Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
Plenty more secrets lie beyond Corsica's picture postcard scene of a turquoise cove lined with pine trees. Mountains and rivers, cliff-top villages, historic and lively cities : from north to south, a meandering journey allows you to get to know 'the Island of Beauty' better.
Sitting in the shade of a century-old olive tree, it's hard to drag yourself away from Hotel Palazzu's patio. The scents of the cedars of Lebanon and the Caribbean lime trees mingle over the fountain in this land suspended between sky and sea. This is Cap Corse, a rocky peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean. Explore the northern tip of the island, turning sharply towards the seascape of Centuri before returning to the eagle's nest village of Nonza. There, from the iconic Genoese tower, contemplate the wild elegance of the sharp grey pebble beach beside the turquoise sea; then dive in. Then go back to Saint-Florent for a taste of glamour before picking up the scrub again in the spectacular Agriates desert and finally cooling down in the translucent water of Saleccia. Then drop in on the hilltop villages of Balagne, the coastal villages of Corbara, Pigna and Lumio and give in to the baroque, celebratory charm of Calvi with a night in an 18th century Genoese residence. Another option is to move away from the Big Blue and head for the heights of the hinterland. Climb to Corte, beneath the island's highest peaks, for a night surrounded by cool chestnut groves on the banks of the Restonica River. The next morning, wander down these gorges, spot the wild pigs and bathe in a pool.
Alix Pardo
Then turn slowly westward, on a winding asphalt road to the sea and Porto. For the first time in a while, look at your watch or simply the sun, to be first in line for a magnificent show classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the calanques (inlets) de Piana at sunset. Then take the same route from the terrace in Piana, via some local lobsters to the end of the Gulf of Porto. Look into the distance as tomorrow you will kayak in the Scandola Nature Reserve. On the way south, stop over in Greece, in Cargese, a quiet village where one of the two churches recalls a 19th century colony of immigrants from the Peloponnese who were no doubt familiar with the softness of the lights and the colour of the water.
After yet another hike in the translucent Gulf of Sagone, arrive back in the imperial city of Ajaccio. Take the pulse of this city, just as vibrant in winter as in summer, starting at the market in the early morning, then moving to coffee in Napoleon Square. Finally, after a nose around the impressive Fesch Museum, follow the Ajaccians along the route des Sanguinaires (bloodthirsty) to one of their hidden coves. There, opposite the islands and echoing the night spent at the Carpe Diem Palace, savour every moment of this last day in beautiful Corsica, from the surprise visit of the dolphins, to dinner in the straw hut.
Given our parent company, Voyageurs du Monde, are based in Paris, our French travel tips are second to none, and are constantly being updated with local knowledge. Supplemented by this first-hand expertise, our well-travelled team can tailor itineraries to your preferences... think the likes of wine-tasting tours organised by our Conde Nast Wine Regions Specialist, cheese-making in the mountains or tours of Paris in a vintage car. Equipped with nothing but school-level French? Fear not; our trusty Concierges and guides are on hand in places like Corsica, where English speakers are scarce.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
From quaint labyrinthine streets and ancient mountainside buildings to flower-filled gardens and picturesque ports, certain villages in the south of France
2nd February 2025 - France Travel Inspiration
After seasoned skiers have retired their boots for the year and après paused for the warmer months, summer graces the French Alps with a soul-warming hug.
11th June 2024 - France Travel Inspiration
If Paris is the ‘City of Love’, then we’re certain cheese falls under its charm. Across France, cheese is considered the country’s culinary crown jewel, with almost 1,500 varieties.
13th December 2023 - France Food & Drink
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
