DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Corsica

Clockwise from top: Plage de Rondinara; Porto village, Les Calanches; Rue Notre Dame, Bastia; SantAntonino church; cemetery in Propriano; Quai Comparetti, Bonifacio; relief showing a grape harvest at San Michele de Murato, Nebbio

Napoleon said he could recognize his native island just by the fragrance of the maquis. Corsica is an enigmatic island, and the Island of Beauty, as the French call it, lives up to its name. It has towering mountains, lush forests, timeless villages, stylish resorts and pristine beaches. With Eyewitness Top 10 Corsica, its yours to explore.

The islands chic seaside resorts Calvi, St-Florent, Porto-Vecchio, Propriano and lively capital Ajaccio are surrounded by some of the Mediterraneans most beautiful beaches. On the west coast, theres the astonishing Golfe de Porto, framed on either end by the bizarre porphyry rock formations of the Calanche de Piana and the savage pink cliffs of Scandola. The long, narrow peninsula of Cap Corse is lined with vertiginous villages, vineyards and seascapes.

Inland, Corsicas untamed beauty is one of its greatest draws. The Parc Naturel Rgional de Corse protects 40 per cent of the islands wilderness, encompassing one of the most demanding high-altitude trails in the world, the GR20. Yet along with this wild terrain, evidence of Corsicas unique history abounds: the 5,000-year-old standing stones of Filitosa, medieval Pisan churches and the austerely beautiful old mountain capital Corte are wonderfully evocative. Traces of more recent history can be found in Ajaccio, home to one of Frances finest provincial museums and a vast range of Napoleonic artifacts.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Corsica has to offer, from historic Bonifacio to bustling Bastia. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Corsica.

EXPLORING CORSICA

Although sights may not look far apart on a map of the island, Corsicas mountainous roads make it essential to plan your exploration wisely. On the plus side, the scenery is so staggeringly beautiful that the journey is part of the pleasure. Here are a few ideas to help maximize your time.

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Two Days in Ajaccio

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Day 1

Morning

Take the walking tour around town (see (closed Tue).

Afternoon

Travel by boat or bus across to .

Day 2

Morning

Watch fishermen bringing in the days catch at the fishing harbour, before buying picnic supplies at the open-air food market. Stop by Ajaccios historic cemetery on the way to , the Bonapartes country house, for a picnic.

The fishing harbour at Ajaccio is lined with bars and restaurants.

Afternoon

Visit the tortoises at to see the famous red sunset.

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Seven Days in Corsica

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Day 1

From Ajaccio, head south to the beach-fringed and visit the Muse Dpartemental de Prhistoire de Corse et dArchologie.

Golfe de Valinco is known for its stunning blue waters and forest-covered hillsides.

Day 2

Pick up picnic supplies and, in the cool of the morning, explore the wild landscapes and megaliths of ) under the cliffs. Afterwards, visit the haute ville (old town), which is extremely evocative (and much less crowded) after dark.

Day 3

Start off the day at the . Arrive just in time for dinner by the bijou fishing port.

The Aiguilles de Bavella are visible for miles around.

Day 4

Spend the morning in Bastias Place du March, and explore the citys lively streets and Baroque churches. Visit the .

Day 5

Drive across the . Visit Calvis Genoese Citadelle, and finish the day sipping an apritif on swanky Quai Landry.

Day 6

Get an early start to make the scenic drive down the .

Day 7

Visit the .

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Top 10 Corsica Highlights

The dramatic cliff face at Bonifacio

Top 10 Corsica Highlights

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AJACCIO

With a backdrop of wild, granite mountains and lapis-blue sea, Ajaccio ranks among the most splendidly sited capitals in the Mediterranean. Travellers from Edward Lear to Guy de Maupassant were enthralled by its setting, and the imperial city remains an essential stop for visitors not least because of its association with Napoleon, who was born and raised here. The Bonapartes former residence lies in the heart of a grid of narrow, weather-worn alleys, where you can sip pastis at a pavement caf while the locals take their afternoon passeghiata (walk), or enjoy fresh seafood straight off the boats.

Map of Ajaccio

NEED TO KNOW

Tourist Office: