,the island does not cast itself in the mold of nearby Sardinia or the Côte d’Azur, with their resort-centered atmosphere. Corsica does have more than 1,000 km of coastline to explore. One can conveniently hop from sea to beach to mountain summit and wildlife-rich forest in a single afternoon. Corsica’s star attraction however, is a deep cultural legacy most evident in these ten remarkable towns.
10. Ajaccio
The capital of Corsica and home to more than 50,000 people, Ajaccio is a small yet vibrant city. Vital landmarks include the birth home of Napoleon Bonaparte, late 16th century Ajaccio Cathedral and a triumvirate of Genoese towers.
9. Porto-Vecchio
The small seaport of Porto-Vecchio is a popular summer retreat. The commune’s population soars fivefold in July and August, with the marina a foremost hive of activity. Of particular interest however, is a network of Bronze Age ruins scattered among the rocky hillsides that border the town.
8. Sartène
A mere 60 km west of Porto-Vecchio, Sartène is a picturesque village with medieval roots. The diminutive commune has a gorgeous townscape, with myriad narrow streets and beautiful little squares to explore. Throw in a notable wine and culinary heritage and Sartène is a first-rate destination in Corsica.
7. Calvi
The persistent tale that Christopher Columbus was born in Calvi is the Haute-Corse commune’s legendary claim to fame. Like many other towns on the island, a hillside outcrop of heritage landmarks provides Calvi with a memorable, postcard-worthy face.
6. Saint-Florent
The Patrimonio vineyards of Corsica have a mythical reputation in oenophile circles. Visitors to the island who want to explore the first-rate viticulture of the region usually rely on the pretty fishing port of Saint-Florent as a base. In addition to a 15th century Genoese fortress and remarkable Romanesque cathedral, the town is home to a superb and relatively unspoiled local beach.
5. Ota
Ota is one of the veritable gems of Corsica. The tiny village has one of the most enviable backdrops of any commune on the island. Don’t skip it: photogenic Ota is brilliant, especially if you have a decent camera.
4. Bonifacio
Bonifacio’s location on the Mediterranean Sea, across the Strait of Bonifacio from Sardinia, is noteworthy. The commune is the southernmost in France but perhaps most incredibly, has been strategically important since the late Mesolithic period. There are many wonderful treasures on hand in this small Corsican town.
3. Bastia
Bastia’s marina bustles in the busy summer tourist season and the commune’s remarkable wines flow freely at al fresco tables in the old port district. Home to more than 40,000 people, the small city has many fine points of interest.
2. Corte
Once the capital of Corsica, Corte is another significant island gem. From above, the town is a handsome collection of terracotta rooftops, plunked down in the middle of lush hillside forests. Corte is accessible from Ajaccio and Bastia by rail.
1. Cargèse
Supreme natural beauty has made Cargèse a settlement area for well over 2,000 years. The town on Corsica’s west coast has less than 1,000 inhabitants but boasts a wide range of attractions, both man-made and natural.
10.10.2017