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Location |
Corsica basks in Mediterranean waters a hundred miles southeast of Nice and fifty miles
from Italy’s western shore. |
| Beaches |
Uncrinkle the ragged and indented coast and Corsica’s shoreline would stretch 600 miles.
Among the best beaches are the gently shelving 6km sands of Calvi, the gorgeous twin
bays of Ile Rousse, crystal clear waters close to Saint Florent (Plage de Saleccia and Plage
de l’Ostriconi were featured in the Sunday Times article ‘The World’s 10 Best Secret
Beaches’), and the beautiful Aregno beach at Algajola. In Bastia, the terraced St. Nicholas
Beach has palm trees for shade and a lively collection of café tables with jaunty parasols.
Gleaming Ajaccio forms an attractive half moon between the forested hillside and its
big calm bay, and there are blissful white-sand beaches at Pinarello, Santa Giulia and
Palombaggia, a broad shingle bay at Porto and three good beaches at Propriano. |
| Food & Wine |
‘Simple and hearty’ sums up the style of Corsican cuisine, with the island’s wild herbs
adding piquancy to the menus. Lobster tops the list of freshly caught seafood specialities,
while the rivers and streams produce fresh-water fish (served mostly grilled and seasoned)
and meat dishes include lamb, pork and wild boar. Try the smoked prizzutu ham with a
chestnut tang, a snack of figatelli spiced pork sausage, and pungent traditional cheeses
- Brocciu and Fromage Corse.
The Italian influence has added fresh pastas and pizzas to many restaurant menus, and
all the local cuisine is enhanced by the local wines. Reds and rosés come in abundance,
though there are some good whites too. Local ‘appellations’ to look out for include the
areas of Cap Corse, Patrimonio, Calvi, Sartène, Ajaccio and Porto Vecchio. Dining out
needn’t be too expensive here as many eateries offer a choice of set menus priced around
£15 - £18 per person. |
| Shopping |
| Serious shoppers will probably enjoy the labyrinthine streets and vaulted passageways of
busy Bastia, the flourishing capital city of Ajaccio, or the cobbled alleys of Calvi. Corte is
one of many towns where a market adds colour and atmosphere to shopping for local
produce. There’s a little market in L’Ile Rousse but the best places to buy native goods are
the many towns and villages nestled in the countryside. |
| Entertainment |
| An innately relaxing island, Corsica lends itself to leisurely evenings, table talk and dining
al fresco under the stars. A good variety of cafés and bars make perfect people-watching
venues for sundowners before dinner and, in the island’s larger towns, for some lively
music and late-night reverie. Religious feasts and music festivals add to the atmosphere on
various weekends throughout the summer. |
| Getting Around |
A fairly good road links major north coast towns with the south and, following a circular
route, with the eastern and western shores. There is a local train service, which offers an
inexpensive and pleasant way to get around some parts of the island (although at certain
times can be very crowded). Smaller resorts and the mountainous interior are reached
only via minor routes and, as local transport (though not unreliable) is very infrequent, we
feel that a hire car would be advisable or even essential for the more remote resorts.
Selfdrive
is also the best way to see the island’s scenery, though guided walking tours and local
excursions introduce you to Corsica’s highlights.
Taxis are expensive and difficult to locate. |
| Hotel Star Ratings |
The highest possible grading of a hotel in Corsica is 4 star de-luxe.
Hotels with 2 stars are
often the equivalent of 3 stars elsewhere in Europe. |
| Language |
French is the official language of Corsica,
although a Corsican language is widely
spoken. Limited English is spoken - more
so in the north of the island. Many menus
on the island are not translated so it’s worth
taking a French phrase book or dictionary. |
Money |
The currency of Corsica is the euro. It is
difficult to change Travellers Cheques so we
recommend you either take euro in cash or
use the cash point machines, which can be
found in all the main towns.
Credit Cards are widely accepted. Hotels do
not offer exchange facilities. |
Local costs |
A typical 3-course set meal will cost in the
region of €20-€22 and a glass of wine or
beer around €3.
A full day boat trip with lunch included
from Porto Vecchio or Pinarello costs
approximately €55 (children €30). |
Vaccinations |
None required. |
| Water |
| We recommend buying bottled water |
| Visas |
None required for British and other EU
passport holders. |
| Time Difference |
| In the summer BST + 1 / GMT + 2. |
| Electricity |
220V: 2 pin sockets - a European adaptor
is required. |
| Flight Time |
| 2hrs - 2hrs 30mins. |
| Corsica > Propriano
An Introduction to Propriano…
Propriano holidays are enjoyed in the small seaside resort of Propriano, famous for its fine sandy beaches and delightful rocky coves. The town’s waterfront is home to many good cafes and restaurants which serve delicious seafood specialities.
The best Propriano hotels are the 3 star Hotel Roc e Mare and the splendid family-run 4 star Hotel Marinca with its beautiful gardens and secluded beach. The best Propriano apartment accommodation is the Residence Marie-Diane, a small, family-run complex of 20 terraced houses and maisonettes.
Our Propriano holiday flights operate from London Gatwick and Manchester to Figari airport. The travelling time from airport to your hotel or apartment is around 75 minutes. So book your Propriano package holiday, Propriano hotel or Propriano flight with Holiday Options and don’t forget our Propriano late deals and holiday offers at very special prices.
Propriano, located midway between Bonifacio and Ajaccio, is famous for its fine sandy beaches and delightful rocky coves. The waterfront hosts many cafés and restaurants where the local seafood specialities are delicious and highly recommended.
Propriano is typically Corsican and very popular, although smaller than some other resorts, and has a lively marina and waterfront area.
An introduction to…
Ajaccio, Porto Vecchio, Pinarello, Propriano & Zonza
Ajaccio
Ajaccio, with its palm-fringed promenade and boulevards, fashionable shops, elegant
buildings, Old Town and port is a distinguished capital reminiscent of Nice and the French
Riviera. Restaurants and bars abound, especially around the port area, and there are
excellent long, sandy beaches. Ajaccio is a fascinating mix of old and new, which can be
both lively and peaceful.
Porto Vecchio
Porto Vecchio is an elegant, cultured and lively resort located on a hill overlooking the
magnificent Gulf of Porto Vecchio. A chic and stylish town, Porto Vecchio offers a vibrant
buzz with its many elegant shops and cafés and spectacular beaches within easy reach.
Pinarello
Pinarello is a small resort by the sea renowned for its splendid white sand beach,
which stretches round the crescent-shaped bay. Pinewoods fringe the beach, which
is overlooked by a Genoese watchtower. Unlike the other splendid beaches of Porto
Vecchio, the resort area is immediately on hand. There are a few pizzerias, bars and shops
and two excellent restaurants - Le Rouf, overlooking the beach at the Le Pinarello Hotel,
and the gourmet restaurant at U Paesolu. Pinarello will appeal to those seeking
an unspoiled resort with a superb beach and quality accommodation.
Propriano
Propriano, located midway between Bonifacio and Ajaccio, is famous for its fine sandy
beaches and delightful rocky coves. The waterfront hosts many cafés and restaurants
where the local seafood specialities are delicious and highly recommended.
Propriano is typically Corsican and very popular, although smaller than some other resorts,
and has a lively marina and waterfront area.
Zonza
Zonza in the heart of the mountains, is popular with walkers and those seeking
a typical Corsican village. It overlooks the Corsican Nature Reserve and the stunning
mountains of Bavella. There are some excellent restaurants and convivial bars. Visitors
can swim in fresh rivers and waterfalls and the white sand beaches of Santa Giulia and
Palombaggia are within an hour’s drive.
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Here are just a few things we recommend you include on any visit to Corsica:
- Visit the brooding rural retreat of Sartène
- Explore the stunning mountainous interior of the island
- Sample the wild boar from the menu
- Visit and tour one of many vineyards
- Indulge in the fantastic local rosé wines
- Experience the wonderful southern coastline by taking a boat from Bonifacio
- Enjoy the scenery on the little train from Calvi to L’Ile Rousse
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