Upper Corsica
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Upper Corsica
The small Mediterranean island of Corsica encompasses a bewildering diversity of landscapes, experiences, and delicacies. Though its southern counterpart often steals the spotlight, the region of Upper Corsica lacks for nothing in terms of entertainment, character, and natural beauty. And savvy travellers would do well not to ignore its unmistakable allure, from the peak of Monte Cinto to the island's numerous picture-perfect coastal and hilltop villages.Hitta resa
Corsica's second city is its main commercial port and one of the island's hubs in terms of attractions, dining and entertainment, and boasts an air of authenticity more striking than the island's other cities. The Vieux Port ('Old Port') is a must-see, as are the historical neighbourhoods of Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova, with its Genoese citadel.
The striking town of Calvi is dominated by the imposing citadel, which towers over the town from atop a hill by the sea. Its fortifications and surrounding wall enclose also some old houses and a 13th century cathedral. The town's marina has numerous pleasant cafes and restaurants, while the 6 kilometres of sandy beaches attract sun-seekers from around the island.
Covering over 40% of the island's territory, the Corsica Regional Natural Park encompasses a massive area and countless natural wonders, from lush forests to mountain massifs, impressive gorges to mountain lakes, and more. The GR20, a famous hiking trail, also crosses the park and is one of its biggest draws.
Sant'Antonino is one of the oldest villages in Corsica, its origins dating back to the 9th century. Sitting atop a pleasant hill, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and nearby coast, it is one of the island's most picturesque villages, known also for its excellent craft shops.
Corte is at the very heart of Corsica, both geographically and politically, as it was the capital of an independent Corsica during its brief existence as a sovereign nation (1755-1769). The town retains its air of grandeur from those days, with the National Palace and an impressive 15th-century church as the centrepieces.
Corsica Cape (Cap Corse) is a beautiful 40-kilometre peninsula that juts out from the northern tip of the island. It is also a mountain range that gives the area striking scenery as the mountains plunge into the sea. It is a favourite area for hiking and photography, and one of the most beautiful areas of Corsica.
Located on beautiful Corsica Cape, the picturesque village of Nonza hangs over the sea on a striking cliff. The town's historic buildings are incredibly well preserved, and the views of the ocean and the surrounding mountainous countryside are simply breath-taking.
Another idyllic Corsican village located on Cap Corse, just north of Bastia, Erbalunga was once an important fishing port. Today it is more of a lazy seaside town, with a relaxed pace and easygoing inhabitants. The town's beautiful houses are grouped together on a tiny rocky peninsula, crowned by an old Genoese tower.
Corsica's second city is its main commercial port and one of the island's hubs in terms of attractions, dining and entertainment, and boasts an air of authenticity more striking than the island's other cities. The Vieux Port ('Old Port') is a must-see, as are the historical neighbourhoods of Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova, with its Genoese citadel.
The striking town of Calvi is dominated by the imposing citadel, which towers over the town from atop a hill by the sea. Its fortifications and surrounding wall enclose also some old houses and a 13th century cathedral. The town's marina has numerous pleasant cafes and restaurants, while the 6 kilometres of sandy beaches attract sun-seekers from around the island.
Boasting one of the finest locations in Bastia, right on Place du Marché, Grazie Mille serves up fine Italian dining in a lovely setting. The menu features, among other things, great seafood pasta dishes, that pair wonderfully with the Corsican wines.
La Rivière Des Vins is a fantastic restaurant and meeting place in Corte which offers traditional Corsican food and local wine. The 'menu gourmand' comes highly recommended, a sampling menu of numerous Corsican specialities.
The calm waters in the bay beyond Calvi is home to one of the island's most pleasant beaches, Plage de Calvi, where Octopussy serves as a wonderful restaurant and beach bar. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, or evening drinks, there is never a bad time to come.
Just outside the central Corsican town of Corte, located along a country road on the banks of the Restonica river, the small Auberge de la Restonica, a hotel and restaurants with a charming outdoor, poolside dining terrace with mountain views, where traditional Corsican cuisine is put on display, especially in their signature dish, Filer Restonica.
For a change of palate, head to Bastia's lovely marina area and indulge in the spicy flavours of Mexican cuisine. It doubles as a lively pub after dark, with colourful cocktails and delicious bar food over sports screenings or loud music.
Le Café du Centre is a modern and sleek cafe-restaurant in the centre of Bastia, and a great place to try some authentic Bastia dishes. Pasta and seafood feature heavily on the menu (the octopus comes highly recommended). Finish your meal with their cheap but delicious coffee for a perfect afternoon.
Boasting one of the finest locations in Bastia, right on Place du Marché, Grazie Mille serves up fine Italian dining in a lovely setting. The menu features, among other things, great seafood pasta dishes, that pair wonderfully with the Corsican wines.
La Rivière Des Vins is a fantastic restaurant and meeting place in Corte which offers traditional Corsican food and local wine. The 'menu gourmand' comes highly recommended, a sampling menu of numerous Corsican specialities.
Travellers have been coming to LN Mattei for years in search of the best delicacies Corsica has to offer. There are wide selections of local wines and brandies, as well as food, like chestnuts and scented salts, but most people go for one thing in particular: their signature aperitif, cap corse.
Parfumerie Laboratoire Cyrnarom showcases only handmade scents made with local ingredients. Visitors can learn about the scents and their ingredients and even create one of their own to take home as the perfect souvenir.
Bastia's fresh produce market takes place at the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville from Tuesday to Sunday morning. Stalls are set up that sell fruit and vegetables, meat and fish and all of Corsica's specialities.
For some of the best products Corsica has to offer, visit the family-run Annie Traiteur in Calvi. Their selection ranges from oils, honey and jams to more unique items like veal sausage and of course wine.
With three locations in Corsica (Ajaccio, Bastia and Corte) Pâtisserie Confiserie Grimaldi offers exquisite chocolate creations, ranging from truffles to cakes to ice cream to macaroons, and more.
U Muntagnolu showcases local specialities of the highest quality, including cheeses and cold cuts, oils and jams, wines and a number of other artisanal products that show off the care given to local production.
Travellers have been coming to LN Mattei for years in search of the best delicacies Corsica has to offer. There are wide selections of local wines and brandies, as well as food, like chestnuts and scented salts, but most people go for one thing in particular: their signature aperitif, cap corse.
Parfumerie Laboratoire Cyrnarom showcases only handmade scents made with local ingredients. Visitors can learn about the scents and their ingredients and even create one of their own to take home as the perfect souvenir.
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA) is Upper Corsica's main international airport, located 17 kilometres to the southeast of Bastia, in the municipality of Lucciana. There is a simple shuttle service that runs from the airport to the Bastia train station (the journey takes about 35 minutes). Another option is to take a taxi from in front of the terminal to whatever your destination may be. The smaller Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) is located just 6 kilometres from Calvi and operates mostly seasonal flights from Europe. To get to the city from the airport, visitors will have to take a taxi, as there are no buses.
Peak tourist season falls on the months of July and August, when the weather is hottest. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are much more pleasant in terms of weather, and better fit for hiking and active outdoor pursuits.
It is notoriously difficult to keep track of Corsican public bus schedules, as these may change without notice or not always be reliable. There is, however, a frequently updated website containing all available information on island transport. There are also three railroad routes on Corsica, one of which connects the capital of Ajaccio to inland Corte. Renting a car is the best way of getting around and is recommended for convenience if you plan to explore the island.
Corsica Taxi +33 4 95 36 04 65 www.corsica-taxis.com
There are multiple pharmacies in larger settlements across the island. Pharmacie Principale 31 Rue César Campinchi, Bastia +33 4 95 31 07 70 Mon-Fri 9am-7pm
Country code: +33 Area code: 495
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA) is Upper Corsica's main international airport, located 17 kilometres to the southeast of Bastia, in the municipality of Lucciana. There is a simple shuttle service that runs from the airport to the Bastia train station (the journey takes about 35 minutes). Another option is to take a taxi from in front of the terminal to whatever your destination may be. The smaller Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) is located just 6 kilometres from Calvi and operates mostly seasonal flights from Europe. To get to the city from the airport, visitors will have to take a taxi, as there are no buses.
