Monday 19 February 2018

Corsica included in Forbes 5 Gorgeous Getaways To Inspire Your Vacation Fun In 2018

"If Paris, the Côte d'Azur, Normandy or Bordeaux has wooed your Francophile heart, then another ooh-la-la locale to explore is the mountainous, fortress-like, Mediterranean island of Corsica, southeast of France’s mainland. Its geography is exuberantly diverse: Corsica envelops more than 1,000 miles of picturesque coastline, postcard-celebrated beaches, glistening rivers and streams, rugged walking trails, lush forests and jagged peaks. Lavishly and lovingly bestowed with French joie de vivre, charisma and design, Corsica also has deep roots in Italian history and culture, evident in Genoese towers and strongholds, as well as age-old hilltop villages. The result is a unique and captivating getaway. There is much to intrigue here, including the Corsican flag and coat of arms, which feature a Moor's Head, a symbol now prominently used island-wide for all sorts of businesses and government functions; it spotlights a man wearing a bandana (in years past it was a blindfold).

Hotspots & Cool Things to Do: Wander the expansive UNESCO-praised Regional Natural Park of Corsica that draws active-and-sports enthusiasts with birding, bicycling and hiking abundance, filling your lungs with the refreshing Maquis herb-scented air. Or bask in the comfy bustle of Corsica's municipal offerings: compelling cultural events, appetizing eateries and handicraft shops that specialize in pottery, stoneware, glass-blowing, knife-making and basket-weaving. In the capital of Ajaccio, Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1769 birthplace, a museum with family heirlooms is tucked into his ancestral home. Ajaccio's 16th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, decorated inside with trompe l'oeil, hangs artwork by romantic painter Eugène Delacroix. Founded in 1492, Ajaccio's formidable citadel, overlooking the sea, is an icon. Peer at the sun-glittered blue waves, upon which sailors steer masted ships, deftly maneuvering canvas that is taut with wind, moving dance-like to and fro — a soul-lifting sight to behold. People watch in Place Maréchal-Foch, a public park with regal palm trees, an imposing Bonaparte statue and a stupendous fountain enshrining four Corsican lions. This Ajaccio neighborhood is aflutter with cafés. In Bonifacio, established around 830 and called the city of white cliffs, a natural harbor fans out from a cove. Porto Vecchio beckons with a necklace of appealing beaches. Corte shines with a citadel atop a dramatic rock outcropping. And Bastia is graced with the artistic, campaniles-facade Saint John the Baptist church. Tilt your ear toward Corsican music, particularly its polyphonic choral tradition. Frequent communal concerts bring joy. All over Corsica, at day's end, kick back with a convivial gathering — at an al fresco café or impromptu beachside assembly. If you've chosen your seat especially well, there will be a guitarist or a capellist in your vicinity singing the sun down. Salute!


Foodie Finds: Corsica is blessed with two of the world's most admired cuisines: French and Italian, which have also been married to birth a third noteworthy gastronomy specifically Corsican, using ingredients only produced on this island, their quality and taste affected by the terroir — a just-right combo of soil, climate and region. Eat well here. Prevalent dishes are civet de sanglier (wild boar casserole), agneau Corse (typically slow-roasted lamb with rosemary, garlic and potatoes), river trout, veau aux olives (slow-cooked veal stew with olives), langoustine (a slender, pink-orange lobster that can grow to approximately 10 inches), rouget (red mullet fish), loup de mer (sea bass), huitres (oysters), prisutu (smoked ham), and flan à la farine de châtaigne (chestnut tart). Vineyards and wineries abound — with indulgent tastings de rigueur. Sip a red wine (opt for an aromatic Niellucciu grape or complex Sciaccarellu) or a white (such as Vermentinu). Impacted by the island's swirl of cultures, characters and composition of earth (mostly clay and limestone in the north, granite in the south and volcanic in the middle), Corsican wines can be very good, but tend not to be widely known beyond its borders. Taste herb-infused apéritifs, too. Wander the eye-catching farmers markets for charcuterie (smoky, dense, spicy), cheeses (don't leave Corsica without tasting the preeminent brocciu cheese from ewe’s milk), chestnut-incorporated foodstuff and exceptional honey (sample the many varieties — from the dark amber miellats du Maquis with licorice and caramel flavors to the golden floral-essence miel de printemps). Bees are prized and nurtured and contribute mightily to Corsica's industry."

www.forbes.com/sites/lauramanske/2018/02/11/5-gorgeous-getaways-to-inspire-your-vacation-fun-in-2018/#572c626234df

For accommodation call Just Corsica 01202 703500 or visit www.justcorsica.co.uk

Experience Corsica with Just Corsica – The Island Specialist

Friday 16 February 2018

Just Corsica Favourites!


All the staff at Just Corsica have visited Corsica, some many times for both educational visits and for their own holidays.

Our small team of experienced staff pride themselves on in-depth knowledge of the island and our principal concern is the success of your holiday.  We would be delighted to extend our personal recommendations to you.

We recently asked all our staff to name their favourite accommodation in Corsica and here are the results:

Situated in a natural marine reserve on Cavallo Island off the south east coast of Corsica, Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs is the perfect setting for a unique holiday on an enchanted island surrounded by infinite shades of blue sea.
Prices from £994 pppw

This beautiful family run hotel is situated on the Gulf of Santa Manza in south east Corsica, 12km from Bonifacio with unique guest rooms with amazing views of the bay from the restaurant, pool and private beaches. 
Prices from £1,460 pppw

Located in the valley between Oletta and St Florent in the north east of Corsica, Hotel La Dimora is a converted 18th century farmhouse with attractive guest rooms, swimming pool and spa set in immaculate gardens.
Prices from £650 pppw

Overlooking the beautiful Santa Giulia bay just a few minutes away from Porto Vecchio, the Résidence Santa Giulia Palace offers its guests a tranquil, idyllic stay on Corsica’s south east coast.
Prices from £597 pw

This well-established hotel is situated near the town and port of Propriano, enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Valinco, it has simple Mediterranean décor, swimming pool and a host of activities locally.

Set in the picturesque countryside in north west Corsica, yet close to the sea, Calvi and its citadel, this impressive collection of privately enclosed villas enables visitors to enjoy a tranquil and luxurious 'home away from home' holiday.
Prices from £2,474 pw

This popular family run hotel is situated on the beach just 2km from the picturesque town and port of St Florent, with a Michelin star restaurant, immaculate grounds with pool and direct access to the beach.
Prices from £739 pppw

Ideally situated in the small seaside resort of Algajola between Calvi and L'Île Rousse on the north coast of Corsica, Hotel Beau Rivage is a small, family run hotel located right on the beach in the heart of the quaint village of Algajola.
Prices from £317 pppw

For our personal recommendations call us on 01202 703500 or for more information and to book online visit www.justcorsica.co.uk

Experience Corsica with Just Corsica – The Island Specialist