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Six great reasons to go

Beaches
Corsica’s craggy coastline hides some of the Med’s finest beaches. Heavenly Plage de Saleccia near Saint-Florent is a remote, white-sand beach best reached by boat. More accessible are the beaches along the Gulf of Ajaccio and the flour-fine sand of Pinarello beach in the south.

History
The ancient Greeks called Corsica ‘Kalliste’ meaning ‘the most beautiful’ and the island has been fought over ever since. It’s the Genoese legacy that’s most striking in the beautiful pastel-hued old town of Bastia and the citadels of Ajaccio and Bonifacio. How they must regret selling Corsica to France in 1768.

Scenery
The island’s bewitching landscape of herb-scented hills, wild mountains, ancient chestnut forests and whitewashed villages makes it stunning for walkers. The GR20 trail traverses the island but, at 110 miles long, it’s not for everyone. The rickety Micheline train from Bastia to Ajaccio offers scenery without the strain.

Food
Corsican cuisine is simple and hearty. Meat dishes like wild boar or smoked prizzutu ham sometimes have a distinctive chestnut flavour. Cheeses such as Brocciu and Fromage Corse are strong and pungent while the island’s Italian influences mean delicious pasta and pizza. Try family-run U Tianu in Bastia for traditional Corsican dishes, (4 Rue Mgr Rigo; 00 33 4953 13667) or relax at Le Grand Café Napoléon and sample Ajaccio’s refined café culture, (10 Cours Napoléon; 00 33 4952 14254).

Water Sports
The Mistral, Tramontane and Sirocco winds sometimes buffet the island creating ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The warm waters are perfect for diving, too. Inland there’s excellent canyoning and rafting on the Tavignano and Golo rivers; contact Altore in Bastia (www.altore.com) or Corse Aventure near Ajaccio, 00 33 4952 59119.