Description | Cuisine | Places of Interest

Major Cities: Ajaccio; Bastia; Bonifacio

Mediterranean island with great places to stay along sandy beaches or in mountain hideaways.

Untouched mountains, forests and coastline for hiking, biking or driving trips.

Unique traditions and history with local cuisine and several options for lodging from quaint homes to a wide range of hotels and Bed and Breakfast stays found by Henri for your trip.

Description

Corsica, known to the Ancient Greeks as Kallisto - "the most beautiful" - well deserves the name Island of Beauty. This island is one of the three largest islands in the Mediterranean. Half of its population is concentrated in the two main towns of Ajaccio and Bastia while the rest is scattered throughout the island leaving wide stretches of uninhabited terrain and large open spaces among the mountains, the forest and along the coastal area. Trees cover nearly half the countryside where mountain peaks reach to the height of 8,900 feet - all encircled by 600 miles of an enchanting coastline. Apart from wonderful sunshine, the quality that makes Corsica so special is its rich variety of people, scenery, traditions and dialects.

Ajaccio is Corsica's largest city as well as cultural center. It is also the birthplace of Napoléon. One can see on the Place de Gaulle the famous equestrian statue of Napoléon surrounded by his four brothers. Henri and I truly enjoyed the 9 km out to the end of the road where the sunsets were among the best of this world.

Bastia, the second largest city has a host of attractions such as the old port that overlooks the old town, the 17th century church of St. Jean Baptiste and the Chapel of the Conception which were magnificently decorated in the 18th century and the Museum of Corsican Ethnography in the Genovese Governor's Palace.

Bonifacio: Henri and I spent two weeks in 2002 on the island. We both fell in love with Bonifacio and the quai (dock) along the southern coast.  We met friendly people, enjoyed outstanding views and ate terrific seafood.

A stunning sight in Calvi is the Citadel or upper town with 13th-16th century ramparts which stand on a rocky promontory that juts out to the sea. The Gulf of Porto surrounded by red granite cliffs, is also beautiful, especially at sunset and during the fall.  Now the home of officer training for the Foreign Legion, this city is active all year.

Cuisine

Corsican wines are solid and colorful like the island itself. The food is excellent: sausages, smoked hams and salamis with an Italian influence. Wild boar, goat and lamb are popular, and fish and shellfish are found in abundance. Cheese and dishes prepared with sweet chestnuts are another specialty.

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Places of Interest

Ajaccio Birthplace of Napoléon, Bonaparte family home, Palais Fesch houses the imperial chapel for the Bonaparte family. Airport

Aleria Site of ancient Greek and Roman towns, Jerome Carcopino Museum of Matra exhibits objects recovered from the site

Bastia Bustling economic center of Corsica, Place St. Nicholas, Statue of Napoléon, Old Port, the Chapel of the Conception, Genovese Governor's Palace, Corsican Ethnography Museum.Major Ferry Port.

Calvi 13th-16th century citadel ramparts on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, one of the most impressive sites in Corsica

Corte Staircase of the Sainted Queen, Chapel, Citadel

Figari Overlooks the beautiful Bay of Figari

Ile Rousse Little 18th century town, sandy beaches

Porto Vecchio Commercial and sailing center

Propriano At the Gulf of Valinco, a haven for water sports lovers

St. Florent Large seaside resort and marina, dominated by Citadel, 13th century Cathedral of Nebbio.

Enjoy Corsica in the Spring, Summer or Fall.