Corsica

Another appealing yacht charter destination is Corsica, the «island of beauty» known for its spectacular coastline, sandy beaches, rocky inlets, craggy peninsula, crystalline waters, picturesque villages and proud people viscerally attached to their land, heritage and traditions.

Lying approximately 105 nautical miles from St Tropez, 95 nautical miles from Antibes, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus.
Created from a series of volcanic eruptions, it also is the most mountainous.
Inhabitated since the palaeolithic, mesolithic, neolithic, bronze and iron ages, it has been colonized by the Phoenicians, Etruscans, Carthaginians, Romans and Vandals.
It has been part of the Byzantine empire, the Kingdom of Aragon, the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Holy Roman Empire, the city states of Pisa and Genoa before belonging to the French.
But Corsica is above all known for having been the native land of Emperor Napoleon.

ST FLORENT : ‘ THE ST TROPEZ OF CORSICA’ 
The Western coast of Corsica has amazing bays to anchor.
A typical yacht charter itinerary will take you to St Florent nicknamed the «St Tropez of Corsica ».
Founded by the Romans, a flourishing port under the ruling of the city state of Genoa, St Florent has retained the charm of a fishing village.
The port of St Florent is located in the heart of the village.
Step off your yacht, take a nice stroll along the quays, have a drink in one of the port cafés before you visit the 15th century Genoise Citadel overlooking the magnificent Gulf of St Florent which is ideal for water sports.

THE DESERT OF THE AGRIATES
Next day, cruise along the Désert des Agriates and discover the fine white sand beaches of Saleccia and Lotu, reckoned to be some of the nicest beaches of the island.
The Agriates is not a desert as such : its name comes from Latin refering to Agrarian Land ; the word desert was added after World War I when the area lost most of its male population.
The 37km of the Agriates desert maritime border boasts jagged coastlines, capes and sandy beaches.
A wonderful place to relax and recuperate.

Following your stay in the Agriates desert, you may enjoy to stay overnight in Calvi for a change.
There are nice beaches in the area. Calvi has a medieval citadel perched on a rocky promontary, nice shops, good restaurants, a lively marina.

THE BAY OF GIROLATA AND  THE SCANDOLA PENINSULA
Further South along the West Coast of Corsica, North of the Gulf of Girolata, lies the Scandola peninsula, the volcanic red-tinted rocks of which plunge into amazing turquoise waters.
The Scandola Reserve Park, a unique marine and land-base reserve has a rich fauna and flora, an incredible variety of algae, marine species, coral, gorgonians, groupers, tuna, swordfish… and even dolphins.

THE GULF OF PORTO AND THE CALANQUES (CREEKS) OF PIANA
Another must-see leg in your yacht journey is the Gulf of Porto well know for its dramatic rugged red rock and sweeping bays and the Calanques (creeks) de Piana: a spectacular geological formation of red granite cliffs and greenery.
Like the Scandola Marine and Land Reserve Park, the Gulf of Porto has been added to the Unesco World Heritage sites.

If you are interested in history, stop in Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birth place, visit Casa Bonaparte, his ancestral home now a museum, walk around the old town, the market, the citadel, have dinner at Le Bilboq and indulge in a grilled lobster or a delicious pasta with lobster.

THE GULF OF VALINCO
Approximately 50mn nautical miles from the Gulf of Porto, another highlight of Corsica Southern West Coast is the Gulf of Valinco, a perfect blend of coves, sandy beaches, unspoilt nature with the typical scent of the lush Corsican maquis (macchia).
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
If you decide for an excursion ashore, it may be worthwile visiting the 8.000 years old Filitosa prehistoric site, considered by scientists one of the most mysterious cultural sites of the Mediterranean as well a a jewel of megalithic art (approximately 19km from Propriano).
Another land excursion is the thermal baths of Caldane (approximately 25 minutes by car from Propriano).
This is Corsica oldest thermal spring used by the Romans who knew of the healing powers of its 37°C sulphurous waters.
Southwest of Propriano is peaceful Campomoro, a small seaside resort with a Genovese watch tower overlooking 15km of fine sandy coves and rock formations.

On your way to Bonifacio, you must stop at Roccapina, set in a protected area of Corsica known for its natural beauty, aromatic lush vegetation, beautiful sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise water.
When in Roccapina, how about stopping by the Domaine de Murtoli to experience the outdoor beach spa or sample local products at the Beach restaurant, the Farm restaurant or the Grotto restaurant?

BONIFACIO: ‘THE CITY OF THE CLIFFS’
Founded around 830 A.D., situated at the southern tip of Corsica on the cliffs of a limestone peninsula above a natural harbour, Bonifacio is not only Corsica oldest town, but due to its strategic position, has played a significant role both for maritime trade in the Mediterranean but also as a military place.
It is quite an experience to navigate through Bonifacio natural channel overhung by the three fortifications that protect the « city of the cliffs ».
The walkway offers the most remarkable views over the port and the Strait of Bonifacio and Sardinia.
How about exploring the old town with its maze of narrow cobbled streets, ancient houses, piazzas, café and shop.

THE LAVEZZI ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO
The dramatic limestone cliffs of the medieval citadel of Bonifacio are just a few miles away from the uninhabited Lavezzi islands archipelago, a true paradise made up of small sheltered beaches and enchanting coves.

THE ISLAND OF CAVALLO
The tiny almost unspoilt granitic island of Cavallo is known for its crystal clear waters, nice beaches, privacy, and exclusive Hotel & Spa des Pêcheurs.

From Cavallo island, on your way to Porto Vecchio, it is worth anchoring off the beautiful beach of Rondinara and Palombaggia where you can have lunch in a ‘paillote’ (straw hut) beach restaurant.
Porto Vecchio has a fascinating 16th century citadel, intricate narrow streets, a picturesque old town and a natural lagoon-like harbour.
Seize the opportunity to have lunch at the Cabanon Bleu beach restaurant in San Ciprianu bay.

Indeed, Corsica has plenty to offer for a yacht vacation ▪▪▪

Flavours and tastes of Corsica
Cured meats from free-range pigs raised on chestnets. Prisutto (ham) – Figatelli (smoked dried pork liver sausage).
Lamb and wild boar in the winter.
Red mullets, sea breams, sardines, langoustines
Various types of goat and sheep cheeses (strong, semi-hard, semi-mature or fresh like the brucciu a kind of ricotta)
Fiadone (traditional cheesecake made with lemon and brocciu Corsican ricotta) – Chestnut fritters – Canistrelli – Brucciu with fig liqueur

The wines of Corsica
North Corsica, Patrimonio (full-bodied red, rosé, white)
Ajaccio area (medium-bodied red and rosé)
Sartene, Figari and Porto Vecchio areas (red and rosé)
Muscat of Cap Corse (sweet desert wine)

For a yacht charter in Corsica, please contact Blue-Trend your Yachting Specialist ▪▪▪