Corsica is a beautiful island of the Mediterranean coast of France. The island offers sandy beaches, rugged coasts, mountains, wild countryside, fascinating towns and villages. Package tours have hardly touched the place, but it is a favourite destination for the French, Italians and Germans and it's easy to see why.
The climate is similar to southern France; if you want cooler times try spring or autumn.
Main towns are Ajaccio (birthplace of Napoleon), Calvi (reputed birthplace of Columbus) and Bastia. Each has an international airport and ferry harbours linking to France and Italy.
Prettiest area, in my opinion, is around Calvi, itself a picturesque harbour, but wherever you go the scenery is superb. Food is excellent, part French, part Italian but clearly Corsican. Wild boar is a speciality. Restaurants are reasonably priced and you'll usually eat outdoors.
Activity holidays are well catered for, especially if you enjoy walking, climbing etc.
Corsica does not have a great night life in the way that places like Ibiza do, but you won't need it after a day exploring and an evening eating.
To get around, a hire car is essential. Unlike the rest of France, there is no airport car hire tax so rates are reasonable. Do not expect to cover great distances - the roads are good but very bendy.
Corsica is not cheap, but it need not be expensive. Taxes are lower than in the rest of France (e.g. cigarettes about £1.25) and there is enough competition to keep costs down.
The Corsicans are friendly, helpful and proud of their island. They call it the scented isle, and it is, thanks to the flowers and herbs that grow wild all over the island. Arriving by ferry, you can literally smell the island in the distance.
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