This is Corsica . . .

The beautiful French island of Corsica is situated in the Mediterranean sea, 120 miles south of Nice and 50 miles from Italy, and has an astonishingly diverse landscape. It is 110 miles long, 80 miles wide and extremely mountainous. The island has extensive forests, walks and superb, sandy beaches.

The summers are very hot and dry and the winters are mild on the coast, with snow from October to June above 1600m. On average the island enjoys 2,700 hours of sunshine each year. Average temperatures often exceed 25°C between June and September, with July and August peaking at over 35°C.

Activities such as horse riding, water-sports, cycling, diving, canyoning, rambling, ski-ing, rock climbing and more, are on offer in our southern region and there are several hot-spring baths which are excellent places to relax in afterwards. Although this is essentially a rural area there are many good restaurants to choose from for an evening out, as well as several bars and vineyards to visit.

Beaches, coastline and rivers

Corsica's 1000km coastline offers many fabulous, sandy beaches and the warm, clear waters are popular with bathers as well as those who like to snorkel or dive. The coastline has wonderful, wind-eroded rock formations and rock pools teem with molluscs, crustacea and sea plants, a living testimony to the clean water.

Corsica has many rivers, several rising in the mountains, where waterfalls and rock pools offer ideal places for bathing and picnics. The local Taravo river, with its source at the Col de Verde, has many such places away from the beaten track.

Mountains

Corsica, also known as the 'Ile de Beauté', is renowned for its stunning mountains and breathtaking views. There are more than 20 peaks that exceed 2000m and at 2706m Monte Cinto is the tallest.

From our base in Petreto Bicchisano a half hour drive will take you to the Col de St Eustache mountain pass and into the spectacular Alta Rocca region, the heart of the island. Another 40 minutes will take you through the villages of Aullene, Quenza, and Zonza and up to the Needles of Bavella. Here the famous and infamous GR20, one of Europe's most challenging long-distance walks, crosses beneath the beautiful, jagged Needles. Views extend as far as the plains of the eastern coast.

Villages

From prehistoric monuments and primitive shelters, to the Pisan chapels, Genoese towers and fortified houses, the varied architecture is a reflection of Corica's turbulent history. Today, half the island's 260,000 inhabitants live in small, rural villages, many of which are perched high on steep valley slopes.

The local Taravo Valley is dotted with many traditional, granite villages. Its 'Strada di i Sensi' (the road of the senses) guides you on a journey from sea to mountains to discover locally produced honey, cheese, chestnuts, olive oil, charcuterie, jam, biscuits and wine.