Around one-and-three-quarter million people visit Corsica each year, drawn by a climate that's mild even in winter and by some of the most astonishingly diverse landscapes in Europe. Nowhere in the Mediterranean are there beaches finer than Corsica's perfect half-moon bays of white sand and transparent water, or seascapes more inspiring than the granite cliffs of the west coast. Even though the annual influx of tourists now exceeds the island's population sevenfold, tourism has not spoilt the place: there are a few resorts, but overdevelopment is rare and high-rise blocks are confined to the main towns. Set on the western Mediterranean trade routes, the island has always been of strategic and commercial appeal. Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans came in successive waves, driving native Corsicans into the interior. The Romans were ousted by Vandals, and for the following thirteen centuries the island was attacked, abandoned, settled and sold as a nation-state, with generations of islanders fighting against foreign government. Two hundred years of French rule have had a limited effect on Corsica, and the island's Baroque churches, Genoese fortresses, fervent Catholic rituals and a Tuscan-influenced indigenous language and cuisine show a more profound affinity with neighboring Italy.
By Car: : With public transport woefully inadequate even at the height of the tourist season, the most convenient way of getting around Corsica is by car. However, the narrow roads, sheer drops, parking problems and traffic jams in towns not built for cars all make for less than pleasant motoring.
By Bus: : Rely solely on buses, and you'll have to stick to the main arteries. Services are fairly frequent between Bastia, Corte and Ajaccio, and along the east coast from Bastia to Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, but some of the most scenic stretches of the west coast (between Porto and Calvi, for example), and large chunks of the interior, are off-limits for much of the year without your own vehicle. The best way to check bus information is to call a tourist office
By Rail: : Corsica's diminutive train, the Micheline or Trinighellu (little train), rattles through the mountains from Ajaccio to Bastia via Corte, with a branch line running northwest as far as Calvi. Following a precarious route through the heart of the island, it's a little slower than the bus, but takes you through some stupendous scenery, much of which remains inaccessible by road.
By Ferry: : Frequent ferry services run to and from France, Italy and Sardinia. The cost of tickets varies according to the season, with the lowest between October and May
By Air: : Direct flights to Corsica depart from most major French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Marseille, Toulon and Nice. Flights are also available from other European cities.
Capital of the north, Bastia was the principal Genoese stronghold, and its fifteenth-century old town has survived almost intact. Of the island's two large towns, this is the more purely Corsican. Also relatively undisturbed are the northern Cap Corse harbours inviting sandy coves and fishing villages such as Erbalunga and Centuri-Port, and the fertile region of the Nebbio contains a plethora of churches built by Pisan stoneworkers. To the west of Ajaccio lies L'Île-Rousse and Calvi, the latter graced with an impressive citadel and fabulous sandy beach, are major targets for holiday-makers. Corte, at the heart of Corsica, is the best base for exploring the stupendous mountains and gorges of the interior which form part of the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, which runs almost the entire length of the island. Sandy beaches and rocky coves punctuate the west coast all the way down to Ajaccio, Napoléon's birthplace and the island's capital. Its pavement cafés and palm-lined boulevards are thronged with tourists in summer. Brash Propriano, the spot that has perhaps been transformed most by the tourist boom, lies close to stern Sartène, seat of the wild feudal lords who once ruled this region and still the quintessential Corsican town. More megalithic sites are to be found south of Sartène on the way to Bonifacio, a comb of ancient buildings perched atop furrowed white cliffs at the southern tip of the island. Equally popular Porto-Vecchio provides a springboard for excursions to the amazing beaches of the south. The eastern plain has less to boast of, but the Roman site at Aléria is worth a visit for its excellent museum.
Main Attractions
Bonifacio Citadelle
Some 70m above the Mediterranean on a rock promontory, on all sides white limestone cliffs drop vertically and dramatically into the sea.
Les Calanques de Piana
One of Corsica's most stunning natural sights.
Place St-Nicolas
This 19th-century square has a string of cafes lining its western edge, a lively flea market on Sunday mornings, summer concerts and a large statue of Napoleon.
Filitosa
Corsica's most celebrated prehistoric site; a museum and archeological displays give you an introduction to Corsica's prehistoric era.
Aiguilles de Bavella
A mountain overlooked by the imposing silhouette of one of the most striking and beautiful landscape features in the south of Corsica.
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