I have listed a few ideas that may help you enjoy your stay in Corsica. These cover the South, and I start at the southern most tip of BONIFACIO.

As far as sheer beauty is concerned Bonifacio is the unrivalled capital of Corsica

This is how Bonifacio was described by the French poet Paul Valery. The Old Town here, an historical must, was built on the top most over hanging ledge of white chalk cliffs and is a natural phenomenon whether viewed from its heights, 65m above sea level or from offshore. The cliffs also protect a 1,600 metre inlet culminating in a calm-watered harbour which is alive with tourists and sailing boats during the summer months. Restaurants, bars and smart boutiques flank each side and a daily ferry can be taken across the 7 mile stretch of water to the neighbouring island of SARDINIA. There is also an attractive 18-hole Golf course at the nearby GULF OF SPERONE.

Just out of Bonifacio is the Gulf of SANTA MANZA, a wind-surfers paradise. A short crossing by ferry in Season takes you across to the magnificent beaches of THE ISLES OF LAVEZZI, home to magnificent beaches and excellent snorkelling.

Moving North is the beautiful bay of RONDINARA where sun and sea worshippers enjoy the fine sand and beautiful clear blue waters. You may even see the odd cow or two taking a stroll along the sea-shore!

The next stop is the GULF OF PORTO-VECCHIO, possessing some of the Island’s best beaches, namely the BAY OF SANTA GIULIA and PALOMBAGGIO, the latter being set in an uninhabited nature reserve and described as “one of the top 10 beaches in the world”. PORTO-VECCHIO town itself, known as “The City of Salt”, so called because of the importance of the surrounding salt marshes to its economy, is a popular destination with tourists possibly due to its many smart boutiques and gift shops situated in its narrow streets.

The beach at ST CYPRIEN is another beautiful sandy bay, and can be found north of Porto-Vecchio off the main route to BASTIA (N198). Further along this route is STE-LUCIE-DE-PORTO-VECCHIO where, if you turn right in the middle of the town you reach the bustling village of PINARELLU, a firm favourite for its magnificent beaches and numerous restaurants and bars, or if you turn left you follow the route to the lower regions of the FOREST OF L'OSPEDALE. It is a stunning area and is popular with hikers and those who wish to swim in its many varied rocky pools.

The region that is the forest of L'Ospedale can be reached from Porto-Vecchio and has many hiking trails set amongst pine and beech trees. There is a 60m high waterfall Piscia di Gallu which lies approximately 1km after the dam of Ospedale and is reached by a marvellous scenic hike along its rocky gorge at the bottom of which is a fast-flowing river.

The route will take you to the mountain hamlet of ZONZA, which lies 800m above sea level and is popular both in winter as a skiing area and in summer for its magnificent views across the bays of Porto-Vecchio and Santa Manza, not to mention the many hiking trails that spiral out from there, surrounded by larico pines, sweet chestnut and spruce trees.

Another mountain village worth a visit is the beautiful STE LUCIE DE TALLANO, famous for its veins of circular diorite, a rare grey-green stone which was used in the construction of the Chapel of Medicis in Florence. A wonderful example of this stone can be seen at the foot of Ste Lucie’s War Memorial. You can also take a drink at the impressive fountain here which dates back to 1875.

From Zonza you can follow signs to SOLENZARA which takes you through the incredible BAVELLA PASS. Its pass height of 1218 metres will leave you breathless at every twist and turn of the road which reveals yet another extraordinary panorama. Stop en-route for a walk amongst larico pines or swim in an unexpectedly found natural rock pool.

When you reach the village of Solenzara, which shares the same name as the river which leads to it, you can visit its marina at port Plaisance which is a busy sailing area. Around this area there are also many wonderful beaches and it is another popular tourist spot.

Activities Available Locally