Le Canettu

Within a short drive you have a choice of idyllic white beaches and emerald waters, many of them perfect for families with clear shallow waters and fine sand. Head to nearby Plage de Canettu, backed by the impressive étang and wild maquis or a little further south to Sant Amanza with its beach bar in the summer months where you can try catch of the day. Watersports lovers should try windsurfing here or head to La Tonnara, amongst others, for kite surfing, kayaking and snorkelling.

Activity lovers can also hire quad bikes in the area or head inland to the Alta Rocca for rock-climbing, cannoning as well as hiking and cycling, cooling off in natural rock pools that you may find on your way. Not forgetting golf at the prestigious Sperone Golf Course near Bonifacio, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr and arguably one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

Bonifacio (9km) is a wonderful place to visit whether for a leisurely lunch, day exploring or an evening by the harbour. Steeped with history and character, attracting many visitors every year, the old town is set atop a limestone promontory in the most dramatic and stunning setting. Wander around the old alleyways in the citadel exploring the little shops and cafes and then descend down to the marina where you will find luxury yachts, restaurants, bars and chic hotels.

Take a boat trip from Bonifacio out to the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands where you can hike or dive but take plenty of sunscreen, food and water as there are no facilities there. There are also boat excursions from Porto Vecchio (24km), famous for its prestigious guests in the heart of the summer and world-famous beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia.

Head inland to the mesmerising Alta Rocca and charming mountain towns such as Sainte-Lucie de Tallano with its granite houses and narrow stone streets or charming Sartène, a picturesque and unspoilt town steeped in tradition with a fascinating history, wonderful wines and spectacular valley views. The Ospedale Massif is also a walkers paradise with many hiking paths passing through granite boulders and vast forests of pine trees. 

Read more about Corsica

Known as the l'Île de Beauté, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean and home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Europe. Come across picture-perfect beaches, magnificent mountain peaks and dense forest as well as perched villages, historic towns and delicious island cuisine. With so many beachside activities and outdoor adventures, this captivating island appeals to every age from keen hikers and history enthusiasts to kids and teens seeking crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.   

Starting in northern Corsica, be mesmerised by the vistas of the sea from Calvi’s citadel where it’s said Christopher Columbus was born before relaxing on a restaurant terrace overlooking the baroque façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure. From Calvi, U Trinichellu, a charming little train, chugs past beautiful sandy beaches as far as L'Île-Rousse. Watch locals play boules accompanied by a chilled chestnut beer, before dining in one of L'Île-Rousse’s characterful restaurants – tantalise your tastebuds as you try Corsican lamb with rosemary, wild boar or Cannelloni au brocciu. Meanwhile, be enchanted by the hilltop villages of the Balagne and follow old donkey trails on foot as you appreciate the glorious scenery and rich heritage of north-western Corsica.

Pass wild Plage de l'Ostriconi as you drive north-east, then follow the winding road towards the glistening bay of Saint-Florent, an attractive historic town sheltered by the dramatic mountains of the Cap Corse. From vibrant Bastia, drive around two and a half hours south until you reach the south-east of the island, perhaps detouring to explore the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia or the gorges and rock pools of the Solenzara River.

Now in southern Corsica, Porto Vecchio is one of the island’s most popular destinations, especially in the height of the summer when visitors flock to relax on the iconic beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Saint Cyprien with a vast range watersports and scenic beachside restaurants. To escape the coastal jetsetters, venture inland to the hiking trails of the Ospedale forest or the stunning Col de Bavella – the landscapes are truly incredible.

Fall in love with Bonifacio’s citadel with its limestone cliffs, medieval lanes and spectacular sea views, before playing golf at one of the most famous courses in the world, Golf de Spérone. Appreciate the wild Figari coastline with more pristine beaches, try the wines of Sartène nestled in the mountains, then continue along the south-western coast to the very handsome town of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon.  

Whether you choose to stay in one of our stylish abodes with private swimming pools, traditional bergeries with rural views or gorgeous retreats overlooking the sea, once you fall head over heels in love with Corsica you will yearn to return again and again.