France is not only the mainland, but also a whole scattering of islands. Corsica is the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The nature of this region of France is picturesque and diverse, the beaches are considered the best in the country, and the historical heritage is so diverse that sightseeing trips and sightseeing Corsica spends most of the time of tourists.
Climatic features and nature of Corsica
The island is sometimes called the “mountain in the sea” because of the peculiarities of the relief. The volcanic origin of Corsica has left a certain imprint on its appearance. The vast majority of the area, 3/4, is mountainous. The dominant altitude, Cinto Peak, reaches 2,706 meters. The mild Mediterranean climate smoothes out the seasonal contrasts, so the summer temperature rarely rises to +35, usually keeping at +27, and the winter temperature almost never drops below +14.
For a beach holiday best suited to the period from June to September.
In the bathing season on the island are a lot of tourists, soaring prices for accommodation and food, sightseeing groups are overcrowded, but the beauty of nature and gentle sea overcame all the drawbacks of high season, giving an unimaginable feeling of unity with nature.
Almost 40% of the area of Corsica is occupied by an amazing nature reserve, which preserves a unique ecosystem. There are no restrictions on visits to the park, prohibitions apply only to economic activities that disturb the natural balance. Tourists move freely within the reserve, there is a special excursion trail, well known to hikers.
The mountains abound with springs and streams. On their slopes are the sources of six rivers, the largest is called Golo, its length is more than 90 km.
Top 5 Sights of Corsica
The history of the island goes back more than 4 thousand years. During this time it has been under the rule of the Roman emperors, survived capture by the Goths, the Franks, and the Saracens. The Pisans, in asserting their dominion, fragmented the territory into tiny feudal possessions. Freedom-loving residents fought a constant struggle with Genoa for independence, only at the end of the 18th century Corsica was ceded to France under the Treaty of Compiègne.
The locals still firmly believe that they are first and foremost Corsican and only then French. Such a kaleidoscope of events has left a lot of archaeological and architectural monuments, documentary evidence and artifacts on the island. According to one hypothesis, Christopher Columbus was born here.
In Ajaccio, the Bonaparte family home has been preserved. Singer Patrick Fiori, model Laetitia Casta, and singer Alize spent their childhood here. The sightseeing programs on the island cover all the important monuments of Corsica.
Porto Bay
It is famous for its unique natural landscape with amazing shaped cliffs, unspoiled nature and luxurious beaches. The bay is part of the Scandola Nature Reserve. Most often tourists are offered boat rides on speedboats or boats. It is from the sea that the panorama of unusual outlines of the coast framed by the rich greenery of mountain slopes opens.
In the town of the same name it is convenient to stop for a light snack and rest. Several coastal restaurants offer seafood menus, traditional Corsican dishes with a glass of wine or a cup of strong aromatic coffee.
Restonica Valley
In fact, it is more like a gorge that stretches for 15 km between the mountains with snowy peaks. One of them, Monte Rotondo, is accessed by a popular route designed for fans of mountain climbing and extreme hiking. A shallow river runs along the bottom, it flows unnoticed between huge boulders, but only until the first downpour. Then it briefly turns into a violent stream, just as quickly drying up after the water recedes. In summer, you can safely swim in the many cool creeks.
When visiting the valley, it is worthwhile to reach the lakes Capitello and Melo and admire the extraordinary blue water.
When planning a trip to the valley, you need to stock up on athletic shoes, windbreakers, sunglasses and sunscreen.
To climb to the tops you will need climbing equipment. You do not need to take food with you, there are several cafes on the territory.
Kalanki and the Scandola Nature Reserve
Orange and pink rocks are scattered in picturesque order, forming a kind of sea valley. Some of the cliffs are up to 300 meters high. At sunset and sunrise they present an amazing spectacle, a bit like a sci-fi movie. The sun’s rays stain them a deep purple color.
The calanques are part of the closed nature reserve Scandola and you can see them at close range only during a sea tour. Attendance is strictly regulated, independent travel is not welcome. The natural monument is included in the UNESCO lists.
Sanguiner Archipelago
It consists of 4 islands made of pink porphyry. Their attraction for tourists lies in the sharp change of color in the sunset from pinkish hue to a rich – bloody. The closest city to them is Ajaccio, from which trips to the archipelago are organized. There are several rare species of birds, nature is untouched by man, ornithologists are frequent visitors to the islands, watching the colonies of waterfowl during the nesting period.
Lookout towers have been erected on the islands, and there is a lighthouse on one of them. In the 19th century on the largest for a time lived Alphonse Daudet, who created “Letters from my mill,” where he described the life of the locals, the natural beauty, folklore.
Bavell Forest
As a nature reserve, it is also a famous landmark. Corsican pines, firs, chestnuts, and cedars grow here.
It’s worth coming here to:
- climb to the highest point of the pass and see the surroundings;
- admire the statue of Our Lady of the Snows of Bavella;
- try your hand at rock climbing and canyoning;
- take colorful pictures;
- enjoy the cleanest air, infused with a mixture of pine scents.
There are several hiking trails in the forest, and with a certain amount of luck you can see wild animals at ease in the protected forest.
What is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Corsica?
There are four airports on the island, which receive international and local flights. There are no direct flights from Russia, you have to travel with connections in one of the cities:
From there, trains, buses, and a ferry run to the island. Among the top three airlines are Aeroflot, Air Corsica, and Air France. Travel time ranges from 5 to 9 hours, depending on the transfer location.
Amazing trip to Corsica will be remembered for a long time, will bring bright colorful impressions of the amazing nature and sights.
