Few places, if any, embody the Mediterranean way of life more than this mountainous island, awash in natural wonders that know no bounds. They don’t call it the ‘Isle of Beauty’ for nothing. Words by Matty Hirsch.
No doubt one of Corsica’s most impressive natural highlights, this series of sharp, craggy pink granite rock faces along the Gulf of Porto, between Ajaccio and Calvi, plunges straight down into the Mediterranean. Brave the hairpin turns at sunset when the vivid colours deepen even further, highlighting bizarre, eroded shapes and shadows.
Follow an ancient inland mule trail between the small villages of Evissa and Ota for one of the island’s most splendid hikes. Arched centuries-old Genoese bridges punctuate a river valley that’s studded with giant boulders, forming rock pools that invite relaxation as mountains rise high in the distance.
A snow-white marble statue of Notre Dame des Neiges welcomes adventurers to this staggering mountain pass, over 1,200 metres above sea level set against the needle-sharp spikes of the surrounding Alta Rocca range. Hikers and bikers of all levels should take advantage of the many trails that start from this scenic spot.
Take a vacation from your vacation by jetting off to this cluster of small granite archipelago, ten or so kilometres southeast of Bonifacio. Tiny, barren islands of big rocks and white-sand-and-shell beaches pop out from the sea while under the surface, the stony seabed teems with marine life — a snorkeler’s dream.
Perched high upon limestone cliffs, the impressive citadel that encloses this maze of narrow cobblestone streets dates back to the ninth century. It’s a steep climb from sea-level, but the views from the top are well worth it. Be sure to descend all 187 King Aragon steps, carved into the cliff face in 1420. Dizzying, but dazzling.
Nothing exudes a distinct sense of place quite like a morning stroll through stalls selling wild honey, sharp sheep’s milk cheeses, tangy olives, cured meats, fresh seafood and locally grown produce. Ajaccio’s Place César-Campinchi is home to one of the island’s largest, but the covered market in Île-Rousse is also worth a wander further north.
There’s a mystical, primordial spirit that surrounds this megalithic site, known for menhir statues carved with human features that date back to the Bronze Age, as well as other archaeological finds. Completely captivating in their own right, but particularly so with a dramatic backdrop of scrubby, overgrown rolling hills.
A comfortable hour’s hike from the town of Soccia is the only way to reach this tucked-away treasure. Water lilies dot the lake’s mirrored surface, which reflects the surrounding forest of Laricio pine trees with perfect symmetry. Pack a picnic and find a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
Humble, weathered stone buildings dotted with pale blue shutters and capped by red-tile roofs characterise this tiny medieval hilltop commune, famed for ceramics among other artisan handicrafts. Just because you’ve seen it in your dreams, doesn’t make it any less impressive in reality.
At once both a land and marine reserve, this UNESCO World Heritage wonderland on the island’s northwest coast can only be accessed by sea. Jagged red cliffs jut out of the turquoise waters forming a seemingly endless coastline of rugged, untamed landscapes.
The relaxed riviera vibe is alive and well in this small port town boasting a glimmering, yacht-filled marina and a 16th-century citadel. Watch time go by with an apéritif in the quaint main square, the Place de la République, or grab an ice-cream cone and saunter down the little laneways at your leisure.
