The Trails of Corsica: Cap Corse, Corte & Bonifacio

Nestled in the valley, the hotel enjoys a superb location, with a symbol of Corsican patriotism, the San Francescu convent, standing proudly nearby. In the village, the magnificent church of Saint Andre has a beautiful 16th-century wooden triptych, depicting the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus between Andrew the Apostle and Saint Reparata. Continue a little to the west, to the Nebbio region; Cap Corse is to the north and Saint-Florent, with its Genoese citadel and impressive 13th-century Pisan Romanesque cathedral, is just over two miles away. Take your time to soak up the beaches, including the white sandy beach of Roya, Ospedale with its pink pebbles and Loto, in the heart of Agriates desert, reached by boat or a five-hour walk on the old customs officers' trail (which starts from Saint-Florent and leads to Ostriconi). The maquis is a wild, green haven of tangled evergreen oaks, heathland plants, mastic trees, myrtles and cistus. It fills the air with sweet smells, while the sea matches the blue sky. Included in the itinerary is a day spent exploring Cap Corse between sea, mountains and desert, on paths only accessible by 4x4. The peninsula is nearly 25 miles long and six to ten miles wide and paints the perfect picture of wild Corsica, far from the crowds. Wander the steep streets of Sisco, visit a distillery, and then head to the village of Santa Severa and relax on a terrace. Tamarone beach is a lovely spot for a swim, followed by a visit to Rogliano wind farm with beautiful views of Cap Corse. Alternatively, or in addition to Cap Corse, explore the Agriates desert, also in a 4x4. Or head out on a boat to the protected beach of Saleccia, one of the most beautiful on the island with its soft sand, crystal clear waters and majestic Aleppo pine trees.

Head to the centre of the island, towards Corte and Restonica Valley. Enjoy a three-night stay in a lovely riverside setting in the middle of nature and all its sensual fragrances. This hotel offers an enchanting location in the heart of nature; it's the perfect base to explore inland. Have dinner at 'Auberge de la Restonica' on the banks of the river, a restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine with local accents.

In the heart of Corsica, the imposing citadel of Corte enjoys a beautiful location, standing proudly between the Monte Rotondo, and retains its role as a crossroads between the two parts of the island. The museum retraces the island's troubled past, while the winding, narrow streets of the old town are just waiting to be explored. Everywhere you look is the splendour of Corsican nature, from the crystal clear waters of the Restonica and Tavignano rivers to the majestic landscapes of the Melo and Capitello lakes. Another option is to take a private tour of Corte, its citadel and museum.

Drive to Bonifacio, on the southern tip of the island. Spend three-nights staying just outside the city, overlooking the Gulf of Santa Manza. The hotel is designed with intertwined terraces to allow for as many sea views as possible. Tranquillity and majestic beauty reign supreme in the surrounding area. The bright rooms are a great example that contemporary design can be seamlessly blended with traditional Mediterranean style. The infinity pool is perfectly integrated into the landscape and a path takes guests down to the beach below. The spa, featuring soothing wood everywhere, only looks after one guest at a time, so enjoy this ultimate pampering experience. The restaurant is run by a talented Senegalese chef, who skilfully combines subtle Mediterranean flavours with more elaborate ones.

Bonifacio's glory begins with its impressive crumbling white cliffs, which have slowly been shaped and hollowed out by erosion from the elements. Surrounded by the sea, this limestone lace is a natural wonder to behold. The upper town, surrounded by imposing ramparts, is home to countless medieval buildings. Below, the harbour looks out onto the Strait of Bonifacio and you can spot Sardinia in the distance. Idyllic, sandy beaches are everywhere you look. Sail to the Lavezzi archipelago or take a kayak to explore the coves and find your own little slice of paradise. As for the hinterland, Freto's plains and mountains are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, quad biking or canyoning adventures, or discovering the plant life or the rural culture shaped by hard work and patience. The inns serve hearty 'civet de sanglier' (wild boar stew made with chestnuts and fennel) and delicious 'tarte aux figues' (fig tart).

Head inland to Bavella, with its grandeur, rugged terrain and lush forests, which encapsulates the distinctive features of this island's landscape. Here, you'll find perpetually shifting shapes and a colour spectrum that ranges from the lightest red to the deepest grey, all interwoven with vast Laricio pine forests. For the most breathtaking vistas, particularly the iconic Bavella Needles, venture to the pass bearing the same name, nestled within the regional park at an altitude of 3,996ft. This pass serves as the starting point for numerous hikes suited to all skill levels, including the fascinating geological feature known as the bomb hole. Accessible within an hour, and shaded by pine trees, this path provides a relatively safe introduction to the world of high-altitude mountain terrain. The hike then continues along the GR20 trail to the Paliri Refuge, offering captivating views of Punta Tafunata.