Corsik

Crystal-clear waters with shimmering turquoise and aquamarine reflections, soft stretches of fine sand: Corsica's beaches are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Those in the south are undoubtedly the most famous - how can you resist the blue lagoon of Rondinara, Palombaggia or Santa Giulia? But there are many others, all around the island, just as beautiful, but more confidential. One example is the beach at Arone (Piana). With your feet in the turquoise water, it's like being at the end of the world.

In the hinterland between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse, Balagne is a succession of open-air amphitheatres crowned with delightful hilltop villages. Cutlers, luthiers, potters and cabinet-makers keep the traditional crafts alive in Corbara, Pigna, Feliceto, San Antonino, Belgodère... Take the time to wander through the maze of cobbled streets and colourful houses with blue shutters.

For many, it's one of the most beautiful corners of the Isle of Beauty: Cap Corse points its mountainous, verdant spine 40 km to the north of the island, opposite the mainland. The corniche road that winds around it from Bastia offers spectacular views, a succession of vertiginous peaks, fishing hamlets nestling at the foot of the relief, such as Erbalunga and Centuri, or suspended between sky and sea like Nonza, Pino or Rogliano. Our advice: travel from east to west to fully appreciate the landscapes.

From Calvi to L'Île-Rousse, the resorts of Balagne are served by the little beach train, affectionately nicknamed ‘u trinighellu’. Over a distance of almost 75km, the train travels close to the sea, almost right up to the water's edge, stopping at each of the many beaches: Sainte-Restitude, Ondari-Arinella, Giorgio, Algajola and so on. Truly picturesque, and a great way to avoid the summer traffic jams!

Authentic flavours: Corsican gastronomy gives pride of place to local produce. These include cured meats such as figatellu, prisutu and coppa, lamb, young wild boar, and the famous brocciu, a fromage frais made from goat's or sheep's milk. Chestnuts yield a flour used in many dishes, as does honey. As far as the sea is concerned, the catch of the day features prominently on coastal menus. As for the wines, they are a reflection of the island: full-bodied but delectable.

Get behind the wheel! The car is the best way to enjoy Corsica in all its diversity - and often the only way, as public transport is underdeveloped. Let's face it, you'll need a car, if only to get to the beach of your dreams. And you'll enjoy it too: the narrow, winding roads of Corsica are part of the island's charm, with every bend revealing new and enchanting landscapes. You'll also learn very quickly: in Corsica, we think in terms of journey time, not kilometers. The average speed is just over 50 km/h!

If you like hiking, you'll love Corsica. Of course, there's the GR20, the legendary trail that runs for over 200km from Calvi in the north to Conca in the south, via Corte. Or the less challenging Mare a Mare and Mare e Monti routes. Corsica also offers countless possibilities for walks accessible to all levels, in particular the so-called ‘customs officers' trail’. At Cap Corse, Bonifacio and all around the island, this seaside path offers fabulous panoramic views.