and large, with numerous sandy beaches, especially the southern part of the bay, which hosts several beach restaurants, hotels, and the touristy town of Porticcio, accessible by road or in a few minutes by boat from Ajaccio’s harbor.
Bastia is the second largest city in Corsica, with about 45000 inhabitants. It is located on the north east of the island, at the basis of the Cape, very close to mountains yet on the sea, just like most of the island. 
Bonifacio is located at the southern tip of Corsica, directly facing Sardinia. There are only 12 kilometers between the two islands, and the town of Santa Teresa in Sardinia is easily accessible from Bonifacio by boat (one hour trip). Bonifacio is the most southern place in metropolitan France. The town is built on top of the beautiful white cliffs that make this city a famous touristy spot. Bonifacio is a very pleasant town with lots of shops open until very late, restaurants, and bars, many of them enjoy a breathtaking view over the sea to Sardinia. The spectacle of the illuminated cliffs facing the lights of the Sardinian coast is also wonderful at night. [Image: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT]
Cargese is a small town located on the west coast of Corsica, north of Ajaccio. It was founded by descendants of Greeks who had settled in Corsican in the 17th century, fleeing the Ottoman occupation of Greece. It is very famous in Corsica for having two churches, one of Byzantine Greek rite and one Catholic, facing each other over the main square of the town and the sea. The town is nowadays still referred to as “Cargese, the Greek”.
San Fiurenzu is a charming touristic town located in a gulf on the bottom west of the Corsican Cape. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and the local wine, Patrimonio, growing in vineyards close by. It was of course a Genoese city like most of Corsican cities, and has preserved its citadel. Saint Florent has a little yachting harbor, shops, bars and restaurants, and is a very pleasant beach town.
Corte is located in the heart of Corsica, in the mountains that cover the island, half way between Bastia and Ajaccio, at 450m high.
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