Highlights - Corsica
They don't call it the Isle of Beauty for nothing: immersed in the splendours of the Mediterranean, Corsica has a wild spirit that can never be tamed. We have put together a list of experiences to help you get the most out of your Corsican cruise.
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Essential - Corsica
Corsica captivates nature enthusiasts, enchants beach lovers, and wins travellers' hearts with its impressive landscapes and friendly residents. We have put together some useful information to peruse before your trip to Corsica.
Read more
Highlights - Corsica
They don't call it the Isle of Beauty for nothing: immersed in the splendours of the Mediterranean, Corsica has a wild spirit that can never be tamed. We have put together a list of experiences to help you get the most out of your Corsican cruise.
Sail to the Lavezzi Islands
A designated nature reserve, the Strait of Bonifacio offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding landscape. And the wonders don’t end there: just 10 km from the coast, a whole new world is waiting to be discovered. With their granite beaches and clear waters, the Lavezzi Islands are reminiscent of the Seychelles. Swimming and hiking are the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of this protected area.
Bask in the tranquillity of L'Île-Rousse
A few kilometres from Calvi, L'Île Rousse is one of the most iconic destinations in northern Corsica. It owes its name (the Red Island) to the orange colour of the local granite rock. The town is home to one of Corsica's first towers, built at the edge of the water by the Genoese in the 16th century. Its small port, its covered market filled with local products and its narrow streets all reflect the peaceful lifestyle of L'Île Rousse, which remains relatively untouched by time.
Visit the southernmost point of Corsica
Five kilometres from Ajaccio, Cape Pertusato juts out over the sea before melting into the water. The southernmost point of Corsica, it is found at the end of a scenic walk. Around fifty protected species thrive on these rocky slopes. Beyond the lighthouse that regulates the maritime traffic in the strait, the cape provides an incredible panorama, including the coast of Sardinia, the Lavezzi Islands and the island of Cavallo. At the foot of the cape, Saint-Antoine beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing swim in crystal-clear water.
Dive into pristine waters
The landscape of Corsica is set apart by its Mediterranean maquis and the sparkling waters that surround its coastline. Snorkelling is the best way to discover this stunning underwater world. From Calvi to Bonifacio and from the cove of Fica to the Bay of Santa Manza, the Isle of Beauty boasts a diverse selection of enchanting fauna, flora, aquatic landscapes and shipwrecks.
Live the high life in Bonifacio
Perched on the limestone cliffs overlooking the sea, the citadel of Bonifacio features an impressive rampart walk. On one side, visitors can see all the way to the horizon, while the other side looks out on the secluded port. From the crisscrossing cobbled streets of the upper city a tantalising glimpse of the sea awaits around every corner.
Essential - Corsica
Corsica captivates nature enthusiasts, enchants beach lovers, and wins travellers' hearts with its impressive landscapes and friendly residents. We have put together some useful information to peruse before your trip to Corsica.
Unique features
The King of Aragon's Staircase is one of the most fascinating curiosities in Bonifacio. According to legend, it was dug by hand by the king's troops on a night in 1420. From the sea, these 187 steps cut into the cliff are an impressive sight. The staircase was originally used to access the well of Saint Barthelemy, a source of fresh water that is no longer in use.
Essential phrases
Hello / good evening: bonghjornu / bóna sera
Goodbye: avvèdeci
Welcome: benvenuti
Excuse me: scusatemi
Thank you: grazie
Yes / no: ïé / innò
How are you?: Cumu và ?
I am well: Va bè
Gastronomy
Corsica is famous for its charcuterie and brocciu, a fresh white cheese made using a combination of whey and whole milk. This sheep or goats' cheese is used in many recipes: its mild flavour is ideal for cannelloni, savoury doughnuts or fiadone, a sweet and creamy tart flavoured with lemon zest.
Myths and legends
As the possible birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Calvi is very proud of its most famous son: there are carved panels and busts at the entrances of the city and a commemorative plaque on the ruins of the building where he may have been born. With no birth certificate to settle the matter, historians generally agree that the celebrated explorer was a native of Genoa. However, the fact that Calvi was founded by the powerful Genoese Empire in the 13th century has only helped to fuel this controversy!
In the spotlight
Launched by the National Museum of Natural History in Paris in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), La Planète Revisitée (Our Planet Reviewed) is a scientific exploration programme focusing on biodiverse yet overlooked areas. In May 2019, a team of researchers turned their attention to Corsica. They will be working their way across the Marine Natural Park of Cap Corse and Agriate until 2021, followed by the forests of Alta Rocca and Tartagine. Their research is aimed at enriching our knowledge of the region and discovering new species. You can follow the project's blog here.
Culture
Book. Lady Carrington did not set out to become an author. When she landed in Ajaccio in 1948, she never imagined that she would become the leading expert on the ethnology and history of the Isle of Beauty. In Granite Island: Portrait of Corsica, she paints a detailed picture of this unique natural landscape, its history, its relationship with Europe and its people. Shepherds, fishermen, seers, bandits, notables, intellectuals and autonomists... they all make up a fascinating cultural mosaic.
Music. Paghjella is a traditional Corsican style of polyphonic singing. Derived from the Corsican term paghju, meaning pair, it is actually sung in three parts. These short secular songs recount various episodes from the time of their creation, making the paghjella a vital part of Corsica's oral tradition. Sung a capella, these performances are more focused on emotion than vocal excellence. The performers therefore maintain physical contact to create a strong bond and help them sing in complete harmony.
Film. Thierry de Peretti is a Corsican actor and theatre/film director. Born in Ajaccio, his films are inspired by the landscape and modern history of the Isle of Beauty. "Corsica is a land of stories, which has spoken to me more than any great author," he explained to Télérama at the release of his film, A Violent Life, in 2017, describing his transition from the theatre to behind the camera.
Facts and figures
79 460Covering 79,460 hectares, the Natural Reserve of the Strait of Bonifacio is the largest nature reserve in metropolitan France. Stretching between Corsica and Sardinia, it is home to 37% of the species deemed "of Mediterranean importance", some of which are only found in this area. It also offers a range of beautiful landscapes, from the Lavezzi Islands to the cliffs of Bonifacio and from the Gulf of Ventilègne to the dramatic granite rocks.
