|
Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean and a region of France lies just north of Sardinia and off the coasts of France and Italy. Seeped in century's old history and most famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the island with its rugged beauty, high mountains, fabulous beaches, olive oil, wine and fruit is a favorite tourist and vacation destination particularly during the long summer months.
This "Mountain in the Sea" as it is commonly referred to is also known as the "Island of Beauty" and it is not hard to see why. With twenty mountain peaks over 2000m covered with brilliant green pine and chestnut forests, pastures and scrubland, 1000km of glorious coastline with over 200 beaches, quaint mountain towns and villages where life continues as it has for centuries and seaside towns with plunging limestone cliffs down to the beaches below, Corsica is waiting to be explored. By foot, hiking and walking or by car on ancient cobbled roads and winding death-defying narrow mountain passes, excitement and adventure waits round every turn. Some remote and secluded beaches are only accessible by yacht or on foot which adds to their charm and allure.
As an island that was repeated invaded and ruled by foreign powers over the centuries, the local people have emerged with an indomitable and free spirit that remains to this day. The official language today is French but Corsican, a Romance language very similar to Italian is widely spoken. Although tourism plays a huge role in the economy, the island has remained relatively unspoilt. The main tourist towns are Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south and Calvi in the northwest and here visitors can enjoy century's old architecture, quaint shops and restaurants and an island ambiance and atmosphere. A huge natural park protects thousands of rare plants and animals and access can only be gained by boat from the village of Galleria.
The island is served by four airports and the best way to access Corsica hotels from here is to hire a car as the public transport is not very good. High-speed boat from France or ferries from Marseille, Nice and Toulon in France or Genoa, Livorno or Naples in Italy are other means of accessing Corsica. A train trip between Ajaccio and Bastio with a branch to Calvi provides plenty of stunning scenery. The island is packed with tourists during the summer months; especially the months of July and August and visitors are advised to pre-book Corsica hotels to ensure they are not disappointed.
Corsica hotels range in style from a converted 17th century monastery in Calvi and traditional old Corsican-styled structures with a pleasant sunny courtyard to modern budget hotels and four and five star magnificent luxury hotels. Authentic apartments and spacious and luxurious villas are also available. Many are situated in the inland mountainous towns and villages where traditional life continues and are perfect for those wishing to hike the many trails while others make the most of the magnificent beaches and coastline. Beach Corsica hotels are set on fabulously clean beaches in secluded bays that are made up of fine or coarse golden sand or pebbles of every color adding variation and interest. Guest rooms and public spaces overlook the deep blue Med and the sound of waves lapping on the shore beckons guests to come and make the most of all the activities and beauty on offer.
A light airy reception area and a traditionally paneled breakfast room opening onto a courtyard garden or terrace is common to Corsica hotels. On the many perfect summer days, buffet breakfasts are served here while this is a perfect spot to relax after a busy day of sightseeing, walking or sunbathing. A good variety of restaurants are to be found both in the towns and villages as well as in-house providing quality unique Corsican dishes as well as an array of other typical Mediterranean cuisine-types. Chestnuts and uniquely flavored olive oil play an important role in the subtle tastes of many dishes.
Many Corsica hotels hire out water sport equipment so guests can participate in wind-surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving as well as wake-boarding, kite-surfing and fly-surfing. Swimming and sunbathing are favorite pastimes. Tennis courts, golf, seasonal hunting and Hummer tours are offered by some hotels while beautiful huge heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, some with seawater are the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Tastefully decorated guest rooms are intrinsically Mediterranean in style with plenty of white and splashes of color. The many local antiques, framed photographs, paintings, flower arrangements and pretty lamps created a tranquil and rustic feel. The more luxurious hotels include all the modern amenities and facilities with large TV screens and satellite channels, dual-line telephones, mini-bar and refrigerator to mention but a few.
Many luxurious Corsica hotels include stunning spa facilities which are the focus of some guests. Here they can enjoy Indian Ayurvedic massages with essential oils, ancient Chinese treatments and remedies, saunas, Jacuzzis, facials, pedicures and manicures.
Corsica hotels include many awe-inspiring properties with both historical and cultural interest and provide the perfect base from which to explore both the mountains and beaches. The passionate service and abiding respect attracts romantic couples while the warmth and friendliness appeals to family groups. Traditionally decorated guest rooms with all the modern amenities and facilities, fabulous local cuisine and the stunning array of day and nighttime entertainment ensures a memorable stay with memories to last a lifetime
|
|
