Leisure travel
With its wide swathes of maquis wilderness and its crystal clear waters, Corsica never fails to disappoint in the beauty stakes – so much so that the island was once known as Kaliste, the “most beautiful”. However, Corsica also has its fair share of architectural masterpieces and a large number of exclusive retreats. When flying with an air charter service, you will be able to book a transfer that will take you from the private jet airport straight to your hotel. Open any luxury guide to Corsica and you will find a vast selection of five-star and luxury lifestyle hotels.
Having languished in the shade of mainland France over a long period of time, the island of Corsica is gaining in popularity when it comes to the finer things in life. Figari is known for its winemaking traditions and its production of Vin de Corse. Fine wines can be purchased directly from the vineyard or from one of the island’s many upscale wine boutiques. Tourist spots such as Calvi, Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio offer a wide range of small boutiques and independent retailers. Corsica is also famous for its delicious and hearty Mediterranean cuisine; traditional cheeses and foods made from locally grown chestnuts make great gifts. For the more fashion-forward, Corsica’s capital offers a selection of Parisian shops including the famous Printemps department store on Cours Napoléon.
Due to the strong presence of the Catholic Church on the island, Corsica experiences a large number of religious festivities throughout the year. The festivals are known for their singing and their colourful displays of religious artefacts. Each year in May, veteran tennis heroes gather in Porto Vecchio for the Classic Tennis Tour, while the Calvi Jazz Festival in June attracts renowned musicians and jazz aficionados from all over the world.