What Makes Corsica in the LOW Season So Special?

Walking

Corsica has a superb network of walking trails ranging from gentle strolls through the maquis, to more challenging hikes with sizeable ascents and descents such as the Mare A Mare and Mare A Monte culminating in the (in)famous GR20 – the 180km trail that runs diagonally across the island and takes even accomplished walkers 14 days to complete.

However, much of Corsica offers the opportunity for casual walkers to enjoy the peace and quiet of the island’s interior and take in the awe-inspiring views. Each region of the island has guides available from the various Tourist Information Offices which map the myriad, very well signposted routes which meander along the coast, through forests, follow riverbanks and traverse the foothills of the impressive, often snow-capped mountains that form the spine of the island.

Whilst many of the walks form a ‘boucle’ (i.e. start and end at the same point) it is also possible to undertake guided or self-guided walks stopping at auberges and small hotels along the way – and even having luggage transferred to lighten the load!

Cycling

Corsica hosted the ‘Grand Départ’ of the Tour de France in 2013 so is acknowledged as being amongst the best places to cycle, with a mixture of steep climbs and descents along with more gentle rides, all giving riders wonderful views of the island. 

Whilst the main roads of the island can get busy, especially in high season, the minor roads remain quiet even in the height of summer affording the opportunity to explore the island by bike in relative peace. Depending on their level of proficiency, cyclists can choose between a wide network of proposed itineraries either along the coastline, in the countryside and ascending into the mountains. For those not wishing to bring their own cycle, there are many rental outlets where road bikes and all-terrain cycles, both manual or electrically assisted are available – many offering a delivery & collection service.

Most tourist information offices are able to provide guides and maps of the better-known circuits, and whilst many will be on metaled roads, although it is quite common for there to be signposted colour-coded trails through the maquis.

Golf

Whilst not renowned as a golfing destination, Corsica does nevertheless boast 6 courses, amongst them, the 18-hole Robert Trent-Jones designed Sperone Golf Club near Bonifacio, ranked in the top 50 courses in France – with some holes bearing more than a coincidental resemblance to a Pebble Beach. From the higher parts, there are superb views across to Sardinia along with the islands of Lavezzi, Cavallo and Maddalena.

There are also three, 9-hole courses including Reginu (near L’Ile Rousse) with its narrow, undulating fairways situated in the heart of the Reginu Valley in the Balagne region of the island. Borgo (south of Bastia), is a relatively flat but well-wooded whist Lezza (south of Porto Vecchio) is much more open but located on the hillside. GIGA (near Ajaccio) is a 6-hole mixture of tree-lined fairways and water hazards and the 14-hole Murtoli (between Sartene & Bonifacio) has a layout which enables a round of 18 holes to be played by using different tees, after which a stay in the sumptuous hotel or private luxurious bergeries awaits. For more golf information click here >

All the courses are open all-year round and, because of the invariably pleasant climate, are in good condition no matter what the month. Green fees are very reasonable compared to the UK (and other better renowned destinations) and the pleasure of playing the game in such wonderful surroundings 

Watersports

Whilst most of the typical water-borne activities tend to take place during the summer months, windsurfing and kite-surfing are widely enjoyed even during the winter, especially on the west coast, which benefits from regular, moderate, south-westerly winds offering ideal conditions in seas whose temperatures seldom drop below 15°C. 

Inland, white-water canoeing is an adrenaline-filled way of experiencing the narrow, deep gorges in meltwater from the mountains cascading down through the pine and chestnut forests.

Birdwatching

Corsica is a ‘twitcher’s ‘ paradise, especially in late April / early May when many species of birds stop off on the island on their annual migration. Over 500 species have been identified on the island, and, whilst the only officially indigenous bird is the Corsican nuthatch, it is quite an achievement to spot one. There are many areas of the island that attract an array of winged wildlife including flamingoes in the freshwater lagoons on the east coast, the spotted flycatcher, bee-eater, Marmora’s warbler and Cirl bunting in the lower hills, and, of course, the almost omnipresent red kite. Higher in the mountains there are Lammergeier to be seen – albeit the locations of their nests are kept a secret.

Wine discovery

Corsica has no less than 9 AOC regions (the most per unit area in the world) and over 290 wine producers on nearly 6000 hectares with vineyards producing over 350,000 hectolitres of wine per year – approximately 70% of which is rosé. Many of the wines produced on the island have won awards and the island is considered to be an emerging producer of some of the best, despite its relatively small volume of production compared to the mainland. Indeed, one advantage of the small scale of the vineyards is that welcome visitors are offered a very friendly, personal experience from proud producers situated in amazing scenery.

Irrespective of the activity (or activities) you choose, a warm Corsican welcome will await you and there will always be the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful dishes using ingredients from local producers accompanied by the excellent wines

Flights to Corsica start on 3rd May from London Gatwick to Bastia in the north-east of the island and an ideal starting point for exploring the island.

Why book with Just Corsica?

Our team at Just Corsica have visited each of our properties on Corsica both for educational purposes and on their own holidays and Rob, our Product Director and author of this blog, has lived and worked on the island for 20 years. In addition, Huw, our Managing Director and his wife, Alison, our Marketing Director both worked on the island in the early 1980’s so their combined experience has enabled enables us to offer you a personally selected choice of location and accommodation throughout Corsica to suit all criteria, tastes and budgets.