The Cap Corse peninsula stretches north of Bastia. One of the island’s most rugged spots, it’s a walker’s paradise studded with vineyards, maquis herbs and isolated beaches. The villages of Macinaggio, Erbalunga and St-Florent have plenty of classy eateries.

Historic Calvi (tourist office: Port de Plaisance, 04 95 65 16 67, www.corsica.net) is a tasteful tourist resort, with a citadel and quai Landry, which is lined with seafood restaurants. The beautiful coastline is best accessed by glass-bottomed tourist boats, which leave the marina twice a day in season.

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