A Hiker's Paradise
About 80km (50 miles) off the Italian and 180km (100 miles) off the French shoreline a small, sturdy island has contributed a great deal in the form of a small man to European history. Corsica, a beautiful green rock in the middle of the Mediterranean, is a hiker’s paradise, and an authentic example of south European lifestyle.
A Picturesque Capital
The island’s capital, Ajaccio, is situated on the western shore. Napoleon has no less than three monuments, a grotto, and a museum dedicated to him, as he was born in Ajaccio in 1769.From here you can start a round tour of the island. Not far from the capital, the Calanche are a popular photo motif. Red granite rocks stick up in bizarre formations, contrasting the blue sky. A scenic road takes you through the gorgeous area, though it does require some skill when driving your rented car as it is narrow and winding with deep drops to the side.
In Porto you can enter the highest mountain pass which takes you up to 1500 m (4,800 ft) past a deep canyon and a large water reservoir and on to Corte, Corsica’s former capital.
Far south you should visit the town of Bonifacio, resting on chalk cliffs above the Mediterranean. The Aragon Stairs, named after the King of Aragon, are a 187 slippery steps, but worth the descent, as they take you down to the water and into a cave. A few companies offer boat tours, taking you to all the best places from which you can take pictures of the town upon the sea.
Are You Up For the Challenge?
Continuing in north-eastern direction you can take up the island’s biggest challenge, the Grande Randonnée 20 (Great Trail 20 shortened to GR20), a fantastic hiking trail, demanding a good deal of fitness and experience. Divided into 13-15 sections of about four to eight actual hiking hours it may not be the easiest European trail, but it is worth every step all across the island, through scrublands and pine forests, across valleys and mountains. Plenty of freshwater sources provide the opportunities to cool your feet, and there is lodging and food provided along the track. Camping is only permitted in designated areas, and you will get fined if you get caught putting your tent up somewhere else. Thousands of outdoor fans come to Corsica every year just for this experience, and even if you are not up for a 15 day hike, you can still walk shorter sections on both the north and south entrance in a day.Less intimidating but no less scenic are the hiking trails of Mare a Mare as well as Mare e Monti.
The last part which desperately needs exploring is Cape Corse in the north. Even if you are not a practitioner of the water sports people come to this part of the world for, mainly scuba diving and sailing, you will still enjoy this lovely strip of land, made accessible by scenic coastal roads along rough cliffs.
Bastia on the peninsula’s eastern coastline is the biggest harbor and as such has a pleasant buzz to it. This is where you can also board a ferry to mainland European destinations or simply spend some Euros in local boutiques.
