Europeans have long known the natural beauty of Corsica. When the Greeks first saw the mountainous island, against the backdrop of the sparkling blue sea, they called it “Kallisté” (most beautiful).
While the French have been holidaying in Corsica for centuries, many Americans have yet to discover this magical place in many ways. The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, Corsica is a delightful port city, with towering mountains and incredible coastlines, sandy beaches and medieval towns. Corsica also has a fascinating history, with its cultural influences from Italy, North Africa and France. Many locals speak an Italian dialect, although the island is French and religious processions still pass through the cobbled streets.
So grab your hiking boots, swimwear, and evening gown for a walk along Corsica's bustling harbor.
Bonifacio:
The ancient fortress of Bonifacio, located on limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica. Founded in the 9th century by Pope Boniface II in Tuscany, the city is a delightful maze of cobblestone streets lined with old stone houses, open-air cafes, and shops selling honey, cheese, wine, and other Corsican specialties.
Carved into the chalk white cliffs, this magnificent diagonal staircase leads from the top of Bonifacio to a hidden well. According to legend, in a futile attempt to capture the city, the Aragonese soldiers allegedly made 187 stairs in one night. But like many stories on the island of Corsica, it's hard to know if it's true or not.
This stunning nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is world famous for its Calanche de Piana - dramatic red granite slabs that jut out of the sea and change color with sunset and sunrise - and the Genoese Watchtower atop the cliff. There are daily boat trips to the seaside town, but you can also explore the landscape on foot. Also in the area of the Scandola nature reserve, one of the most unspoiled places in Corsica. Because of its isolation, it has an amazing variety of marine life, offering some of the best snorkeling and diving in Corsica.
Commune of Piana
Nestled in the mountains overlooking the shimmering Gulf of Porto, Piana is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The picturesque village borders the Calanque nature reserves, and its bed flower houses, narrow streets and town squares make it a very attractive place to walk and stop for lunch.
Located off the coast of Bonifacio, these remote islands are something of a paradise. With their abundant marine life on the island, snorkeling and snorkeling are their trademark. There are secluded beaches for sunbathers. You can book a motorboat tour of Lavezzi, but tours leave daily from the port of Bonifacio.
This stylish resort is popular with Italian tourists and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, including Palombaggia, Tamaricciu, and Santa Giulia. If you want a completely different kind of travel, head inland to explore the mountainous Alta Roca region, with its gorges, rivers and waterfalls.
Grand Randon 20
One of the most famous tourist routes in Europe, the Grand Randon stretches over 100 miles along the Corsican Island. The route is quite difficult, and that is why few tourists have seen it. It passes through the wilderness of a glacial lake and dense forests, with glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the route you will meet huts for tourists, or you can use a guide.
