If the expression “rugged beauty” means anything as all it certainly applies to mountainous Corsica, a veritable tourist paradise with an astonishing variety of scenery; spectacular coastlines, secluded beaches, national wildlife reserves with its scented “maquis” evergreen shrubland and much more and where every season has its own attraction.

Ajaccio was the birthplace of Napoleon who made the city the Island’s capital. This elegant resort has a lovely seafront with fine sandy beaches and delightful promenade from where you can enjoy awe-inspiring sunsets. It has glorious mountains as its backdrop, colourful architecture, busy daily markets selling local produce.

Calvi is a bustling sea port town with fines beaches and amazing scenery. It has the feel of a smart Mediterranean resort with many bars, bistros and delicious restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. Its busy port and marina is overlooked by the impressive citadel which, after a seven week siege where Nelson lost an eye, had to eventually surrender to the British fleet.

Bastia is the commercial heart of the island. It was founded in 1378 by the Genoans and named after the fort (bastille) that protected and dominates the city. The old town of Terra Vecchia has a network of narrow winding cobbled alleyways to discover and includes the elegant main square of Place St Nicholas.

Corte was once the island’s capital during a brief period of independence. It’s now home to Corsica’s only university. It is a lively town with many bars and restaurants. Set in the mountains, it is the perfect base to explore the nearby Tavignano valley, Restonica gorge, the Vizzavona and Noceta forests with their freshwater natural pools and the serene beauty of the whole Venacais area.