Corsica from North to South: Mountains, Sea & Delectable Cuisine

Erbalunga is a quaint, coastal village nestled in a cove. A cluster of honey-stone buildings cling to the rocky hillside, while a ruined Genoese watchtower stands guard at the end of the village. Spend some time wandering the narrow, flower-filled streets of the picturesque fishing village. Its location is also the perfect starting point for exploring the peninsula's surrounding maquis (fragrant scrubland) and pretty villages, or for enjoying the joys of the beach and diving.
Things to see in Cap Corse -The village of Nonza, the spectacular Agriates desert by boat from Saint-Florent.

Included in the itinerary - Boat trip to Saleccia beach and the Agriates desert. Saleccia beach, with its crystal clear waters and white sand, is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica. A little slice of paradise, hidden by a majestic pine forest and very close to the barren and beautiful wilderness of the Agriates desert. The boat taxi ride takes 20 minutes and has gorgeous views of Saint-Florent, along with its citadel and ramparts, as well as the wild coastline of the Agriates desert. Disembark directly onto the beach. 'La Piniccia' restaurant is a hidden gem and the perfect spot for lunch, where you can sit back and relax in the shade of the pine trees.

Head to the centre of the island, towards Corte and Restonica Valley. Overnight stay in Corte in a pretty riverside hotel, in the middle of a green haven. This hotel offers an enchanting setting in the heart of nature; it's the perfect base to explore inland.
Things to do - Dinner at 'Auberge de la Restonica' on the banks of the river, a restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine with local accents.

In the heart of Corsica, the imposing citadel of Corte enjoys a beautiful location, standing proudly between Monte Rotondo, and retains its role as a crossroads between the two parts of the island. Discover the island's troubled history at the town's history museum and stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town. It's impossible to stay in Corte without being immersed in the splendour of Corsican nature, from the crystal clear waters of the Restonica and Tavignano rivers to the majestic landscapes of the Melo and Capitello lakes.
Things to do - Hike to Lake Melo - Swim in the cool, refreshing streams and gorges of the Restonica Valley - Taste local produce.
Included in the itinerary - Visit a 'bergerie' (farm) to discover local Corsican produce. Head to 'Bergeries du Grotelle', to learn all about making Brocciu, a delicious Corsican cheese that can be found on the menus of restaurants around town. This informative visit is naturally followed by tastings.

Soak up a superb scenic route of waterfalls and lakes towards the west coast via the enchanting village of Evisa. Arrival in Piana. Two-night stay in Piana, overlooking the glorious Gulf of Porto. Located in the heart of the famous Calanques de Piana, this hotel offers stunning views of the exceptionally beautiful granite rock formations and the Scandola Nature Reserve.
You'll love - The spectacular, magical view from the terrace at sunset.

Included in the itinerary - Boat trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve. France's first site dedicated to the preservation of both terrestrial and marine natural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The reserve is located on a volcano that collapsed into the sea, forming the Scandola Peninsula and its dramatic landscapes. The reflections of the red rocks in the turquoise waters create a magnificent palette of colours. Along the route, discover one of the last truly wild enclaves of the Mediterranean and its incredibly rich flora and fauna. The reserve is home to numerous species of rare birds, including fish eagles and peregrine falcons. The cruise also includes a stop in the tiny hamlet of Girolata for a refreshing dip. This magical place can only be reached on foot or by boat and has about 15 permanent residents. It's not hard to see why Girolata is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site within the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve. The Gulf of Girolata is one of the most beautiful bays on Earth.

Take the coastal route south via the Greek Orthodox city of Cargese, with its white houses and matching sandy beaches, and the golf course in Sagone. End the day by watching the sun slowly set over the Sanguinaires Islands and have dinner in one of the town's charming squares or by the water's edge. Two-night stay in Ajaccio. This 19th-century manor house enjoys a prime beachfront location, on the famous coastal route to Sanguinaires Islands and just a short walk from the town centre. Despite its proximity to the island's capital city, the property is a calm oasis and the perfect place to relax in the shade of pine and palm trees, complete with private access to a small, sandy beach.
Things to do from the hotel - Wine cellar tour, tasting and traditional Corsican lunch

For beach lovers, the Gulf of Ajaccio is home to beautiful, sandy beaches and offers plenty of water activities, including diving, waterskiing, sailing and endless adventures at sea. The island's inland is a delight to hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts with countless canyoning, quad biking, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The local festivals in the village of Bastelicacia are also worth visiting to taste delicious produce from winegrowers during the September harvests or to stock up on olive oil, chestnuts and apples directly from producers.
Included in the itinerary - Sunset cruise in Ajaccio Bay. Watch the sun slowly set behind the Sanguinaires Islands, while enjoying local Corsican culinary delights and a glass of wine to the intoxicating melody of live guitar music. This three-hour cruise includes a workshop with a sommelier for wine tasting and a mouthwatering buffet of Corsican charcuterie, cheeses and desserts.

Head to Levie for a two-night stay in a secret location
in the heart of the Alta Rocca. This farmhouse features luxury rooms and a heated swimming pool. It's the perfect place for those in search of the great outdoors, a calm oasis and authentic charm. It's a unique way to soak up Corsica's way of life, with traditional dishes and simple home cooking inspired by recipes passed down from generation to generation.

This micro-region is famous for its breathtaking scenery and traditional oil mills, including U Fragnu, a converted oil mill, with wonderful views.
Things to see -The splendid villages of the Alta Rocca, renowned for their arts, crafts and olive oil - Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles), the rocky spikes of red granite are one of the most remarkable wonders in Corsica's mountains - Picturesque cliff-top village of Zonza, opposite the Aiguilles de Bavella.

Drive to Bonifacio for a three-night stay in a charming, little hotel with a relaxed guesthouse feel. Nestled in the heart of the maquis and a stone's throw from Bonifacio, this property has a prime location, panoramic sea views, impeccable service and eight luxurious rooms, all with private terraces. The heated outdoor infinity swimming pool and hearty, homemade breakfasts are a delightful bonus, making this stay truly unforgettable.