Language
Currency
Emerging proudly from the waters of the western Mediterranean, the majestic porphyry cliffs, sprawling forests of chestnut and oak, sweeping valleys tickled by busy streams and heavenly powder-soft white sands of Corsica come together in a rhapsody of sights, sounds and smells to form a traveller's dream.
Every year, visitors make the pilgrimage to the Isle of Beauty, to bask in the Mediterranean sun and to explore the rugged hiking trails, jaw-dropping panoramas and pristine waters of this oft-overlooked Mediterranean island.
Divided by the line of mountains that cut through its fabled hinterland, the Haute Corse of the north and Corse-du-Sud in the south offer countless jewels to be discovered and savoured by tourists in search of new experiences and an authentic slice of Mediterranean life. It is worth noting that the north/south divide is something of a misnomer, since the division between the two departments actually runs diagonal from south-east to north-west.
Having already explored the Haute-Corse, we turn our attention to the celebrated landscapes and fascinating history of the South of Corsica, with our list of experiences to broaden your mind on your next trip to Corsica.
Long before Corsica fell under the domain of France, its strategic position between the warring crowns of Southern Europe made it the object of various conquests and battles. One such event was the attempted conquest by Alfonso V, King of Aragon, who, having already taken Calvi in the North, in 1420 lay siege to the southern foothold of Bonifacio. Legend has it that one night his troops carved a jagged stairway into the limestone cliffs, leading from the sea to the coveted citadel of Bonifacio so as to spring a surprise on the unsuspecting inhabitants. Ultimately, it was unsuccessful, as the siege was abandoned in 1421.
As with many legends, this one is constructed on ground even more easily undermined than that of Bonifacio. The staircase had existed long before the arrival of any Aragonese troops, with records suggesting it was dug by Franciscan monks in order to gain access to the well below, while others believe it may have existed since Neolithic times. Today the well has run dry, but the steady stream of tourists who brave the 196 steps of the staircase remain.
Visually striking, both when viewed from the sea and up close, a walk along this tube-like cliffside path is one experience not to be missed on a trip to the south of Corsica.
Corsica's famous GR20 hiking route cuts a path from the north to the south of the island, and is notorious among avid hikers for its challenging climbs, with jaw-dropping views the deserved reward. It is not for the faint of heart. For those wishing to walk the full length of the trail, you should set aside 2 weeks to do so.
For others who have less time or inclination to take on the full scope of the GR20, exploring one section at a time can still provide the adrenalin and spectacular sights so keenly sought. One such section absolutely worth considering is that of the breath-taking Col de Bavella, a serrated mountain surrounded by Mediterranean forests, rock pools and fast flowing rivers.
To get there, take the D368 by car from Porto-Vecchio, a serpentine path that takes you through the gorgeous landscapes of the Alta Rocca, stopping off at the picturesque waterfall of Piscia di Gallu and the splendid village of Zonza, Before long you will find yourself at the Col de Bavella, where you can leave the car and set off on any one of several stunning hiking trails, all watched over by the jagged peaks of the majestic Col de Bavella.
On the celebrated beaches around Porto-Vecchio in particular, the feeling of fine, powdery sand between your toes, coupled with the sight of turquoise waters hit by the warm Mediterranean sun conjure something of the feel of the Caribbean.
Throw a towel down among the leafy surroundings and pristine white sands of the beaches of Palombaggia, Rondinara, Pinarellu or Sant Giulia and let the sound of children playing and the gentle lapping of the tide wash away your worries.
These crystalline waters extend along the unspoiled coastline from Bonifacio, past Porto-Vecchio and up to the Haute Corse, with some of the very best beaches on the island at every turn.
Corsica is blessed with a number of wonderful towns and villages, from the chic bars and restaurants of Calvi to the historic streets of the citadel of Bastia in the north and Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and the capital, Ajaccio, in the south.
While people (like me) wax lyrical about Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio and their abundance of paradisiacal beaches, and the area surrounding the UNESCO-recognised Scandola nature reserve adorn the walls of Instagrammers everywhere, the south-west coast of the island seems to have been squeezed out somewhat. But to overlook it would be to miss out on the vast history of Napoleon's hometown of Ajaccio, the curious megalithic site of Filitosa, the charming bays of Propriano and Cargèse and the untamed hiking routes that weave their winding way around some wonderfully unspoiled landscapes.
While the south east draws huge appreciation, it can also draw the crowds in summer. For those who opt to venture to the south-west of the island, a peaceful place of abundant natural treasures awaits.
Corsica's legendary hiking trails criss-cross the island, cutting, climbing, descending and weaving their way through some of the most majestic vistas found anywhere across the Mediterranean Sea.
The southern part of the island is home to a great many sites not to be missed. We have already spoken of the Col de Bavella and the mesmerising panoramas throughout the Alta Rocca, but further inland, tucked away among the scattering of waterfalls, gorges, valleys and lush forests you can find several small half-forgotten villages that seem to have been frozen in time.
The hilltop village of Olmiccia and the gentle streams and fields of Zicavo offer an almost Eden-like sanctuary, with crumbling ragstone walls and quaint houses suggesting a simpler life when time moved at a horse-drawn pace, fully insulated from the trappings of the modern world. While just into the Haute Corse, the former capital of Corte astounds with the dramatic hilltop view of its historic citadel and leafy environs.
Along towards the west coast, the gorgeous medieval town of Sartène is guaranteed to charm with its Genoese architecture and splendid views, while further up the coast beyond Ajaccio, you can find the picturesque Gorges de la Spelanca. All around the area closest the Gulf of Porto, the towns become mere scatterings of houses, built by people who need little more from life than the eternal beauty of the nearby bays and some of the most idyllic beaches on the island.
Lying in the Strait of Bonifacio between the southern tip of Corsica and neighbouring Sardinia, the small archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands is the ideal place to live out your castaway fantasies. Easily reachable by boat from Bonifacio, the islands' strikingly clear waters, smooth boulders and wisps of ivory sand are a world away from the almost violent appearance of the jagged peaks of the centre of Corsica. These 23 breathtaking islands, sometimes referred to as “ the Seychelles of the Mediterranean” form an archipelago of over 4 kilometres in the Mediterranean sea, although restrictions are in place to protect the rare native fauna and flora, with the main island, Lavezzu providing a safe haven for shearwater, Pudoin seagulls and crested cormorants.
The return trip takes you to the Cavallo Islands and along the coastline of Bonifacio, allowing you a different view of the old town and a peek inside the Sdragonato cave along the way. A day trip that will leave you with lasting memories.
Villanovo's handpicked selection of the finest luxury villas in Corsica takes in some of our favourite spots on the island, from Calvi to Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and Cargèse. Take a look through our fantastic rental villas and see if you can imagine yourself waking up one day in perfect luxury on the beautiful island of Corsica.
>>> Explore Villanovo's select range of luxury villas in Corsica
8 (10 max.)
4
2
8 (10 max.)
4
3
