Wild, lush and beautiful are describing words for Corsica. The island in the Mediterranean, south of Nice, is called ”the Island of Beauty” by the French (Ile de Beauté), and this is not without reason. Here, you will find wonderful small bays with turquoise water and long, white sandy beaches, tight chestnut forests, lush olive groves and high mountains.
Corsica invites for a relaxing holiday by the ocean, cultural holiday or sports holiday for families with children, sports enthusiasts or the romantic couple.

The landscape of Corsica

Corsica offers overwhelming, varied and fascinating landscapes by reason of the three climate zones that are on this island. On the west coast, you will find steep rocks that go all the way into the sea, and on the east coast, flat, white, sandy beaches. Inland, the mountains are steep and beautiful, and the rivers purl through great, shadowy, chestnut forests, which are among the largest in Europe.
There you will find maki, cactus and palm-trees. Along the roads of the coasts, you will see olive and fruit trees, and on the Eastern side of the island, you will find avocado, lemon and kiwi trees.

Large cities on Corsica: Ajaccio and Calvi

The capital of Corsica and the birth town of Napoléon, Ajaccio, is located beautifully in the lovely Ajaccio bay. The city offers boat trips along the west coast of Corsica and train-ride with the legendary mountain railway.

The old fishing town, Calvi, is one of the most beautiful towns of Corsica, from where some of the best trekking routes of this island depart. The town is located on a peninsula by a beautiful bay with good beaches close by. The city is dominated by the great, high citadel, from where there is a breathtaking view.

Tourist attractions on Corsica

A holiday on Corsica offers many tour possibilities. In the three largest cities, Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi, there are interesting history and architecture. In the smaller, picturesque villages, you will find small, cosy markets and small shops with interesting arts and crafts.

If you are on holiday on Corsica, a trip to the city Bonifacio is a MUST. On the south-western coast of the island, this odd city is located on almost vertical, white limestone rocks that protrude over the sea and form a line of interesting grottos that can be visited by boat trips from the port.

One of the greatest tourist attractions of Corsica is the small, narrow, mountain railway. The beautiful train ride goes from beaches and palms in Ajaccio, through mountains, tunnels and wild, undisturbed landscapes to the wine town, Ponte Leccia, and then to either Calvi or Bastia.

One third of the island is laid out as a protected natural park and includes some of the most beautiful parts of the island. There are 2000 km of marked trekking paths of different levels of difficulty.
Wine is a good and interesting theme for a holiday on Corsica. The wine producers’ organisation, CREPAC, has planned a special wine tour ”Route des Vins d'Appellation” with places to visit and taste.

Sports activities on Corsica

Nature and the climate on Corsica make it possible to do many different kinds of water sports and activities in the mountains. For inspiration, diving, snorkling, kayaking, jet-skiing, waterskiing, surfing, trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, golfing, alpine and cross-country skiing, etc. could be mentioned.

Gastronomic characteristics of Corsica

The Corsican cuisine is not a copy of the French, even though it is inspired by it, but often has a rural touch to it. The Corsican specialties include, among others, sea eel, perch, octopus, moray and river trout from the mountain rivers. After the main course, the Corsican charcuterie offers different types of sausage as well as smoked or salted ham.
Corsica is also known for its wonderful cheese, for instance ”U Brocciu”, a fresh and watery cheese of sheep or goat milk, fromage de Brebis, Petit Cap Corse and Calenzana.
Also remember to taste the chestnut which is also included in many dishes.

The climate of Corsica

Corsica has hot and dry summers and mild winters. The summer is hot with temperatures up to 36 degrees by the coasts, while spring and autumn are mild. Generally, the southern part of the island is hotter.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from Maison de la France. Photographers: Hervé Le Gac, Jean Malburet and F. Milochau.