Introduction

Corsica is truly a whole world in miniature. Everything is here, from modern cities rich in culture and history to breathtaking scenery coastal bays, beaches, and rugged cliffs blending into an interior of marvellous mountains and dramatic gorges. Little mountain villages dot the landscape of the interior in an almost ridiculously picturesque way, while on the coast, traditional fishing villages and tourist resorts co-exist fairly happily for the most part.

Corsica is perfect for slow travel. Though this guide will give you an itinerary that can be completed in as few as ten days, you could easily spend much longer and still not have exhausted the island's near-endless supply of things to see and do. The tour outlined below is designed to be undertaken by car, but should you have more time, there is nothing to stop anyone from enjoying a slightly adapted route by bike. Of course, Corsica is also famous for walking and hiking. This guide aims to give you a good taste of the delights on offer.

While for some the beautiful beaches are the main attraction, this guide is perfect for those who enjoy doing a little more with their holidays than lying in the sun. That’s fine for a while perhaps, but as this guide shows, there are many other things to see and do for those with a more cultural frame of mind.

As the following 10-day tour demonstrates, Corsica is perfect for history lovers and for those who love to immerse themselves in a culture, seeing all the things there are to see and experiencing the atmosphere in a range of different locations.

Corsica is a popular holiday destination, and yet it is very possible to escape the crowds, even if you come in mid-summer. While the beaches and the main walking trail, the GR20, will likely be rather busy during peak season, there are plenty of out-of-the-way spots across the island where you will often find yourself entirely alone. This is especially true if you venture to some of the more remote mountainsides and mountain villages.

Enjoy your time in Corsica, and remember, this 10-day tour of the island is merely the beginning. Corsica will surely call you to return before too long.

• Total distance: 1080 km