Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. It is located southeast of the French mainland and west of the Italian Peninsula, with the nearest land mass being the Italian island of Sardinia to the immediate south. A single chain of mountains makes up two-thirds of the island. Population: 330,000 Capital Ajaccio
The Flag of Corsica
The Flag of Corsica was adopted by General of the Nation Pasquale di Paoli in 1755 and was based on a traditional flag used previously. It portrays a Moor’s Head in black wearing a white bandana above his eyes on a white background. Previously, the bandana covered his eyes; Paoli wanted the bandana moved to above the eyes to symbolise the liberation of the Corsican people.
Corsica although only 12klm by ferry from Sardinia is quite different. It is so much greener and lush and about 10 degrees cooler. This mountainous island of thick brush, pristine beaches, white cliffs, amazing views, is a hiker’s paradise. We stayed 6 nights and shared our time between Ajaccio, Piana and Bonifacio
Ajaccio is where Napoleon is from, we went to visit the house he was born in, it is very interesting and worth a visit. It was nice to wonder through the old town of Ajaccio. We spent a day out at the Parata Headland and saw the beautiful Sanguinaires Islands and lighthouseonly it is only about a 30 minute drive from Ajaccio, this whole area is beautiful and has some gorgeous beaches.
Napoleon birth place
Statue of Napoleon
Napoleon and his brothers
Torra di a Parata
Sanguinaries Islands
Sanguinaries Islands and Lookout Tower
Lookout Tower 1608
Beautiful beach with the Sanguinaries Islands in the background.
Piana is a pretty village set in and overlooking the fabulous Calanqes de Piana (a series of red rocks and cliffs that plunge up to 300 metres into the Mediterranean below) the road between Piana and Porto along the stunning Calanches is one of the most beautiful drives we have ever encountered. The red rocks are truly beautiful although the drive has a lot of blind corners, therefore it is best to drive very slowly and carefully.
Calanqes de Piana
Great coffee shop at Calanqes de Piana
Calanqes de Piana beach
Bonifacio is a beautiful harbor city on the southern tip of Corsica. The old town is made up of narrow cobble streets, with plenty of shops, restaurants and beautiful old churches. The huge white cliffs are truly something to see against the blue Mediterranean Sea. The citadel, old town, and the views across the harbour and surrounding cliffs were a highlight of our visit.
Bonifacio Harbour
White cliffs of Bonifacio
We loved our time in Sardinia and Corsica, to really see Sardinia and Corsica I recommend you hire a car