Your fascinating trip is going to start in Bastia, a dynamic coastal resort, a gastronomic and oenological centre. Bastia, gateway to Corsica, offers you the keys to your stay on the island. Many things have been said, written and sung on Bastia and its baroque oratories, majestic churches, Old Port and Citadel proudly perched on its rocky promontory. But beyond gilding, beyond stones, beyond palaces… what secrets does Bastia really hide? To answer this intriguing question that even most Corsicans ask themselves, it is enough to stroll around its ancient centre; for it is in the life of its neighbourhoods, in the encounter with its inhabitants, that the soul of Bastia expresses itself best. To discover the authentic Bastia, let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the narrow lanes of Terra-Vecchia, take time to taste the many regional products on the market or in the shops of Corsican specialities, discover local legends and traditions during unusual visits.
Later on cruise to the chilled out seaside town close to one of Corsica’s premier golfing spots - Ile Rousse is a rare treat. Corsica is famed for its laid back beauty and its incredible scenery and Ile Rousse doesn’t let you down. With a lively cafe scene, a tangle of small and pretty streets, rolling hills that shelter the spot, and a slow and easy pace of life, you could anchor with plans to stay for a day and find yourself here for a year. Wandering the old town is a must to soak up those old world vibes and admire the Florentine inspired houses. Of course, teeing off on a round of golf is a must and keen walkers can set out along the A Marinella footpath to discover the best three beaches this spot in Balagne has to offer.
Calvi - the holiday destination of royalty, with its golden sunshine glowing through the town's palm trees, its picturesque shop fronts and its stunning sandy beaches which offer wonderful spots for swimming, watersports and SCUBA diving. Arriving by yacht you'll immediately notice the rugged, mountainous landscape and pine forests that serve as an awe inspiring backdrop to this attractive port town. The Genoese citadel overlooks the marina, with its cobblestoned streets and baroque cathedral, and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, whilst soaking up the atmosphere.
Alive with a powerful prehistoric beauty, the Scandola Nature Reserve on Corsica’s west coast is undeniably impressive. Stunning slabs of red rhyolite rise from turquoise waters and several almost inaccessible coves and inlets are home to precious coral species and frolicking dolphins. Established as a reserve in 1975, the area is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers over 1000 hectares of sea and 900 hectares of land. Rich in biodiversity, Scandola is home to many untouched grottos that will prove irresistible to adventurous charter guests. Those who want to while away the days can simply kick back and enjoy the enchanting seascapes. An extraordinary sight at any time of day, the red rocks that the area is known for are a truly unforgettable sight during sunset.
The elegant Ajaccio, Capital of Corsica, is set in one of the Mediterranean's most stunning Gulfs on the west coast of the island. One its most famous inhabitants is Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born here in 1769, and whose ancestral home is now a museum. The city is home to two marinas and with its palm lined boulevards and waterside cafes, it's easy to see why it is compared to the glamourous Cote d'Azur. The old town has plenty of alleyways to explore its wonderful history. Further out, you can make the most of the gulf's beautiful beaches, and explore the Iles Sanguinaires where the sunsets are magical!
On the south west shores of Corsica, the beach of Roccapina is here to inspire plenty of hiking, swimming, and sailing. This blissful beach sits between Sartene and Bonifacio - and is part of the Grand Valico region. Sparsely populated and with a landscape rich in golden hued castles and vibrant vegetation, charter guests can lap up the sun in pretty coves. The beach itself is pure bliss - turquoise seas, sand that stays warm underfoot, and rocks adorning the edges. With the Genoese Tower close by, it's worth taking the hike to gaze out across dreamy panoramic views. For those guests wanting an immersive land and sea experience to discover the softer pace of life in Corsica, exploring the shores of Roccapina gives you that golden glimpse.
On stunning white, limestone cliffs at the south end of Corsica lies the spectacular harbour town of Bonifacio. The old citadel, perched on the precipice, rises high above the sea, overlooking the natural harbour below, that has sheltered many boats of the centuries and is now a modern marina. Steeped in history, there are plenty of sights to explore along the cobblestone streets of the old town, along with its fabulous viewpoints along the ramparts. Some of the medieval townhouses that dominate these cliffs are a few stories high, but only one room deep. Worth a visit is the beautiful maritime cemetery and the old convent of St Francois. On a clear day, from the Esplanade St Francois, you can see right across the bay to Sardinia.
The Archipelago of Lavezzi is a collection of small, granite islands and reefs located between Corsica and Sardinia in the Strait of Bonifacio. The two main islands are Cavallo and Lavezzu, Cavallo being the only inhabited island of the group. The area is a protected nature reserve with an abundance of underwater sea life, and marine birds, make it a nature lover's paradise. Drop anchor in the crystal clear waters, get your snorkels or laze on one of the beautiful islands' soft, sandy beaches. Lavezzu is also known for its 2 cemeteries, which serve as a monument for the victims of the 1855 shipwreck Sémillante, where 700 people perished.
On the south coast of Corsica, Porto Vecchio's splendid harbour is the resting place for hundreds of luxury yachts who choose to sail to Corsica each summer. In addition to the fantastic shopping and restaurants in the area, you can enjoy stunning landscapes and are spoiled for choice with a selection of magnificent beaches. From here, discover the beautiful, white Palombaggia beach, shaded with pine trees and clear waters of all shades of green and blue.