On the island of Corsica, pine-forested mountains fall away into blue-green coves, and medieval forts stand guard above superyachts docked in ancient ports. Sleepy fishing villages dot the rugged coast, where vast arcs of golden sand are among some of Europe’s finest. No one forgets their first entrance to historic
Bonifacio hidden behind sheer cliffs, while Calvi’s walled citadel dominates the city skyline of church towers and terracotta roofs.
Ajaccio and
Porto Vecchio attract the superyacht crowd with boutiques and restaurants, while the twisted narrow streets of Bastia are like stepping back in time.
For all the pleasures to be found on land, Corsica’s stunning natural beauty is best revealed from the sea, whether you are anchoring for a day of snorkelling in the magical Lavezzi Islands, visiting the fashionable beach clubs of the south, or floating through the Gulf of Porto, where deep red cliffs loom high above turquoise sea, and hiking paths are lined with wild rosemary and sage. Within the Gulf of Porto, the UNESCO-listed Scandola Reserve takes the breath away with its stunning creeks, known as
calanches in Corsican, 16th century watchtowers, and quaint villages only accessible by boat.