HANDPICKED VILLAS, APARTMENTS & HOTELS IN CORSICA 2013 COLLECTION OUR PROPERTIES Calvi Citadel & Town 20-45 La Balagne 46-71 Contents St Florent & the North East 72-97 L’Extrême Sud 98-123 INTRODUCTION Valinco & the West Coast 124-141 Bienvenue en Corse 4-5 FURTHER INFO Introduction to the regions 6-7 More properties online 142-143 What to expect 8-9 Touring Corsica & itineraries 144-145 Festivals & events 10 Flights 146 Beaches 11 Car hire & transfers 147 Corsica for families 12-13 Things to know before you go A-Z 148-150 Active Corsica 14-15 Sustainable tourism & insurance 151 Le Tour de France 15 Fair trading charter 152-153 Why book with Corsican Places 16-17 How to book 154 Property guide 18-19 Map of Corsica 155 2 INTRODUCTION A message from the Managing Director 2012 saw my family and I return to Bergerie Murtetu on the west coast – a simple decision really, thanks to the combined allure of tranquillity and stunning views. We experienced a heat wave while we were there so as well as time relaxing around the pool, and visits to favourite beaches and restaurants, we chose to spend a few days in the cool of the mountains, walking through forests and along rivers discovering cooling rock pools to swim in. With flights full from the south of England, we travelled to Manchester and experienced our new Flybe flight, and were most impressed, especially seeing all Corsican Places customers being ushered through the standard queues to our dedicated check-in, before boarding a brand new aircraft. With our new British Airways flight from Heathrow to Figari next year, the choice and quality of our flights will have never been better. Next year, as a cycling family, we may well venture back All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially to see the Tour de France which is coming to the island for protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with its 100 year anniversary. We may even (slowly) cycle a section an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our of the route, once again combining some unique fair trading charter for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ Corsican activities with a relaxing villa holiday. I’m wishing we ATOLCertificate. were there already. Our ATOL number is 1866. We are also members of ABTA and AITO, the AITO quality charter is on page 31. hris Rowles 5113 ManagingC Director, Corsican Places Cover: Calvi Marina & Citadel Inside Cover: Saleccia beach, North East 3 INTRODUCTION Bienvenue en Corse Uncommercialised, untouched and unspoilt, Corsica is without doubt a beautiful and bewitching place, seducing every visitor. Despite being our closest Mediterranean island at just luxurious yachts in picturesque marinas. Locals and over two hours from the UK and the fourth largest tourists alike bask in glorious sunshine, enjoying a myriad island in the Mediterranean, Corsica still remains a of water sports and other outdoor pursuits or simply mystery to most. “A French island basking in the Italian relaxing as they admire the stunning scenery. In late sun” was how the French writer Balzac described the summer the island starts to unwind again, the beaches island. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, the and roads are quieter and the sun is still shining bright. island lies some 170 kilometres off the French coast Laid back and with a lack of pretention, Corsica is one and 80 kilometres from Italy. Geographically, the island of the most wonderful and hospitable islands in the is tuned into Italy but France governs it, meaning that Med. At the heart of the Mediterranean, it is steeped Corsica has both French and Italian flavours whilst in tradition and the culture bears witness to the island’s retaining its own distinct personality. often turbulent past, perhaps a reason why Corsicans Most visits to Corsica begin by the sea – almost are proud, generous and very free spirited. Pastoral 1,000 kilometres of undeveloped coastline combining cuisine, fine wines, historical and sacred monuments, dramatic seascapes with an alluring array of sandy unique polyphonic singing, fairs that celebrate the beaches. Coastal towns bustle against a stage-set of island’s abundant harvest and a variety of fascinating quiet villages in the mountains; whilst Corsica’s shores traditions all help define this distinctively Mediterranean are lapped by implausibly clear turquoise waters and way of life. backed by perfumed maquis, extensive forests of oak, With the island’s many faces, Corsica has something chestnut trees and magnificent umbrella pines. Corsica for everyone whether you’re looking for a traditional boasts an incredible variety of coastal landscapes – from family beach holiday, a touring holiday discovering the secluded coves to vast sandy bays, from plunging red breathtaking mountain scenery, a romantic break right granite pinnacles of the West coast to the dazzling white in the heart of the atmospheric citadels, or a more cliffs of Bonifacio – this isle of beauty offers an irresistible energetic experience cycling, walking or on the water. invitation to sample the pleasures of the sea. We love the island so let us guide you to Corsica, and Around a third of the island is National Park and it experience the hospitality, conviviality and authenticity has the highest mountains and most rivers of any of this “scented isle”. Mediterranean island. Running as a spine down the length of the island, the highest peaks reach nearly 3,000 metres with around twenty peaks over 2,000 metres. Corsica is cut by deep gorges, echoing with tumbling streams, with fragrant pine forests covering the We have recommended Corsica to so mountains. A truly unique island, the Ancient Greeks many people, we just hope they all don’t named it “Kalliste” – the most beautiful; and with a rich decide to go when we do! and aromatic flora, this mountain in the sea certainly takes your breath away. Mrs Hargreaves, Guest In spring, green fields and woodlands are blanketed with colourful wild flowers soaking up the warmth of the sun while the highest mountain peaks are still covered in snow. In summer sleepy coastal towns and villages awaken as visitors arrive and moor their 4 For more information or to book online visit Corsica.co.uk INTRODUCTION Palombaggia, l’Extrême Sud Call the Corsican experts on 0845 330 2345 5 INTRODUCTION Introduction to the Regions La Balagne St Florent & the North East Calvi St Florent Calvi’s Citadel rises high above the town with its Tucked away between the Désert des Agriates and fortress-like buildings looking out across the bay and Cap Corse, St Florent has much to offer with its its sweeping crescent of silver sand that gently shelves bustling waterfront, chic marina and charming old town. ST FLORENT & THE NORTH EAST into the sea with a backdrop of pines and the majestic Oozing an intimate and laid-back atmosphere, it is ideal mountains beyond. In the height of the season, the for those looking for a little entertainment over the high citadel can be a lively place to stay, but in early and late summer months. summer it has a different, slower pace of life. Cap Corse The town itself is a colourful array of buildings, with Bastia To the north you will find the wild and rugged St Florent Fly from: narrow cobbled streets lined with shops, restaurants Gatwick Cap Corse. Split into two by the Serra mountain and a lively harbourside, making for the perfect L’Ile Rousse Manchester range, it is a land of Genoese Algajola Marine de Davia Mediterranean holiday destination and the ideal choice Lumio watchtowers, pretty harbour Sant’Ambroggio for a first time visit to Corsica. towns, enchanting perched Calvi Fly from: Sant’Ambroggio, Algajola, Marine de Davia & Lumio villages and quiet sandy coves. Stansted LA BALAGNE Dotted along the coast between the towns of Calvi and Manchester Costa Verde L’Ile Rousse lie the beautiful sandy beaches and secluded To the south of Bastia lie coves that make these seaside villages so appealing to beautiful beaches with a holiday makers. Backed by high mountains that remain distinctive backdrop of snow-capped until early summer, these small resorts chestnut covered hills of offer both tranquillity and true Corsican character and the Castagniccia. In contrast, Corte make the perfect base from which to explore la Balagne. Moriani Plage offers long Porto L’Ile Rousse stretches of sandy beaches CENTRAL CORSICA L’Ile Rousse is little changed by tourism and the town and a good range of facilities. has a real life of its own. Whilst holidaying families enjoy the superb sandy beach, the market place bustles with people going about their everyday business. Afternoons are for a game of pétanque on the square in front of the church and early evenings see the locals get together Gravona for an apéritif beneath the plane trees. The streets of WEST COAST the old town come alive at night, with many restaurants to tempt you. Ajaccio Balagne villages Fly from: Honey-hued villages with real Corsican character Gatwick cling to the striking mountains. Towering above the coast, the villages have changed little over the centuries and you will experience a way of life that is essentially Corsican. Local life is at a slower pace, and is ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of VALINCO Propriano Scale the 21st century, whilst being just a short drive from the Porto Vecchio beaches of la Balagne.