FRANCE: Corsica
Immaculate beaches perfectly complement the lush countryside of this Mediterranean jewel. With crystalline waters shot with piercing hues of turquoise and aquamarine, it's easy to see why the ancient Greeks called Corsica 'kalliste', 'the most beautiful'.
The sweet smell of myrtle, lavender and honeysuckle heralds your arrival to this balmy isle. One of the last truly unspoiled corners of the Mediterranean, the French island of Corsica is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and spectacular beaches. Immense sandstone cliffs, crowned by Medieval citadels, rise up from the sparkling waters of the sea and give way to a hinterland cloaked in scented pines, gnarled olive trees and dense forests of chestnut and oak. A green mantle of wild 'maquis' veils the hillsides and sleepy, ochre-coloured villages spill down the verdant valleys. Take a walk through any street in Corsica and nestled among the French cafes and boulangeries you'll find an intriguing assortment of Italianate buildings. For centuries, the island belonged to the Italian city-states of Pisa and Genoa. When Genoa fell into decline in the 1700's, Corsica was ceded to France. For a brief spell the British occupied the island but a young Corsican-born French officer, a certain Napoleon Bonaparte, ousted them for his motherland, re-instating French rule. This historical melange has undoubtedly shaped Corsica's cultural identity. Take a look at the road signs – place names appear in both French and the local Corsican tongue, which bears more similarity to Medieval Italian, than French. Incorporating the best of both worlds, Corsica is a vibrant collage of French and Italian influences and, as such, has a unique character all of its own that simply demands investigation. Please note: due to early flight times, apartments, villas and hotel rooms will normally be ready for check-in from 4pm on arrival day.
Beaches
Corsica's coastline plays host to countless hideaway coves and enticing beaches. Warm, translucent waters lap long swathes of talcum powder sands and the sea is a kaleidoscope of luminous turquoise, electric aquamarine, tantalising jade and deep sapphire. Of particular note are the beaches that surround Calvi and Santa Giulia. So dazzling are the waters and so white are the sands that you'd be forgiven for thinking that you're in the Caribbean.
Eating out
Effortlessly blending Italian and French cooking styles, eating out in Corsica is a gastronomic delight from sophisticated French restaurants to authentic bistros offering value for money set menus, which are always popular with holidaymakers. Try the cannelloni a brocciu, oven-baked pasta tubes filled with sheep's cheese served with a rich tomato sauce, or agnellu, barbecued lamb flavoured with herbs and served with fried peppers, tomatoes and onions. Wild boar roam free in Corsica's thick woodlands. Feeding on a diet of acorns and chestnuts, their meat has a distinctive taste. In the Corsican classic cingale, boar meat is marinated in red wine and brandy and infused with herbs and fennel. Desserts as just as tempting and dishes such as tiramisu and creme brule give a nod to Corsica's Italian and French heritage.
Nightlife
With its chic, palm-fringed harbours, Corsica really is an extension of the French Riviera. If you can't resist the call of the glitter ball, Porto Vecchio, Propriano, Bastia and Ajaccio offer a good number of discos where you can dance the night away to the latest sounds. Calvi's another popular hotspot – its waterfront promenade is illuminated by the neon signs of various bars and clubs that pepper the quayside. With its wide range of piano bars and classy restaurants, Bastia's vieux port makes for a particularly good night out while Saint Florent is widely considered to be Corsica's answer to St-Tropez, attracting international jet setters from around the world.
Shopping
Looking to take a little something of Corsica home with you? Then head down to a street market and pick up some of the local produce. From honey and sweets to cheeses and charcuterie, there's plenty on offer. Fragrant perfumes and oils extracted from the wild juniper, myrtle and lavender bring to mind Corisca's sweet-smelling, maquis-covered hillsides. If you're looking for something a bit special, follow the 'strada di l'artigiani', the 'artisans' road', which stretches from Calvi and up to the L'ile Rousse. The quaint hilltop villages that line the route brim with craftsmen's workshops. Dedicated to preserving the island's rich cultural heritage and handicrafts, Pigna is the main centre for handcrafted goods. From music boxes to ceramic wares, you'll be spoilt for choice.
