A mountainous Mediterranean island in the French Channel, Corsica is home to stylish coastal towns, dense forests, and craggy peaks. The highest point in Corsica is the Monte Cinto, and nearly half of the island lies within Corsica National Park. Hikers can take advantage of the area’s many hiking trails, including the GR 20. The island is also home to beautiful beaches that vary in size, from the crowded Pietracorbara to the uninhabited Saleccia.
Bonifacio is a fortified village
The ancient fortress town of Bonifacio is a must-see for any visitor to Corsica. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, this ancient town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings. It has charming squares and small cafes. A massive gateway leads into the old town, which is easy to explore by foot. The old town focuses around the Place d’Arms and the Vieux Marche.
The medieval town was originally fortified in 828 by Count Bonifacio, a Tuscan. The fortification of the town was a defensive measure, as it was strategically located. After the Genovese era, the fortification was rebuilt by the French. After the signing of the Versaille treaty in 1768, the fortification was modernised.
The village was once besieged by King Alphonse V of Aragon, who ruled Sardinia. The village was defended by soldiers who dug a staircase through the cliffs. Women were also sent to patrol the cliffs, and they heard noises and rang an alarm. The Aragonais eventually moved on to other targets. The rift in the cliffs is still visible, and locals used it during the siege to collect fresh water.
Bonifacio is the oldest town on Corsica, and is mentioned in Homer’s “Odyssey” poem. Its name refers to a giant land in which the Greek hero Odysseus escaped from the Laestrygonians. Today, visitors can sample local cuisine such as honey-roasted baby piglet, Brocciu, and Figatellu.
Bonifacio is also home to two prehistoric sites. Near the village of Capello is the Araguina-Sennola cave shelter, and further north is the Vasculacciu chambered tomb. The Lady of Bonifacio site is a notable female burial and belongs to the Megalithic Culture. The sites are aligned to indicate that the Bay of Bonifacio served as a route to inland Corsica from very early times.
Porto Ota is a beach resort
Located on the D12 provincial road, the village of Ota is a typical Corsican town with winding alleyways and old stone houses. This charming town also features two Genoese bridges with perfect double arches, and a hiking trail that starts just next to the waterfront.
Porto is located on the west coast of Corsica and is near the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Girolata. There are numerous beautiful beaches nearby, and diving in the sea is a popular activity. The region is home to some of the best seabeds in Corsica. You can spot groupers, moray eels, and crayfish shoals while exploring the area.
The area around Porto is also home to many hiking trails. A 30-minute walk along the river will take you to the old stone bridge at Zaglia, which is listed as a historical monument. You can also head to the nearby forest of Aitone, which is renowned for its giant 100-year-old pine trees.
Porto Ota has a variety of amenities and is the main hub for tourism in the region. The town is also well situated for boat trips and exploration around the mountains. For hikers, Corte is an ideal base for the GR20 walk.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica is located here. The beaches are lined with turquoise waters, tropical vegetation, and rock formations. Despite the tourist industry, the town still has a traditional feel to it. The main port and its marinas are the main hubs of the town. Guests will find a variety of shops and restaurants in the town.
Apart from the beach, the town is also home to beautiful churches and historical sites. A visit to the Arch of Corte and the Musee de la Corse will allow you to explore the town and its surroundings. If you love hiking, you can also visit the restonica gorge and the ruins of the sheepfold.
Ajaccio is the capital
Ajaccio is the capital of Corisica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. The port city is located on the island’s rugged western coast. It was the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte in 1769, and is today a museum with family heirlooms. Napoléon was baptized in the 16th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral, which contains paintings by Tintoretto and Delacroix.
The city is home to numerous prehistoric sites and historical landmarks. It also boasts a science park and yacht harbour. It also has a long history as a major administrative centre. Ajaccio is home to the bishopric and prefect, and regular air and ferry services connect the town to the French mainland.
Ajaccio is home to several museums and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the city’s historic sites, and dine in its fine restaurants. The city also has plenty of accommodations, making it an ideal base from which to explore the region around the island.
Visitors can explore the historic city of Ajaccio by day. It’s also home to Napoleone Buonaparte, a Corsican of French descent who became the famous emperor. However, today, the island is facing serious economic problems. The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is much lower than in France, and the unemployment rate is high. Traditionally, the island’s economy was characterized by agriculture and livestock, but nowadays, other sectors have developed including tourism, construction, and public administration.
Ajaccio has a stunning seafront, with wide boulevards, splashing fountains, and stylish shops. The city has a laid-back lifestyle and offers a mellow atmosphere.
Agriates Desert
One of the best places to visit in Corsica is the Agriates Desert. The area offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. From a relaxing afternoon at the seaside in Calvi to a boat cruise to the Revellata peninsula, the Agriates Desert offers an exciting mix of fun and adventure. You can even relax at one of the natural swimming pools in the area.
The Agriates Desert is a vast expanse of land, which was once occupied by the Neolithic inhabitants. Today, it is largely a protected area. Visitors can go hiking in the desert or use the Agriates trail to access the main sites. The main trail begins at RD 18 and heads north. It is 13 kilometers long and leads to Malfalcu Cove and Plage de Ghignu. Another trail starts in Casta and goes to Saleccia.
The Agriates Desert is located on the north coast of Corsica. This arid landscape is a popular destination for nature lovers. It is the best place to see the local wildlife. The region has several oases with white sand and crystal clear water.
If you are looking for a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, visit the Agriates Desert. You won’t regret it. In two or three days, you can walk from the coast to the craggy hills of the mountainous plateau. Camping and refuges are available for visitors.
During the summer months, you can spend your holiday in Corsica with your family on a luxury sailboat tour, which takes you through the Agriates Desert and includes a delicious Corsican lunch. This excursion leaves every day at 10 am from Saint-Florent.
Scandola nature reserve
The Scandola Nature Reserve is located on the west coast of the French island of Corsica. It is part of the Corsica Regional Park and was established in 1975. It is an excellent place to observe wildlife and enjoy nature.
This beautiful nature reserve is ideal for hiking and offers a great view of the enchanting flora and fauna. This reserve is one of the best places to visit during your visit to Corsica. There are several beautiful beaches in this region, but some are more difficult to reach than others.
The Scandola nature reserve is one of Corsica’s most stunning attractions. The UNESCO-listed site has a diverse range of wildlife. In addition to sea life, it also features spectacular mountain formations and rocky colors. You can enjoy a peaceful day of hiking, scuba diving, or simply soaking in the scenery.
Located on the west coast of Corsica, Scandola Nature Reserve is a protected marine and terrestrial area that is a Unesco World Heritage site. It is home to many species of animals and plants, including dolphins, seals, and eagles. There is also an area on the seabed that is inaccessible by land, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Corsica.
The UNESCO-designated Red Granite Reserve, located south of Calvi, is another must-see spot. You’ll be amazed by the unique shapes and colours of the Red Granite rock formations. Getting to the reserve is best done by boat.
