How to Vacation in Corsica, France

Corsica, a small island in the Mediterranean, is considered part of France. However, it retains its own distinct culture and heritage, making it a great vacation destination. With mountains, beaches, shopping, dining and sight seeing all within a few miles of each other, a vacation on Corsica can be as fast paced or as leisurely as you would like.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Begin your Corsican vacation in the North, at Saint Florent. This tiny but charming village features a citadel (fortress), the Cathedral of the Nebbio (just out of town) and the Place des Portes, which can all be visited in a morning jaunt about town.
2. Picnic at Loto and Saleccia beaches, just outside of Saint Florent. Because they are only accessible by boat they remain uncrowded and quiet.
3. Go south to Palombaggia Beach. This internationally renowned beach is an excellent place for families with young children.
4. Check out Bonifacio, the oldest town on Corsica, also located on the south side of the island. Experience the influence of Italy, with palm trees and elegant restaurants which fill the downtown. Yachting and diving are two popular pastime's in this harbor town.
5. Travel to Corte, in the heart of Corsica. This small town is easy to explore on foot. Tourists can view the beautiful architecture and quaint cafés that line the cobblestone streets.
6. Relive history at Ajaccio, on the west end of the island. Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, visitors can tour the house where he was born, which is now a museum, as well as the caves where he played as boy.
7. End your tour at the port town of Calvi, in the northwest corner of the island. Calvi is a modern resort area mixed with the rich cultural heritage of traditional Corsica. Outdoor enthusiasts can go jet skiing, paragliding or windsurfing, while history buffs can check out the local citadel, which houses the Museum of Corsican Ethnography.