Take a dollop of France, a dash of Italy and a doggedly aloof attitude that reflects neither, and you pretty much have Corsica. A mini-continent, Corsica is one of the truly last unspoiled corners of the Mediterranean and has grudgingly relinquished little of itself to developers. The primitive interior with its dense shrub land complements the sandy beaches and rocky coves of the coastline.

Turquoise water laps at the white sand beaches in the southeast between Bonifaccio and Porto-Vecchio.

Ajaccio has a relatively modern skyline and statues of its most famous native son, Napoléon Bonaparte, are everywhere.

The megaliths at Cauria and the stone warriors at Filitosa hint at the island’s history. CONTACT