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About Corsica

As one of France’s 13 regions, the island of Corsica is located south east of the French mainland and west of mainland Italy, yet only 11km north of the island of Sardinia, the Straits of Bonifacio separating them.​

Corsica has retained a separate identity from France with the original language of Corsu resembling Italian more than French. Known in France by its nickname ‘l’Ile de Beauté’ Corsica is becoming more and more popular but is still one of the least crowded Mediterranean destinations, offering rare and unspoilt cruising grounds to enjoy, yet has the facilities for superyachts in some of its ports and marinas.​

This scented Isle is a green and mountainous jewel rising from the sea. Corsica really does have it all… wild coastline with pine-fringed bays and hidden coves, warm Mediterranean beaches, majestic granite mountains, an immense national park, forest, myrtle scented scrubland, lakes, marshland, tropical palm trees, vineyards and delicious local food and wines. It is also home to one of Europe’s toughest treks – the GR20; a spectacular 180km trail along the spine of Corsica’s mountainous centre from north to south. ​
Superyacht facilities have improved, with Tino Rossi marina in Ajaccio, Portu Valineu in Propriano, Port de Plaisance Marinas in Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio and Calvi.

Ajaccio

Ajaccio’s greatest claim to fame is Napoleon Bonaparte who was born here in 1769. There are numerous museums and an impressive monument dedicated to Ajaccio's hero, and on August 15th every year the town celebrates his birthday in style. 

Ajaccio is a pleasant town to discover with narrow shaded streets leading to boulevards and small parks, with a beach that is backed by a tree-lined promenade. It has relaxed feel, with an exceptionally mild climate, and a wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops.

The port bustles with activity and if you wander along the quayside to the Jetee de la Citadelle you’ll be rewarded with great views of the town, marina and the Golfe d’Ajaccio. From the dock you’ll also be able to hop on a boat to the stunning Iles Sanguinaires, which - seen from the shores of Ajaccio - turn red as the sun sets (hence the name Bloody Islands). The daily market in the old town of Ajaccio makes an ideal opportunity to indulge yourself, and try some of the many fine pastries, cheeses and liquors on sale here.

Propriano

Situated on the West Coast of the Island, Propriano is equally distant from Ajaccio to the North, and Bonifacio to the South. Boasting beautiful white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, luxuriant sea green coves plunging to the water, and fantastic mountain views, Propriano has much to offer. Historically populated by Greeks, Pisans and Turks, this picturesque village was frequently invaded. 

Of interest to history buffs is the Prehistoric Site of Filitos with its statues and menhirs, dating back some 8000 years, as well as the Baths of Caldanes, a private and natural site of sulphurous waters with medicinal values at 38°C. 

More recently, the construction of the road between Ajaccio and Bonifacio contributed to the growth of the town and port. 

Today, the Port of Propriano has evolved to accommodate Superyacht tourism, and has many luxury services to offer, while remaining a more discreet and calm destination for those seeking a peaceful stay.

Bonifacio

At the southern tip of Corsica is the hilltop town of Bonifacio, from where ferries ply to neighbouring Sardinia and the islands of Lavezzi and Cavallo. Bonifacio enjoys a stunning isolated location at Corsica's southernmost point, with a narrow peninsula of dazzling white limestone cliffs creating a town site unlike any other.

The town is split into two distinct areas: The picturesque port is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and chic boutiques. In sharp contrast, the much photographed ‘VilleHaute’ is a maze of narrow streets flanked by tall Genoese tenements, and rises seamlessly out of sheer cliffs that have been hollowed and crafted by the wind and waves. Here you'll find the ruins of a Franciscan monastery and the Eglise Ste-Majeure built in the 14th century. Besides the beautiful setting, there are many good restaurants, shops, nightlife and an excellent golf course nearby.

Walkers will be rewarded with fantastic cliff top marked routes; and for those who prefer to sit back and relax, Bonifacio's sandy coves to the north of the Bonifacio Sound are a must! 

Porto Vecchio

Set on a hillock overlooking a beautiful deep blue bay, Porto Vecchio, 25km north of Bonifacio, has been rated as being one of ‘the most distinguished harbours in Europe’. Spectacular stretches of shoreline with white sandy beaches lie to the south; Palombaggia being the most popular, and Golfe de Santa Giulia coming a close second. There are many glamorous shops, and the modern marina is lined with cafés and hotels. Porto Vecchio offers good diving too.

Bastia

In the north of Corsica, the large city of Bastia is a busy and colourful port, the economic capital of Haute-Corse. A stroll around the old port with its 19th century Italian style buildings will remind you that you are on a real Mediterranean island.

The Place St-Nicolas is the ‘central hub’ with ferries coming and going to the mainland and Italy. Bastia has many beautiful monuments, churches and good restaurants. One can also take a trip to Cap Corse - the beautiful peninsula that stretches 25 miles north of Bastia. 

The market on Sunday morning is a lively place to visit.

St. Florent

Found on the western side of the base of the Cap Corse peninsula, it is the climate and nearby beaches and scenery that are the main attraction of St.Florent. Here, pale stone houses seem to rise straight out of the sea, overlooked by a squat, circular, Genoese Citadelle, built in the 15th century. Calling to mind a ‘St-Tropez’ of bygone days, with its yacht marina and typically Mediterranean tableau of sprawling quayside cafés and restaurant terraces - the key to St.Florent’s success is the marina, which is jammed with large yachts throughout the summer.

Heading north-west from the town, one can visit Saleccia - the village renowned for its white sandy beach, which is said to be one of the best beaches to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean. Finally make sure you sample the local wine - for the region is very fertile and produces one of Corsica’s best wines in the vineyards around Patrimonio. The village itself is 6km north-east of St.Florent, and makes a good place to start exploring (and tasting) the local wine.

Calvi

Westward along the coast, is Calvi, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Seen from the water, Calvi is a beautiful spectacle, with its three immense bastions topped by a crest of ochre buildings, backed by the soaring, snowcapped Monte Cinto just 20km inland. 

The town began as a fishing port on the site of the present-day VilleBasse, below the citadelle.

A fleet commanded by Admiral Nelson launched a brutal two-month attack on the town in 1794, when Nelson lost his eye; he left saying he hoped never to see the place again!

Today Calvi is a popular beachside resort with the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Golfe de Calvi. If you arrive towards the end of June, you'll be rewarded by a jazz festival with stalls that sell traditional Corsican fare. Boat / Tender excursions to the seaside ports of Galeria and Girolta are also worthwhile, or to the bustling beach resort of Ile Rousse, founded by Pasquale Paoli in 1758.

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Corsica
France

: https://www.visit-corsica.com/en/

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