The Greek called it Kaliste ("The most beautiful") and Corsica merits its nickname "Ile de Beaute" (beautiful island). The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, Corsica offers a variety of landscapes from rugged coastline with sheer cliffs, sandy coves and azure blue sea to tall mountains with lush green slopes that smells from the fragrant herb scented maquis. Corsica 's numerous delights beg to be discovered time and time again.
Come on....Follow me on my tour to beautiful Corsica.
Western Corsica -A Breathtaking Rugged Coastline
The Gulf of Porto has the distinction of being
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the resort town of Porto you can
explore nearby natural wonders such as the Scandola nature reserve,
Europe’s only land and sea reserve; the Spelunca Gorge, a canyon of
breathtaking beauty and the Calanches of Piana, inlets with amazing
giant granite sculptures that turned from orange to red according to the time
of the day.
Central Corsica- Forrest, Rivers and Lakes
For an authentic taste of Corsica try the island’s interior
where you will encounter small villages untouched by time, lush forests,
mountains with tall peaks, lakes, splashing rivers and waterfalls. From the
historic town of Corte, you can set out on hiking trips to the nearby
Restonica and Tavignano Valleys. For energetic on foot exploration,
the famed long distance GR20 lead well fit hikers to the island’s
highest peaks.
Cap Corse, the Northern Tip of the Island
Bastia was founded by the Genoese in the 14th century and was for a
time the island’s capital. It is the gateway to the narrow mountainous
promontory of Cap Corse which faces the coast of France. Explore tiny
coves guarded by Genoese towers and picture perfect little fishing villages.
Eastern Coast -Beautiful Expansive Beaches
The Eastern side of the island, between Solenzara and San Nicolao are long stretches of fine
sandy beaches bordered by pine and chestnut forests. So, enjoy a relaxing
seaside vacation in the inviting waters along the Costa Serena or Costa Verde
where you can partake at multitude of water sports such as swimming, fishing,
jet skiing, sea kayaking, surfing, sailing, diving and more.
In the south, you will be impressed by the citadel town of
Bonifacio perched precariously atop a limestone cliff jutting out to sea at
the southern tip of Corsica
The Megaliths of Filitosa -Unesco World Heritage site
Near Sartene, impressive alignment of sculpted Menhirs dot the countryside dating some 6000 years ago.
Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, is set in
one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world with mountains in the backdrop.
Ajaccio’s light and colors worked wonders on Matisse who reportedly fell in
love with the south when he came for a visit. Here you can enjoy a stroll around
the old port lined with pastel colored houses and inviting café terraces.
Wild pigs and boars, ruminating cows, herds of goats and sheeps deambulate freely along the country roads and even on the beaches .
The traditional gastronomy of Corsica offers luscious cheese, charcuterie, fresh seafood and pastries made of chesnut flour. Delicious fruits and vegetables from the fertile plain of the Balagne region are the staples of the corsican meals.
Wine
Corsica has an important wine production ranging from the fruity wine of Patrimonio to the more robust eastern vin de corse.
When in Corsica, you must refresh yourself with the sparkling local water Orezza. No other brands will do here. Sante!!
tags: Corsica
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