France Guide
Corsica
Nearly two-and-a-half million people visit Corsica each year, drawn by the mild climate and some of the most diverse landscapes in all Europe. Nowhere in the Mediterranean has beaches finer than the island's perfect half-moon bays of white sand and transparent water, or seascapes more dramatic than the red porphyry Calanches of the west coast. Even though the annual visitor influx now exceeds the island's population seven or eight times over, tourism hasn't spoilt the place: there are a few resorts, but overdevelopment is rare and high-rise blocks are confined to the main towns.
Highlights
1 Plage de Saleccia Soft white shell sand, turquoise water and barely a building in sight.
2 Calvi Corsica's hallmark resort, framed by snow peaks and a spectacular blue gulf.
3 The GR20 Gruelling 170km footpath, which takes in spectacular mountain scenery – but is only for the fit.
4 Girolata The only fishing village on the island still inaccessible by road, set against a backdrop of red cliffs and dense maquis.
5 Les Calanches de Piana A mass of porphyry, eroded into dogs' heads, witches and devils.
6 Filitosa menhirs Among the Western Mediterranean's greatest archeological treasures, unique for their carved faces.
7 Corte A nationalist stronghold, with loads of eighteenth-century charm and a rugged mountain setting.