Corsica – in ancient Greek - “Kalliste” – the Island of Beauty lives up to its name. There are wild mountain regions, gently sloping hills and steep rocky cliffs with sandy coves. The whole region is made for walking and swimming. On all sides your eyes are drawn to the blue, clear water of the Mediterranean. Throughout the year the heady fragrance of the flowers of the interior wafts over the whole island. Napoleon Bonaparte, Corsica’s most famous child, claimed he could recognise the smell of his native island blindfold…

In this most southerly part of France, the sun shines on average some 300 days per year.

As for Corsican cuisine, it is so varied and full of pleasant surprises that you cannot resist the urge to collect the best recipes and take them home with you. Among local produce, the wine must hold pride of place with olives, chestnuts, the marvellous pork sausages and the mountain cheeses made using sheep or goats milk.

The Corsicans are a proud people, jealous of their independence, fervent defenders of its customs and its language. When you get to know them, you will very quickly recognise their warm character and – who knows – become firm friends.

The location

The holiday villa is sited away from the busy tourist areas; set in large grounds on which grow majestic oaks, cork trees and pines. The fine sandy beach of Saint Cyprien is only a few hundred metres away and can be reached in swimwear via an idyllic path through the maquis.

Porto Vecchio, formerly a fishing port and now a lively holiday centre, is about 15 minutes away by car. In the immediate vicinity, in Sainte-Lucie and Saint-Cyprien, there are shops, restaurants and a post office.

The holiday villa has four apartments designed so that their occupants do not disturb each other. All the apartments have either a patio or a balcony from which you can enjoy a superb view of the bay of Saint Cyprien and its small island. The ground floor patios give direct access to the garden where children can play freely.

The apartments are furnished in a rustic style and have all modern conveniences (bathroom/WC or shower/WC; modern kitchenette). Each unit also has garden furniture and a gas barbecue. Two of the apartments also have fine fireplaces in the lounge.

Guests bring their own bed linen and towels. Hire of linen and towels may be available, please contact us for information. info@boisdespins.com

In Cirindinu, almost every sport imaginable is to be had either close to hand or a little further afield. In Saint Cyprien, for example, boats, water skis, wind surf boards, cycles and horses can be hired.

Cirindinu, on the other hand, also lends itself perfectly to “dolce farniente”, to relaxation, rest and gentle walks in a countryside which has remained unspoilt.

How to get to Corsica

The best way to get by car to the Island of Beauty is to go to Marseille, Toulon or Nice or Savona or Livorno in Italy and to take the ferry to Corsica. In this way, your holidays will start with a “mini cruise”… The ferries are very comfortable and have cabins, restaurants, bars etc. There are many departures from the mainland in the evenings and this will enable you to arrive – refreshed – in Corsica early in the morning.

The nearest airport is Figari, about forty minutes by car from Cirindinu. In the high season, there are direct flights from various European countries. Please see our information on Travel to Corsica. Out of season, it possible to leave from Nice, Marseille or Paris and Livorno.