The Beautiful North in Cap Corse
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Touring Corsica
This blog focuses mainly on Corse du Sud, with a highlight in the north: Cap Corse. However, rest assured that the northern area, the mountainous interior, and other coastlines offer plenty to explore. As I write this, I realize I’m not done with Corsica yet. A return trip next year seems like a must, right Rona?
Our Stay: Domaine A Presa in Matra
We stayed in a lovely villa owned by a French couple who strive to support the local economy in Matra. They welcomed us warmly, offered numerous tips, and made us feel more than welcome on their beautiful estate, featuring a heated swimming pool. The villa boasts a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms with adjacent bathrooms, and a gorgeous terrace with a BBQ.
The estate, which has two similar villas, is secured with a gate, as they say, “for the cows.” You could easily leave the key in the door here, as the only potential uninvited guests are cows. Of all the villas I’ve stayed in, this one ranks among the most modern and scores 10/10 for cleanliness. You have endless mountain views and nothing but silence. Absolute recommendation!
Practical: You can book the villa through this link. It’s the perfect base to explore southern Corsica: Sartène, Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio are all within easy reach.
The Heavenly South of Corsica
Views of Sartène and Bonifacio
Let’s start with a highlight: the extreme south of Corsica, the charming port town of Bonifacio, built in a truly remarkable way. The old town perches on a towering limestone cliff, overlooking the ancient harbor.
A wooden promenade beautifully connects the restaurants and terraces to the water. To reach the upper town, make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as a steep staircase leads to an even steeper path upward.
Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of this impressive upper town, which seems to float above the sea on a sheer limestone cliff. You’ll also see other rock formations, such as the Grain de Sable, in the stunning dramatic seascape.
You can also climb to the most beautiful viewpoint of the town by veering left after the steep staircase. For breathtaking ‘oh’ and ‘wow’ moments, we found Bonifacio to be the best destination in Corsica.
Boat Tours
Another way to admire Bonifacio and its rock formations is by taking a boat tour. There are plenty of options for boat excursions at the harbor. We opted for a tour of the rocks, caves, and calanques. The tour was pricey and the guide somewhat disinterested, but the landscapes were phenomenally beautiful. It is definitely recommended because you see the town from a perspective that is not possible from the mainland.
When it comes to dining, Bonifacio offers various restaurants both in the upper and lower towns. We stumbled upon the relatively new Stella d’Oro – Chez Jules in the upper town. They serve exquisite cuisine, and seafood lovers can choose the catch of the day for their meal. In the lower town, you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere while dining at The Kissing Pigs.
Bonifacio to Porto-Vecchio
From a major highlight to a somewhat more moderate one: Porto-Vecchio also features a quaint harbor, a range of terraces, and an upper town; however, it is not as impressive as Bonifacio. We noticed that Porto-Vecchio has more dining options in the upper town than other attractions. It is a pleasant town for shopping and relaxing, but you can see it quite quickly. The gorgeous bays and beaches in Porto-Vecchio are truly worth it, though.
Beaches of Porto-Vecchio
Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are two of the most famous and beautiful bays with beaches in the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Besides the greenery and mountains surrounding the beach, there’s also a spectacular beach experience. The combination with the azure water and white sand makes it a true micro-paradise. Be careful during your tour around the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, though; you might unexpectedly end up in a naturist camp, just as we almost did!
Ajaccio
Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is noticeable due to its size and expanse compared to other towns on the island. Unlike its smaller neighbors, Ajaccio does not have a distinct upper and lower town layout.
A large harbor extends from the citadel, featuring a pier that offers expansive views of the city, the harbor, and the sea. Ajaccio is famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon, and you will certainly encounter references to him during your visit.
We found Ajaccio beautiful due to its colorful houses, painted shutters, and charming alleys. The many palm trees and heavenly promenades contribute to a perfect holiday atmosphere. Stroll around and feel free to get lost…
Boat Excursions
I highly recommend a boat excursion with a stop at the Îles sanguinaires. You depart from the harbor of Ajaccio for a nearly three-hour boat tour to the uninhabited islands off the coast. These islands feature a large lighthouse and remnants of old constructions, but other than that, there is absolutely nothing to find except some secluded (pebble) beaches with turquoise water. This visit and the trip are definitely worth it!
The Gulf of Ajaccio
Don’t forget about the Gulf of Ajaccio! Here you also find beautiful bays, beaches, and viewpoints. In the town of Porticcio, you can shop and grab a bite to eat before enjoying the stunning views.
Restaurants in Ajaccio
Our new favorite restaurant in Ajaccio is La Marinella, named after the hit song by renowned Corsican singer Tino Rossi. The restaurant is located next to his property, which attracts many visitors. Here, you can enjoy both meat and seafood dishes alongside the sea, all of which are incredibly flavorful. The service, atmosphere, and hospitality are top-notch too!
Train Journey Through the Mountains
Another way to explore the island is via the infamous train network that runs through the mountains. The recommended route for the most impressive landscapes is from Bocognano to Corte, but you can also travel from Ajaccio to Bastia.
You pass through incredibly beautiful scenery and mountain passes, and the train travels over a bridge designed by Eiffel. In the distance, you can spot the Fortin de Pasciola, a tower in the middle of nowhere that once held prisoners. It’s certainly not an ordinary train ride! If you prefer not to take the train, you could follow a similar route by car.
Cap Corse and Bastia
We conclude our journey with a highlight that is also quite literal when you look at a map of Corsica. This extreme north point, ‘Cap Corse,’ offers the most beautiful panoramas along its coastal road (‘Route du Cap’) over mountains, bays, and beaches.
You traverse through the prettiest villages, boasting many ‘oh’ and ‘wow’ moments along the way. Mountain hikes or walks to viewpoints are also available, like the trail to a mill offering stunning vistas.
Bastia
Last but not least: Bastia. This coastal town is mainly known for its ferry port, but it offers much more, including the largest square in Europe. In the old harbor, adorned with two lighthouses, colorful fishing boats bob alongside one another.
The monumental cathedral looms over everything, watching over old Bastia. In Bastia, captivating colors and charming alleys are never far away, making it a worthwhile stop before boarding the ferry!
Conclusion
Corsica has taught me once again that you don’t need to travel across the world to find a paradise that has everything: mountains, hilltop villages, forests, bays, beaches, and crystal-clear water. The island is especially well-suited for those who want to enjoy nature and tranquility, rather than searching for culture with a capital ‘C.’ We can’t wait to return for another week of rest and nature!
Ready to experience Corsica Travel?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What makes Corsica a travel paradise?
Corsica is a travel paradise due to its stunning landscapes, including mountains, charming villages, and pristine beaches, all contributing to a unique holiday experience.
- What are the best beaches to visit in Corsica?
Some of the best beaches in Corsica include Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, renowned for their white sand and azure waters.
- How can I explore Corsica effectively?
To explore Corsica effectively, renting a car is highly recommended, allowing you to access various regions, including the north and south.
- What activities can I enjoy in Bonifacio?
In Bonifacio, you can explore the old town, enjoy a boat tour to admire the cliffs, and dine at excellent restaurants with beautiful views.
- Is Ajaccio worth visiting in Corsica?
Yes, Ajaccio is worth visiting for its colorful architecture, rich history as Napoleon’s birthplace, and beautiful coastal promenades.