Corsica

A mountainous island at the heart of the Mediterranean, the fourth largest of the sea's islands in terms of area, Corsica is known to the French as the 'Isle of Beauty'....

Corsica's attraction lies partly in its mild climate and the diversity of its landscape, which combines mountain ranges culminating in peaks, beaches and creeks with waters clear enough to rival those of any remote tropical island. Although it has been French since the 18th century, it has preserved a distinctive island identity that finds expression in its own language, a typical cuisine centred on game, and the famous goat's and sheep's cheeses in their various facets. As the island was so often fought over, the main towns were heavily fortified. So they typically contain a walled citadel and old harbour, often pedestrianised, and dotted with restaurants and bars. The finest citadel is Bonifacio; arguably the most charming old harbour is Bastia. Ajaccio as the chief city has less old-world charm but has the best museums and galleries. Corsica is also the island where the french emperor Napoleon De Bonaparte was born, so you find lots of museums and representation of him. The waters around the island offer excellent opportunities for diving and watersports, while inland the mountains draw hikers and climbers. Lastly, visitors come to appreciate Corsica's distinctive and stubbornly separatist culture.