Our guide to...

Corsica

Situated off the coast of France, Corsica is a mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a French region split into two departments (north and south), but is actually closer to Italy than it is to France. Both countries have had an influence over the culture of Corsica, leading to Italian and French foods both being available in abundance. Corsica’s beaches, lined with palm trees, look like they’ve been lifted straight from a holiday brochure. Soft white sands lead down to clear seas, and are surrounded by cliffs and forests. The island’s Parc Naturel Régional de Corse is a natural park home to rare species of plants and animals, and includes the Scandola Nature Reserve which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Corsican language is still fairly common, and is closer to Italian than it is to French. Visiting a restaurant you’ll find that Corsican wines, cheeses and meats are served alongside river fish and seafood caught in local waters. Tourists flock to Corsica for the great food and for the beaches, but quickly find that the island has so much more to offer.

Corse-du-Sud – the department taking up the southern part of the island of Corsica – includes the National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. If you’re an adrenaline-seeker then you’ll have the time of your life choosing between parachuting experiences, diving courses, long hikes and speedboat excursions to keep you constantly occupied. Visit the Grotte di Bonifaci – a large cave set into the side of a cliff – and take time out to see the turtles at Corse-du-Sud’s turtle and tortoise sanctuary, A Cupulatta. Corse-du-Sud is where you’ll find the colourful harbour town of Ajaccio, which is the island’s main cruise port and the most popular place for tourists to spend their time.

Haute-Corse is the northern department of the island of Corsica, and is best viewed on foot or from the Train de la Balagne which provides travel between the beaches and resorts. It’s got little harbour villages, with museums and colourful buildings, and in Calvi you can go horse-back riding along the coast and out into the shallow waves. Book your place on a boat trip, and capture the coastline on camera, before visiting one of the great seafood restaurants at any of the top tourist resorts. At night, those little harbour villages are even more spectacular with lights that dance over the water. Haute-Corse gîte holidays are perfect for a romantic break with beaches, fine foods and plenty of natural beauty spots for long and leisurely strolls.

Areas of Corsica

Corse du Sud
Corse-du-Sud - the department taking up the southern part of the island of Corsica - includes the National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. If you're an adrenaline-seeker then you'll have the time of your life choosing between parachuting experiences, diving courses, long hikes and speedboat excursions to keep you constantly occupied. Visit the Grotte di Bonifaci - a large cave set into the side of a cliff - and take time out to see the turtles at Corse-du-Sud's turtle and tortoise sanctuary, A Cupulatta. Corse-du-Sud is where you'll find the colourful harbour town of Ajaccio, which is the island's main cruise port and the most popular place for tourists to spend their time.

Haute Corse
Haute-Corse is the northern department of the island of Corsica, and is best viewed on foot or from the Train de la Balagne which provides travel between the beaches and resorts. It's got little harbour villages, with museums and colourful buildings, and in Calvi you can go horse-back riding along the coast and out into the shallow waves. Book your place on a boat trip, and capture the coastline on camera, before visiting one of the great seafood restaurants at any of the top tourist resorts. At night, those little harbour villages are even more spectacular with lights that dance over the water. Haute-Corse gîte holidays are perfect for a romantic break with beaches, fine foods and plenty of natural beauty spots for long and leisurely strolls