Ever thought of Corsica? Here are 10 good reasons why you should.

An island abounding in natural beauty and fascinating tradition, It’s incredible to think that even today Corsica can still feel like something of a hidden gem. Whether it’s a long sandy beach, a dramatic mountain pass or a beautiful hilltop village, Corsica holidays are packed full of rewarding things to do and see.

The Beaches

With almost 200 beaches and 1000km of coastline, Corsica is a beach lover’s dream. The island is blessed with an incredible diversity of beaches from intimate hidden coves to magnificent bays. The most renowned include the sweeping bays of Calvi and L’Ile Rousse in the north, and Palombaggia, Pinarello and San Ciprianu in the south.

Perched villages of la Balagne

Time seems to be held in suspension in the hills of la Balagne and a visit to these beautiful villages is a must if you’re staying in the north. Clinging to mountains above the sea, they give a glimpse of the old days in Corsica and afford spectacular viewpoints.

Désert des Agriates

Situated between la Balagne and St Florent, the Désert des Agriates is an area of arid landscape and savage beauty. The highlights here include the deserted beaches of Saleccia and Loto – with their curves of pearl-white sand and crystal clear water, these are some of the finest beaches to visit during Corsica holidays, offering the perfect picture-postcard scenery.

The history of Ajaccio

Famed as the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, it is safe to assume that Corsica's capital is a historically-rich destination. From the house that the great man was born in to the beautiful architectural themes present throughout the city, Ajaccio is a fascinating location to explore.

Scandola Nature Reserve

The coast of the Gulf of Porto is one of Corsica's most famous landscapes, and rightly so - with its dramatic sculpted red rock and sweeping bays it has to be seen to be believed. The pinnacles and ravines of the red granite Calanches soar out of beautiful blue seas framed by the jagged peaks of Paglia Orba. Best explored by foot or by boat, there are daily boat trips from Porto that visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorges of Restonica & Tavignano

The region of Corte in the Interior offers beautiful rugged landscapes, two of which are the spectacular glacier-moulded gorges in the Mediterranean right on the town’s doorstep – the Restonica and the Tavignano valleys. These valleys echo with tumbling rivers and rock pools, and sharply sculptured slopes rear from forests of enormously tall Corsican pines, proving the perfect locations for outdoor adventure.

Adventure along Cap Corse