CORSICA

I have learned to appreciate and admire Corsica in terms of culture, nature and gastronomy. It was no coincidence that the ancient Greeks called
Corsica Kallisté, which means “the most beautiful”.

The French Island contains the best of all Mediterranean worlds, a generous dash of France, a tablespoon of Italy and a culinary touch of Andalusia, all located on a surface area of 8680 km².

For me, Corsica means pleasure and allowing nature to penetrate the autocar, while guiding customers in its fascinating history.

Corsica is a mountain range in the sea. The variety of landscapes you find here is unique. Here you can discover a part of the Pyrenees, Alps, Vosges, Tuscany. The landscape is characterized by high mountain peaks in winter next to its idyllic beaches, wild vegetation with an exceptional and rare fauna, surrounded by picturesque villages.

The Sun shines from May to October with an average temperature of 22 °. But there is also snow in winter, with ski slopes on some mountain peaks. This is exceptional for an island in the Mediterranean Sea. More than half of the land area is protected nature reserve.

We propose a tour program where all aspects of Corsica are covered and are on site for a minimum of 8 days. The following destinations are always on the program .;

Bastia, where we visit Place Saint-Nicolas, which is larger than the Trafalgar Square or St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

Corte. This is the only city inland and for the locals the political and historical significance of the city is much more important than all the natural beauty of this area. Under Pasquale Paoli, the hero of many Corsicans, it was the capital of Corsica for a while. The narrow car-free streets are really cozy. Here you can see the Locals reading their newspaper in the morning on a terrace while enjoying their coffee and pastis.

Aléria : According to various historical sources, the town of Aléria was founded in 566 BC as a colony of the Greeks. Later in history, the town was conquered by the Etruscans. In the year 259 BC the place was conquered by the Romans, who completely destroyed it. However, from the year 80 BC, the Romans concluded that they needed a large port on the east coast of Corsica.

Col de Bavella: From Aléria to Porto Vecchio I always drive through the Col de Bavella and we stop at the statue of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. Here we enjoy the natural beauty with every bend-valley climb. Corsica always surprises us. A stop at Auberge Col de Bavella is a must !!

Porto Vecchio: Features an 8km long and 2km wide bay with one of the most beautiful sandy beaches. Porto Vecchio also features a 16th century Citadel built by Genoese and is surrounded by a wall with 6 bastions to protect it from the pirates. In the busy old upper town you will find many cozy cafe terraces and restaurants. We stay there for two nights at a time in Hôtel Shegara because of its beautiful location, service and high quality.

Bonifacio: The most southern town on the island is built on an exceptional spot on a narrow high calcareous cape formed by sea and wind. Numerous beautiful historical monuments and buildings adorn this city with a rich history. Definitely not to be missed when visiting Corsica.

Sartène: The most typical Corsican town on the island. This often quoted statement by Mérimée is still one of the best descriptions of Sartène. High fortress-like houses, closed window shutters, narrow winding streets where you can hear the yelling of the wind at 350m height. Sartène has partly preserved its original medieval character. To the locals, Sartè is the right name for the town.

Propriano: A seaside resort located behind the Gulf of Valinco. Despite its sheltered location, the small fishing village retained its provincial character until the beginning of the 20th century. In 1906 the port was extended with two piers and a quay where ships could moor. It was only when tourists from mainland Europe discovered this divine place that Propriano became an important seaside resort in Corsica.

Tolla: This beautiful village amidst apple, nut and chestnut trees is located above the reservoir. The 88m high dam of Tolla is an arched structure. We also visit the Pont Génois which was built between the 13th and 18th century during the occupation of Pisa and Genoa.

Ajjacio :This city is divided into three zones : the old Genoese city, the modern city and the suburbs. The coastal road with its many palm trees, cafes, terraces and bistros create an ambiance similar to that of the Côte d’Azur. Already in Roman times a city was mentioned with the name Adiacum which means “rest or resting place”. On 15 August 1769 Napoleon was born in Casa Buonaparte.

Cargèse: This place is closely associated with the Greeks and therefore nicknamed the Greek city, therefore in Cargèse there is the only Orthodox church in. That is why in Cargèse you will find the only Orthodox church of Corsica facing a Catholic church. The city exudes friendliness and peace. Tourism, agriculture and fishing are the main sources of income at the moment.

The Calanche: These impressive cliffs fascinate with their tafone structures that are often found in the granite rocks of Corsica. This fairytale landscape is only 11km long and unique.

Porto: The most touristic town of Corsica where the sunset is breathtaking. On the red granite rock stands one of the four Pisan watchtowers in Corsica, built in 1549 and restored in 1994. In Porto we spend the night in the hôtel Le Mediteranne which is located in a unique place as it offers a view of the bay and Porto marine.

The Scala di Santa Regina: One of the wildest and most famous mountain passes of the island. It crosses the stone wasteland that closes the Niolo on the side of Corte. We proceed to the Col de Vergio at an altitude of 1477m, the pedigrees of the Forêt d’Aïtone separate from those of the Forêt de Valdu-Niellu.

Saint-Florent: Via Murato, where one of the most beautiful and best preserved Romanesque churches in Corsica is located, we reach Saint-Florent, which has been inhabited since Neolithic times and where the Romans founded the city of Nebium. In 1439 the Genoese built a Citadel to protect Saint-Florent from the pirates. Here we stay in Hotel “Tettola” located at the seaside with an excellent quality and service.

Le Desert Des Agriates: At the time of the Genoese, this area was their granary. Now it is a beautiful desert landscape, where water is present. In spring, the air is perfumed with the scents of Corsican scrubland: the scent of the Maquis.

Calvi: According to legend, Columbus was born here.The name Calvi derives from the Latin Calvus, which means “bare” and refers to the bare rock on which the Citadel is built. On the rock the Citadel bears witness to six centuries of Genoese presence. Calvi is also attached to the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment( 2REP) of the French Foreign Legion. Calvi also stands for nice terraces, shopping through small narrow streets and a beautiful marina bay.

Sant’Antonino: Formed in the shape of a snail shell to protect against pirates, it is one of the most beautiful villages in France and is located at an altitude of 500m, like an eagle’s nest. Nowadays there are still about 60 inhabitants living in this village. Highly recommended.

L’ille Rousse: This city, designed on the drawing board in 1758, was initially named Pasquale Paoliville after its founder, Pasquale Paoli , a freedom hero who founded his own Corsican port city, independent of Genoa. It is a cosy city with numerous restaurants, terraces, covered by platanes and offering a breathtakingly beautiful hinterland “the Balange and the Haute Balange”.

Cap Corse: The almost 40km long ridge of the Cap is an extension of the schist-rich ridge of Corsica. On my trip through the Cap de Corse are the following cap towns: Nonza – Pino Can de Sta Lucia – Col de Sta Lucia & Erbalungo. Corsica has one hundred of its own wines, of which nine are AOC recognized. We recommend the domain Alzipratu & Louis Montemagni in Patrimonio. Good news for those who don’t like wine : Corsica also boasts a beer culture. Pietra Brewery brews its beer on the basis of chestnuts. Indeed, it was the Genoese who introduced the Chestnut trees on the island. The reasoning was to keep the population sweet with free nuts.

We are happy to work out a travel plan according to your wishes and expectations.

Corsica means enjoying the beautiful nature, a touch of culture and a large portion of culinary pleasure.