Corsica News

Premium Collection Villas: New addition for 2013

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new addition to Corsican Places’ 2013 programme, the sleek Villa d’Occi is situated in the small residential resort of Sant’Ambroggio, just above the train track that hugs the coastline between Calvi and l’Ile Rousse. Commanding views over the bay and complete with private pool, Villa d’Occi is only a short walk from the village restaurants and sandy beach. www.corsica.co.uk/dOcci

This season, Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the four-bedroom Villa d’Occi from £549 per person, valid for 19 May departure and resulting in a saving of £210pp from brochure price. This offer is based on eight sharing the property and includes return flights London Stansted – Calvi (with Titan Airways), car hire & a welcome pack. This offer is subject to availability & valid at the point of issue.

For more on Corsican Places Premium Collection visit:
www.corsica.co.uk/premium

2013 Season Highlights

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places 2013 holiday brochure is out now. With 26 years’ experience, the leading tour operator continues to be the UK Corsica specialist, chartering flights to the island, as well offering the widest range of villas, apartments and hotels across Corsica – currently over 150 handpicked properties with 15 new additions – with more properties year on year.

Highlights for the 2013 season include:

NEW Flight London Heathrow – Figari with British Airways
www.corsica.co.uk/flights
In addition to its existing Stansted and Manchester to Calvi charters, Corsican Places will charter a new flight, London Heathrow – Figari with British Airways, for the first time in 2013. This will be the only UK flight to Figari, Corsica and enables Corsican Places to further develop its portfolio within the south of the island. A convenient morning departure time, included in-flight meal, pre-allocated comfortable seating and generous luggage allowance are amongst the selling points of this new Corsican Places and British Airways flight service.

NEW Flight Bristol – Bastia with bmi regional
www.corsica.co.uk/flights
Following its new 2013 brochure going to print, Corsican Places has announced a second new flight service for 2013: Bristol to Bastia (North East Corsica) during the summer with bmi regional. The weekly Sunday flight service will run for 13 weeks from 23 June to 22 September and represents Bristol’s only flight route into Corsica. Complimentary pre-allocated seating, convenient departure times and quality service are once again key features of flying with Corsican Places.

NEW Properties & Hotels
Corsican Places adds to its collection throughout the year. New additions featured within the 2013 brochure include the contemporary ‘Premium Collection’ four-bedroom Villa d’Occi in Sant’Ambroggio.
Situated between Calvi and l’Ile Rousse, this sleek villa commands views over the bay and is only a short walk from the village restaurants and sandy beach. www.corsica.co.uk/dOcci

New villa additions in the South include the two-bedroom Casa Mia, which set in the mountains on the edge of l’Ospédale surveys the entire Gulf of Porto Vecchio. www.corsica.co.uk/casa-mia

New hotels to the 2013 programme include the 5* Casadelmar, just outside Porto Vecchio, offering unsurpassed views across the bay to Cala Rossa. The facilities here are first class and include a spa, infinity pool and renowned gastronomic restaurant. www.corsica.co.uk/casadelmar

NEW Tour de France in Corsica 2013
www.corsica.co.uk/tourdefrance
In 2013 the 100th edition of the Tour de France will commence in Corsica for the first time with the three stages of the race taking in 500 kilometres of the island’s unique landscape. To celebrate this much-anticipated event, Corsican Places suggests things to see and do and places to stay to mirror the three key routes of the ride. Inspired by the Tour de France, Corsican Places will offer free bike carriage on its Stansted – Calvi charter flight.

NEW Cycling Holidays in Corsica
www.corsica.co.uk/cycling
New for 2013, Corsican Places will collaborate with a local cycling specialist in Corsica to offer guided & self-guided cycling holidays to its customers. Sample cycling itineraries include ‘Coastal Cycling around the Cap Corse’; ‘Cap Corse to the Castagniccia’ and ‘A Taste of the Tour de France’. For more information, as well as general advice on cycling in Corsica, see the above link.

NEW Walking Holidays in Corsica
www.corsica.co.uk/walking
Corsican Places is pleased to announce that it will be working with another local Corsican company to provide walking (guided & self-guided) holidays in Corsica during 2013. A choice of themed walking holidays has recently been added to the Corsican Places’ website, which the tour operator can package with flights and wide range of accommodation. Sample itineraries include ‘Corsican Island Mystery’; ‘Sea & Mountains’ and ‘Mare a Mare South’, and in each case the difficulty level of the walk is stated. The ‘Donkey Trekking’ walking tour may be of particular appeal to families.

NEW Sample Touring Itineraries
www.corsica.co.uk/touring
Although not new to its programme, Corsican Places has outlined sample Touring Itineraries for the first time within its 2013 brochure to remind customers that they are welcome to tailor make their personal exploration of the island suited to their own requirements. ‘Explore Authentic Corsica’; ‘Corsican Highlights’ and ‘Sardinia and Corsica Twin Centre’ are the three taster itineraries presented.

A selection of Early Booking Offers is available on 2013 holidays, valid if booked by 31 January 2013. These include ‘Savings of up to £100 per Couple’ and ‘Family Savings of up to £400 per booking’.
These offers apply when travelling on a Corsican Places’ charter flight: Stansted - Calvi, Manchester -Calvi, Heathrow – Figari, or Bristol - Bastia. Please visit www.corsica.co.uk/offers for more information.

This season (2013), holidays with Corsican Places start from £399 per person (four sharing), based on seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment, including flights and transfers.
For more information or to request a copy of the new brochure, call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk
To view a virtual copy of the new 2013 brochure visit www.corsica.co.uk/brochure

Corsican Places 2013 Now on Sale

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places has announced that its 2013 Corsica holidays are now on sale. The leading tour operator continues to be the UK Corsica specialist, chartering flights to the island, as well offering the widest range of villas, apartments and hotels across Corsica, with more properties year on year.

A selection of Early Booking Offers is available on 2013 holidays, valid if booked by 30 November 2012. These include savings of £50pp on selected holidays, increased child discounts, and free UK Airport Lounge access. These offers apply when travelling on Corsican Places’ charter flights Stansted-Calvi, Manchester-Calvi and Heathrow-Figari. Please visit www.corsica.co.uk/offers for more information.

Highlights for the 2013 season include:

NEW Properties & Hotels
www.corsica.co.uk/oliviers
www.corsica.co.uk/casa-mia
www.corsica.co.uk/casadelmar
Corsican Places adds to its collection throughout the year. New additions in place for the 2013 brochure include the three bedroom Villa les Oliviers, a Bergerie style property surrounded by vineyards in the Patrimonio region of North East Corsica. New villa additions in the South include the two-bedroom Casa Mia, which set in the mountains on the edge of l’Ospédale surveys the entire Gulf of Porto Vecchio. New hotels to the 2013 programme include the 5* Casadelmar, just outside Porto Vecchio, offering unsurpassed views across the bay to Cala Rossa. The facilities here are first class and include a spa, infinity pool and renowned gastronomic restaurant.

TOUR DE FRANCE IN CORSICA 2013
www.corsica.co.uk/tourdefrance
In 2013 the 100th edition of the Tour de France will commence in Corsica for the first time with the three stages of the race taking in 500 kilometres of the island’s unique landscape.
To celebrate this much-anticipated event, Corsican Places suggests things to see and do and places to stay to mirror the three key routes of the ride. Inspired by the Tour de France, Corsican Places will offer free bike carriage on its Stansted – Calvi charter flight.

Touring Itineraries / NEW: Walking & Cycling Holidays
www.corsica.co.uk/touring
Although not new to its programme, Corsican Places has outlined sample Touring Itineraries for the first time within its 2013 brochure to remind customers that they are welcome to tailor make their own exploration of the island.

Corsican Places is pleased to announce that it will be working with a Corsican specialist to provide walking (guided & self-guided) and cycling holidays in Corsica during 2013. A choice of walking or cycling ‘tours’ will be coming soon to the Corsican Places’ website, which the tour operator can package up with flights and wide range of accommodation.

Next season (2013), holidays with Corsican Places start from £399 per person (four sharing), based on seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment, including flights and transfers. For more information or to request a copy of the new brochure, call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Holidays and hideaways in perfect Corsica

Sarah Turner - The Sunday Mirror — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

North of the Italian isle of Sardinia in the Med, it is vast and rugged with a history of proud independence from its Gallic parent.

September, which brings slightly cooler weather and fewer crowds, is a great time to make the most of this gorgeous destination.

Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves near the quaint hamlet of Tarrabucceta, this two-bedroom villa in the south of Corsica is very special. Open-plan living, an extensive terrace and your own 8 x 4-metre private pool make this a gorgeous retreat. The local baker even visits daily with his van to drop off croissants and baguettes. If you want to explore, the south-coast beaches of Palombaggia are just a 20-minute drive away while the historic towns of Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio are close by.

A week’s rental starts at £659pp with Stansted flights and car hire.

A real treasure island

Katie Wood - The Sunday Post — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I didn’t expect to see snow in the Mediterranean on a summer day, but that’s Corsica for you. It was a mellow 25C on the beach on my first morning, but there were big patches of white on the peaks that dominated the horizon. Those peaks are less than 10 miles from the beach, as the crow flies, but in that distance they soar to almost 8,800 feet above sea level.
It’s that variety that makes Corsica the perfect place for a family holiday. It’s the fourth largest island in the Med — just over 100 miles from north to south and no more than 50 miles from east to west — and with dozens of sandy beaches, vivid turquoise seas, tidy olive groves and vineyards and wild mountain forests there’s plenty to explore. We based ourselves at Calvi, in the north west corner of the island, where a steepwalled citadel looms over a harbour packed with gleaming yachts, an esplanade lined with restaurants and a wide blue bay.
The 17th Century fortress is still garrisoned by paratroopers of the legendary Foreign Legion, who can be seen at weekends strolling around town in uniforms with creases so sharp you could shave with them and their trademark, spotless white kepi caps.
For history buffs, the island is a treasure trove. At Filitosa, in the south, weird sculpted standing stones, erected between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago are mementoes of one of Europe’s oldest cultures. In the last two millennia, Corsica has been ruled by Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Saracens,and Italians. It had a halcyon spell as an independent republic before falling to France in 1769, and plenty of Corsicans would like to see independence return. Even those who would rather keep the French connection are Corsican first — and French a long way second. The island has its own dialect (heavily Italian influenced). It has its own traditional music, too — and with literally dozens of song and dance festivals throughout the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to hear the paghjella laments that are at the heart of the Corsican musical tradition. We made a day trip to Ajaccio, where a statue of the island’s most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte, stands among palm trees. There’s a fireworks display every August 15 to mark his birthday, and the spectacular explosions and whiff of gunpowder surely gladden his artilleryman’s heart.
Corte, the one-time island capital, is high in the mountainous hinterland, among steep granite slopes and wildflower meadows that in early summer are awash with scarlet, yellow and purple wildflowers and later in the season are redolent with the smell of pine trees, lavender, thyme and marjoram.
With a car, exploring is easy, but if you don’t fancy driving (and local drivers are mad!) the trinighellu (“little train”) is a great alternative, and offers an even better way to soak up the scenery.
The two-car trains rattle across the island, linking Bastia in the north with Ajaccio in the south and to Calvi and Corte. Back at sea level, the best way to eplore Corsica’s rugged coastline and sandy beaches is by boat — in fact, it’s the only way to reach some of the fabulous strands either side of Calvi, where the sand is so white and the sea so blue that it’s hard to believe this isn’t the Caribbean.You can hire a small motorboat (no permit required) at Calvi’s yacht harbour, but for those who are unsure of their maritime skills the mini-cruisers of the Colombo Line (colombo-line.com) sail on full-day and half-day voyages from Calvi to the rocky, fjord-like Calanches (granite formations) of the Scandola nature reserve, the little Sanguinaires Islands, and the coves and bays of the uninhabited Desert des Agriates. Aquavision screens give you a glimpse of undersea life, from huge shoals of whitebait to massive groupers and multi-coloured rainbow wrasse, which may whet your appetite for a snorkelling or scuba expedition.
Corsica is rich in wildlife on land, too. Big swallowtail butterflies visited the roses on our balcony, a pair of blackbirds fluttered in and out of their nest a few feet away, and a croaking chorus of frogs started up at sunset every evening in counterpoint to the shrieking swifts overhead. Further afield, I spotted ospreys, a peregrine falcon, kites and eagles. The Cupulatta tortoise park (acupulatta.com), with its unique collection of 3,000 tortoises and terrapins from all over the world, is a guaranteed child-pleaser. Other great expeditions for families include the Vizzavona adventure park (corsicanatura. fr), with its rope swings and treetop walkways, and kayaking through the backwaters of the Delta du Fangu, on the west coast, feels like a real adventure.
In Calvi (and all over the island) you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink. We stayed in a self-catering studio, so we took full advantage of the open-air produce market for fruit and veg and the supermarket nearby for everything else, finding prices quite a bit cheaper than at home, with some very decent local wines for as little as £2.15.
There are also plenty of child-pleasing pizzerias, where a gigantic, family-size wheel with all the trimmings costs around £10-£15. Freshly made and baked in a wood oven, they’re an eye-opener for anyone whose family are more accustomed to the offerings from their local Pizza Shed.

Factbox
I travelled with Corsican Places (corsica.co.uk, tel: 0845 3302345) and stayed at Le Home in Calvi. Prices for a week’s holiday staying in a studio apartment (sleeping two) are priced from £659 per person and include return Manchester to Calvi flight with Flybe, airport taxes and transfers. First TransPennine Express operates intercity rail services across Scotland and the North of England. Fares between Edinburgh and Manchester Airport start from £16 and can be purchased with no booking fee at tpexpress.co.uk.
For overnight stays at the airport, the Manchester Airport Radisson Blu offers doubles from £78 and is just a few minutes’ walk from the station and terminals.
Further information:visit-corsica.com

Making Holidays Greener this July

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Independent specialist tour operator, Corsican Places is pleased to be supporting Make Holidays Greener Month – a consumer awareness campaign running throughout July, set up by The Travel Foundation. The aim of the campaign is to engage travellers with the concept of ‘greener’ holidays, which help to protect the environment and benefit local people in tourist destinations.

In partnership with the Tourism Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS) and with the support of its customers, suppliers and staff, Corsican Places will be making its charter flights* to Corsica throughout the month of July carbon neutral. DEFRA industry standards have been used to calculate the funds required to offset the flights. The money will be raised from Corsican Places’ ongoing carbon offset ‘opt in’ payment of £3 per person, with directors of the company and Titan Airways agreeing to underwrite any additional costs required to meet the total.

Corsican Places will allocate the carbon offset funds raised during the month of July to a new reforestation project in Southern Corsica, organised through the Office National des Forêts. As forest fires can thwart the Corsican landscape throughout the summer, reforestation is vital for the replenishment of Corsica’s forests and to sustain the eco-systems of the island.

Corsican Places responsible tourism manager, Katie Bushnell comments: “Corsican Places is accredited with 5 star sustainable tourism status, the highest level possible, by the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) for its policies and practices. Until now however, carbon offset donations across the Serenity Holidays travel companies have all supported green and social initiatives within West Africa**. This is an exciting turning point to show more tangible support directly to the island of Corsica. We endeavour to make this reforestation project an ongoing carbon offset practice for Corsican Places.”

Corsican Places produced a Make Holidays Greener Month leaflet, which has been included in the ticket wallets of those travelling with the tour operator this July. The campaign’s main focus is to challenge customers to do just one thing during their holiday that will help benefit local people and protect the environment. The Travel Foundation believes that this leads to a more enriched, unique and memorable holiday experience as a result.

The Corsican Places leaflet inspires customers to make their holidays greener by presenting lots of ideas by which they can explore the ‘Authentic & Unspoilt’ character of Corsica. Titan Airways, operating two of the charter flights, has also pledged its support to the campaign. An announcement will be made aboard the aircraft, with an extra collection opportunity available on embarking the aircraft once arriving back in the UK.

A Make Holidays Greener ‘Green Competition’ has been launched by Corsican Places to complement July’s proceedings. Those travelling with the tour operator during July 2012 are invited to submit an entry detailing how their holiday personally embraced either ‘Green’ or ‘Authentic’ Corsica. Entries can be in the form of a letter / photos / children’s colourings or film footage. All entries will be put into a prize draw to win a £250 voucher to use against a future holiday with Corsican Places, or another travel company within the Serenity Holidays group.

For more information about Corsican Places Make Holidays Greener Month visit www.corsica.co.uk/st

This July***, Corsican Places offers 7 night holidays from £499 per person. This price is based on two sharing a double room with breakfast at the 2* Hotel Cyrnéa in Calvi Town and includes return flights from Stansted or Manchester to Calvi, taxes and transfers, and results in a saving of £215pp from brochure price.

Sue Hurdle, chief executive of the Travel Foundation, says: “Make Holidays Greener is all about the small things we can do to make our holidays better for the places we visit and the people who live there, as well as having a great time. We’re very pleased Corsican Places is spreading this message to its customers and making this summer’s holidays the greenest ever.”

For more information on holidays to Corsica, call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Ends

* Corsican Places offers the widest range of villas, apartments and hotels across the island of Corsica. For 2012, Corsican Places will offer three direct flight routes to Corsica from the UK:
London Stansted – Calvi, North West Corsica with Titan Airways
London Stansted – Figari, Southern Corsica with Titan Airways
Manchester – Calvi, North West Corsica with Flybe (New for 2012)

** Serenity Holidays Ltd has three West African destinations within its collection, its flagship travel company being The Gambia Experience, which has developed its own School Development Fund, collaborated on a Carbon Offset Tree Planting Project and more recently worked with Dick Sisman to establish a Gambia Community Stove Initiative.

*** Valid for departures 1st, 8th or 15th of July.

Media Information:
Corsican Places PR Contact: Corsican Places pr manager Jenny Adams on 0845 330 2077 or email jenny.adams@serenityholidays.co.uk

Corsican Places Ltd is a fully bonded operator and member of ABTA, IATA & AITO.

The Travel Foundation PR Contact: graeme.jackson@thetravelfoundation.org.uk
Tel: 0117 9273 049
http://www.makeholidaysgreener.org.uk/

Titan Airways PR Contact: Alison Chambers/ Jane Stanbury
Emerald Media
Jane.Stanbury@emeraldmedia.co.uk
Telephone: 01420 560094

TICOS contact: Corsican Places sustainable tourism advisor, Dick Sisman
dick@dicksisman.com
http://www.dicksisman.com/

Inaugural flight celebration at Stansted to mark new Corsica flight service

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places celebrated the start of its new flight service to Figari in southern Corsica at Stansted Airport yesterday by giving away a £250 holiday voucher to its first passenger to check-in.
The new flight is the second charter to be offered by Corsican Places from Stansted with the prestigious airline Titan Airways, following the success of its Calvi (North West Corsica) service, now in its third year.

Greeted by the tour operator’s marketing executive Louise Thomas a delighted Mrs Jean Cass of Reed in Royston, (Hertfordshire) was the lucky passenger to receive the prize along with a further £50 airport shopping voucher provided by BAA Stansted’s Airline Route and Marketing Manager, Paul Haynes,

Commenting on her rewards, Mrs Jean Cass said:
“I am absolutely delighted to receive my holiday and airport shopping vouchers which has made my day and a fantastic start to my holiday. Corsica is a beautiful island and I am thrilled that I can now fly direct to Figari saving so much time and stress.”

Travelling on board a Boeing 737-300 aircraft, passengers are offered a high standard of comfort and service, including an increased baggage allowance of 23kgs, pre-allocated seating available free of charge, comfortable leather seating with a generous 32” seat pitch and Sunday afternoon departures up until September 23rd.

London Stansted, Airline Route and Marketing Manager Paul Haynes said:
“Corsica is an extremely popular connection and I’m thrilled to join celebrations today marking the launch of new direct services to Figari, which gives us connections to both the north and south of the island in time for the busy summer period. It’s always exciting to be part of new route launches and I’d like to wish Corsican Places and Titan Airways every success with their Figari flights and look forward to supporting the development of this new Stansted connection.”

Corsican Places has 25 years’ experience in providing holidays, and with over 140 accommodation options its handpicked collection includes a wide choice of villas, apartments, résidences and hotels with 22 new additions for 2012.

Sample package: Corsican Places is offering seven night holidays from £439 per person based on Les Lavandes, a 2 bedroom apartment with shared pool located on the stunning Valinco coastline and providing a perfect base for exploring the southern part of the island. This price is based on four sharing and includes return Stansted to Figari flight, car hire and welcome pack.

Call Corsican Places on 0845 330 2345 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Calvi Town Hotel May Travel Offer

Press Office - Corsican Places — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

www.corsica.co.uk/cyrnea

Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the 2* Hotel Cyrnéa in Calvi Town from £399 per person, valid for departure on 27 May and resulting in a saving of £200pp from brochure price. The price is based on two sharing a double room with air-conditioning on a bed & breakfast basis and includes return flights from Stansted – Calvi, transfers and taxes.

Hotel Cyrnéa is a simple but comfortable hotel on the outskirts of Calvi. The beach is within walking distance through the pine trees and there is a large pool within the spacious grounds. The centre of Calvi is just a two kilometre stroll away.

Southern Corsica May Travel Offer

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the two bedroom villa Casa di l’Olivu in Tarrabucceta, Southern Corsica from £399 per person, valid for departures on 06 and 13 May and resulting in a saving of £293pp from brochure price. This offer is based on four sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick – Ajaccio, taxes, car hire and a welcome pack.

Casa di l’Olivu is a bergerie-style property with pool set in peaceful grounds surrounded by ancient olive trees. Situated between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, the location is perfect for exploring the main towns and beaches of the south coast of the island.
Corsica in May is beautiful. The most mountainous island in the Mediterranean coated in fragrant maquis comes into full bloom at this time.
www.corsica.co.uk/lolivu

Rustic Charm in Corsica

Sarah Gibbons - Travelbite — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rustic Charm - Renovated Flour Mill: 7 nights from £499pp
www.corsica.co.uk/u-mulinu

Corsican Places has just added character property U Mulinu to its 2012 collection. This three-bedroom 18th Century renovated flour mill is nestled next to a stream in the relatively undiscovered region of Casinca, just south of Bastia.

This season, Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at U Mulinu from £499 per person, resulting in a saving of £134pp. This offer is based on five sharing the property and includes return flights to Bastia, taxes and car hire. The price is valid for either 13 May departure from Gatwick or 20 May departure from Manchester. Call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Surrounded by vineyards and fruit orchards - with walking trails and Marana beach within the area - U Mulinu comes complete with private pool. Perfect for those seeking tranquillity and authentic Corsica.

Why Corsican Places appeals to Families

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Leading, independent specialist Corsican Places offers the widest range of villas, apartments and hotels across the island of Corsica. The tour operator’s portfolio of accommodation and flight schedules, along with the island’s beaches, present a few factors as to why this destination and Corsican Places in particular appeals to Families:

Corsican Places Charter Flights
Corsican Places exclusively charters two flights into Calvi, North West Corsica: one from London Stansted with Titan Airways, and one from Manchester with Flybe. These two charter flights have many positive selling points for families, becoming a preferred choice compared to no-frills carriers operating into different airports on the island. Advantages include convenient morning departure times; pre-assigned seating; comfortable seat pitches; luggage allowance for infants* and creative resources (‘Kids’ Packs’) for children on board. Corsican Places also co-charters a flight into Figari, Southern Corsica with bmi. Sharing many features of the above, the flight schedule of this route perfectly coincides with accommodation check-in and check-out times.
As the UK’s closest Mediterranean island, the flight time to Corsica is short being no more than two hours, twenty minutes, which along with easy accommodation transfers makes it a very low stress destination.

Corsican Places Property Portfolio
With over 140 property choices within its portfolio, Corsican Places presents a ‘Property Guide’ to highlight those which are most suitable for families – villas with pools being a year on year favourite. In Corsica, all swimming pools are securely fenced, covered or alarmed as per French regulations. Foldable high chairs and cots (excluding cot linen) are provided free of charge in Corsican Places self-catering properties. Baby and booster seats can be requested in Corsican Places hire cars although the tour operator does advise taking the family’s own car seat and pushchairs – which can be carried free of charge on Corsican Places charter flights. The tour operator is able to arrange a babysitting service for those staying in self-catering properties (service on request).

Beaches in Corsica
Corsica has 1000km of coastline and close to 200 beaches, all of which are incredibly clean both in terms of the beaches themselves and also the quality of the water. The island’s diverse landscape means there is a similar variety in the makeup of beaches. White and gold sand beaches contrast with pebbles; main town beaches are complimented by hidden coves reached only by boat and foot. The shaded and gently shelving nature of many of the beaches offer peace of mind for families wanting to bathe and explore.

Suggested Family Days Out
With experienced staff in the UK office and a knowledgeable resort team based on the island year-round, Corsican Places is on hand to advise tried and tested fun and memorable family days out.
A ‘Top Ten Family Days Out’ is shortlisted in the tour operator’s brochure with headings such as ‘Coastal Train’, ‘Tortoise Sanctuaries’, ‘Treetops & Mountain Climbing’; ‘Craft Workshops & Local Produce’ and ‘Horse-riding, Pony Treks & Donkey Rides’.

Sample Family Property & Child Discounts
Corsican Places applies Child Discounts (children 02 – 12 years) throughout the whole season ranging from 10 – 15% with one child discount available per full fare paying adult. Call Corsican Places for more information & details. Family-friendly properties are plentiful and include the three-bedroom Casa Cassaninca in Calvi Town which from its elevated position offers far reaching views of both the sea and Calvi Citadel. New to the Corsican Places 2012 programme the air-conditioned villa comes complete with patio and enclosed private swimming pool and is just a twenty minute stroll from the sandy beach, centre of town and quayside. This season, 7 night holidays at this villa start from £574pp based on six sharing and including return flights London Stansted – Calvi or Manchester – Calvi, taxes, welcome pack and car hire.

Robert Ashton-Kane, Corsican Places island manager and parent who has lived permanently on the island for six years comments:
“The first thing that sets the island apart from many holiday destinations is the lack of “artificial” attractions that pervades many islands in the Mediterranean. There are no theme parks or water parks, no amusement arcades, only two go-kart tracks, hardly any nightclubs and a distinct absence of the “youth culture”. One of the underlying reasons for this is that Corsicans love children and the family is one of the most important things in their lives, so most of a child’s leisure time is spent with friends and family.”

For more information on holidays to Corsica, please contact Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

* Available on London Stansted – Calvi only.

Early Booking Offers - Expire 31 Jan

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places – Early Booking Offers for 27 May Departures (book by 31 Jan)

Sample Offers include:

Perfect for Couples ~ Hotel l’Onda, Calvi: 7 nights from £640pp
www.corsica.co.uk/londa
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the 3* Hotel l’Onda in Calvi from £640pp, valid for departure on 27 May and resulting in a saving of £50pp (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan). This price is based on two sharing a standard room with breakfast and includes return flights London Stansted – Calvi with Titan Airways or Manchester – Calvi with Flybe, taxes and transfers.
Situated in Calvi, Hotel l'Onda is only steps away from the beach and a ten minute stroll to the centre of town and marina.
CALL CORSICAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Perfect for Families ~ Villa Cléa, St Florent: 7 nights from £501pp
www.corsica.co.uk/villaclea
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the five bedroom Villa Cléa in St Florent from £501pp, valid for departure on 27 May and resulting in a saving of £50pp (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan). This price is based on nine sharing the property on a self-catering basis and includes return flights London Stansted – Calvi with Titan Airways or Manchester – Calvi with Flybe, taxes and car hire. Villa Cléa is a modern villa set on the heights of Fromentica enjoying a panorama of the sea and mountains beyond.
CALL CORSICAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Bonifacio - Unforgettable Cruise Excursions

Gillian Thornton - The Travel Editor — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Perched on high cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is spectacular from any angle, but especially from the water. Take a one-hour cruise excursion beneath the sheer cliffs or spend a relaxing few hours on the unspoilt Iles Lavezzi.

Introduction to Gillian Thornton's Corsica feature as appears on The Travel Editor website.
To read her article in full please click on the below link

2012 Holidays now on Sale with Early Booking Offers

Press Office - Corsican Places — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places, the UK’s leading Corsica specialist, released 2012 holiday prices today [Monday 03 October] ahead of its new 2012 brochure arriving with customers next month. The tour operator continues to offer the largest portfolio of Corsican properties to the UK holiday market – currently 140, but with more to be added to the Corsican Places website, www.corsica.co.uk
Highlights of the new 2012 collection include:

NEW PROPERTIES
Six new hotels & eight new self-catering properties including:

Le Moulin de Borgolaccio – Ville di Paraso
www.corsica.co.uk/borgolaccio
New for 2012, Le Moulin de Borgolaccio is a renovated flour mill set in the mountainous villages of La Balagne, affording views across the Regino valley. This three-bedroom house – retaining original features such as a grinding wheel – is a must for those seeking a character property in a rural location.

La Tour de Calanca – Olmeto Plage
www.corsica.co.uk/calanca
The most unique property in the Corsican Places collection is la Tour de Calanca - dating back to the 15th century and originally a watchtower, it was designed to protect the Corsican coast from pirate invasion. This one-bedroom house comes complete with rooftop terrace and views over the Valinco Bay and is just a stroll away from a secluded beach.

NEW FLIGHT: MANCHESTER – CALVI WITH FLYBE
Corsican Places is pleased to announce that it will charter a new flight route for 2012: Manchester – Calvi with Flybe, aboard the airline’s brand new E175 aircraft.
Next season (2012), Corsican Places will also continue to charter its London Stansted – Calvi flight with Titan Airways, as well as again offer the London Heathrow – Figari flight with bmi British Midland. Corsican Places can book holiday packages incorporating any of the UK flight routes into the island – subject to availability.

EARLY BOOKING OFFERS
Corsican Places is also offering a range of Early Booking Offers on its 2012 holidays, valid if booked by 30 November 2011. These include savings of £50 per person on flight inclusive holidays* staying at chosen properties, for travel on selected dates in May, June or September 2012.
Increased Child Discounts and Free UK Airport Lounge Access are also available. Please see www.corsica.co.uk for more details.

Next season, prices start from £399 per person (four sharing), based on seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment, including flights and transfers. For more information, call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk.

* must include either the Stansted – Calvi; Manchester – Calvi OR London Heathrow – Figari flights.

A Corsican Odyssey

Nigel Farrell - The Sunday Telegraph — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly 40 years ago, I was working as a deckhand on a sailing ketch owned by an Italian ice-cream millionaire. We were cruising the Mediterranean, and the first stop after leaving Italy was a place that left an indelible memory in my impressionable teenage mind – the breathtaking Golfe de Porto-Vecchio on the south-east coast of Corsica.
We swept in under full sail, past the lighthouse on the Pointe de la Chiappa and into the glorious bay, swathes of undulating forest running right down to the bleached white beaches like great green eiderdowns, and, behind, the first of a small army of mountains which dominate so much of the interior of this verdant, olivine island.
The sheltered, sandy coves, guarded by stubby ranks of palm trees; the multicoloured verandas of the little luxury hotels overlooking the marina; the ancient walls of the tiny Genovese town clinging to the cliffs high above the harbour; I fell in love with the place and vowed – one day – to return.
Now, for the first time since the early Seventies, I was back in Corsica, flying into Calvi airport in the north, and aiming to spend a week on a leisurely drive down the famed west coast, with the lovely Porto-Vecchio, along with those treasured memories, as our final destination.
My first surprise was how little the island has changed. Our journey up to our first stop at the little hilltop village of Feliceto was a delight: poppies and vivid violet borage line the road, alongside great orange and green nets spread beneath the olive trees, ready for an early Corsican harvest, and rows of miniature pillared villas that turn out to be old family mausoleums, a clue to the wealth this northern part of the island must have once enjoyed.
Our hotel was like stepping into a 19th-century town house; there’s a chapel on the ground floor, and a sitting-room on the first filled with the Ranucci family’s paintings and furnishings. The current Monsieur Ranucci can be found pottering around the garden in the early morning, watering the plants while his daughter Mireille works on the reception desk. They also make their own wine, from a vineyard we could see from our balcony, produced in the cave next door.
Forty-five minutes’ drive down to the coast led us to Ile Rousse, with its huge, perfectly dimensioned main square, dominated by the magnificent Marché Couvert, built in 1844 to resemble a vast open Greek temple, where a morning market is still held (there aren’t many daily markets in Corsica, and this is the best).
In the square is a bust in honour of “P de Paoli, Liberatoire… La Patricia Riconoscente” – the famous Pasquale Paoli, who created a free republic of Corsica before the French invaded in 1768. The name Paoli lives on – it appeared in one form or another virtually everywhere we went in Corsica.
At a little bar looking out across the square to the harbour beyond, we discovered a bottle of white “Enclos Des Anges”, which is not only delicious but is produced by an Englishman, Richard Spurr, at a small vineyard just outside Calvi. We found the man himself at the end of a dirt track, in a chaotic, musty old cave. He seemed happy to spend all day chatting to visitors, while observing closely as they sampled his wonderful wines, which he produces from a mere 15 acres. He has a growing reputation as a major contributor to the recent resurgence of interest in Corsican wines.“I’m the only foreign wine producer in Corsica,” he said with pride.
Heading south, we found ourselves on one of the most lovely and exciting roads I’ve ever driven, twisting and turning endlessly through the mountainous coast road towards Porto. Most Corsican roads have recently been lavished with EU grants and beautifully upgraded, although you need to allow at least twice the time you’d expect to get anywhere.
We stopped at the Col de la Croix overlooking the exquisite Golfe de Girolata. Way below, we could see the tiny, isolated village of Girolata itself, which is only really accessible by boat. The inhabitants make twice-weekly excursions by ferry to Porto for supplies. You can walk down a track named after Guy Le Facteur, who is said to make the journey each day on mule to deliver the post, but it takes two hours down, and considerably longer coming back up.
Farther south still, we stopped at a wonderful little hotel on the seafront of the sprawling capital, Ajaccio. The approaches to the town are lined with superstores but the centre was a delightful surprise, resembling a slightly faded, pre-war Côte d’Azur, and here we found our two best meals. At a cool little restaurant behind the port where the cruiseliners line up in serried ranks, we enjoyed delicious one-year-old veal (quite pink and robust), along with a light, locally caught fished called a mustelle.
Amazingly, the chef was another Englishman, Simon Andrews, who came here “for the diving” eight years ago and never went home. Then, just by Napoleon’s birthplace, on the Rue Saint-Charles, we found a fabulous pizza joint that had the feel of a private party.
After a bracing trip out to sea on the most southerly tip of the island to photograph the extraordinary village of Bonifacio, perched like an eagle’s nest atop the sheer limestone clifftops (they filmed some of The Guns of Navarone here), at last we reached Porto-Vecchio. It’s a deep natural harbour that lies beneath what once must have been an exquisite little 15th-century hilltop town. Now it’s in danger of being ruined by just too many souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants being squeezed into its tiny, cramped streets.
For most of its history, the place was well off the beaten track, only thriving after the allied military forces cleared local mosquito-ridden swamps of the curse of malaria at the end of the Second World War. Corsica was the first department of France to be liberated, and a street here is named after that famous date, September 9, 1943.
We escaped to one of those little luxury hotels down by the water that I’d ogled from the deck of my yacht all those years ago, and then spent an idyllic afternoon on the virtually empty beaches of Cala Rossa and Bennedettu I’d spotted around the bay – still empty, still lovely, still utterly unspoilt. This was no anticlimax; it was a real joy to be back.
Sitting on the sand, sipping the chilled local beer, only one disturbing thought clouded my endless blue horizon, the kind of thought that creeps up on you unexpectedly during what you had thought in every other way to be a great, relaxing holiday: just where did those 40 years go?

Packages
Corsican Places (www.corsica.co.uk; reservations 0845 330 2113) offers an extensive range of villas and apartments as well as hotels, with or without flights; it also provides the only weekly charter flight between the UK and Calvi (in the north-west of the island), from Stansted, in partnership with Titan Airways. Seven-night packages cost from £349 per person, including flights and transfers).

Authentic Corsican House – 7 nights for £1500

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Southern Corsica
10 July Accommodation-Only Offer

Rural & Affording Great Views
Authentic Corsican House – 7 nights for £1500 (save £350)
www.corsica.co.uk/a-tighiaccia
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom Villa A Tighiaccia – an authentic stone house in Southern Corsica – for £1500, valid for arrivals on Sunday 10 July, and resulting in a saving of £350 from brochure price. This offer is for the property for the week only and excludes flights & car hire.
Set in the countryside, perched high above the village of Tarrabucceta, A Tighiaccia commands views over the Cagna mountain range and the Extrême Sud coastline.
The glorious Santa Giulia and Palombaggia beaches are within 20 minutes drive.

Corsica included in top 10 destinations for July

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsica is one of the top 10 holiday destinations for July according to CN Traveller. Here's what they have to say about the island:

"Also in the Mediterranean, Corsica - the 'Isle of Beauty' - is only 180km long and 80km wide but home to superb hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and exhilarating watersports."

Also included in the top ten are: Cornwall, Tallinn, Reykjavik, Folegandros, Puglia, Bali, the Seychelles, Vancouver Island and Kenya.

Inspirational Ideas - Estivoce festival

Jolyon Attwooll - The Daily Telegraph — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Traditional music in Corsica
From July 6 to 10, the annual Estivoce festival of summer voices takes place in Corsica, with a series of outdoor concerts, including traditional national music, as well as singing, dancing and theatrical productions from other countries.
The event is based in Pigna, one of the most important places for music on the island – but there are shows in the picturesque villages all over Balagne.
The tour operator Corsican Places (0845 330 2059; www.corsica.co.uk) offers accommodation in the area. More information: www.visit-corsica.com/en

Calvi Jazz Festival

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The line-up for the Calvi Jazz Festival has been announced – to see the full programme visit http://www.calvi-jazz-festival.com/Programme2011.htm

We currently have availability at Apartment Georges which is in the heart of the citadel for the week of 19-26 June to coincide with the event. Right now there is also a discount of £81 per person on package holidays with 7 nights now from £489 per person, based on 4 sharing. Find out more

Bergerie Olivella included in "25 of the best villas in Europe"

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bergerie Olivella is included in a feature by Condé Nast Traveller entitled "25 of the best villas in Europe".

Here's what they say about this Premium Villa:

"Bergerie Olivella (sleeps 6), near Propriano

Hidden in dense Mediterranean shrub and forest (holm oak, buckthorn, juniper and myrtle), this secluded old bergerie (dating from 1954) has its peace disturbed only by chirruping cicadas. The nearest town is Olimeto, a five-minute drive along country roads, with bars, restaurants and shops. Thick stone walls and a pantiled roof supported by solid wooden beams keep the interiors cool, with the help of ceiling fans and gauzy door drapes. Floors are tiled, walls are painted in earthy colours and the furniture is dark wood. Bookcases, reading lights and a haphazard collection of pictures give the cottage a relaxed and welcoming feel. An oval-shaped pool in the landscaped gardens overlooks the Gulf of Valinco.

Price £761-£1,169 per person per week including flights and car hire (based on six sharing) Book through Corsican Places (0845 330 2113; www.corsica.co.uk)

On the doorstep Sandy coves of the Valinco: Plage de Cupabia is one of the most scenic beaches in the region; good seafood at Terra Cotta in Propriano.

Best for romantic breaks"

Package prices now start from £499 per person, saving £262 per person

Wild at Heart - A Journey Through Corsica's Rugged North

Harriet O'Brien - The Independent — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Gunfire cracked loudly from the valley below the church. As I stopped the car, another shot rang out and a couple of shiny black choughs flew from their perch on the bell tower. More fire was followed by the barking of dogs. In the recesses of my mind I conjured an act of Corsican vendetta taking place below me.
Yet the canine accompaniment was, I realised, a likely indication of rather less dramatic scene – in all probability an afternoon game shoot. From the shelter of the car I peered warily down the slopes clad in scrub and spindly holm oaks.
But on hearing a distant shot and fading barks, I reckoned there was little risk of encountering stray bullets, so I got out to explore the church that I had come to see.
Built in a random arrangement of green and white stone and set on a neatly clipped sward of grass, the little church of San Michele looks as if it has been transposed to its site in northern Corsica from another world, arriving slightly jumbled, which isn't far off the local legend. The story goes that the residents of the village of Murato woke one morning to find that the thick wood crowning a hill beyond their cottages had disappeared. In its place was a strange and wonderful church. It had been built by angels.
The more pragmatic explanation is that San Michele de Murato was constructed in about 1280, during the tail-end of the era when Corsica was governed by the city-state of Pisa – and long before France laid claim to the island. The simple, barn-like structure is typical of the Pisan Romanesque style (the bell tower is a later addition). It is remarkable, though, not only for its asymmetrical stone patterning, but also for its embellishment of small carvings. Snarling animals, primitive-looking human figures and strange symbols adorn the entrance archways and the high arcades around the exterior. Above one narrow window recess a naked Eve with enormous hands is given an apple by the serpent. Below it, a band of vines is flanked by an angel and a knife-wielding man. When you gaze at the carvings you tune into a primeval, slightly eerie quality that resonates with the landscape around.
Wild, ruggedly beautiful Corsica was acquired by France only in 1768. I had read of how, for centuries before, it had been a Mediterranean magnet for raiders and invaders – Vandals, Pisans, Genovese and British had variously fought hard for this territory. But even so, I had little expectation of how un-French the island would be.
Corsica lies about 160km from mainland France and it remains defiantly, idiosyncratically, a culture apart. They speak French here, but the Corsican language – a direct offshoot of Tuscan-influenced Latin – is also used widely. To read the remainder of Harriet's feature, please click to view the online version.

Iggy & The Stooges, Tom Jones & Beach Boys to play Corsican Festival

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Les Nuits de la Guitare festival in Patrimonio near St Florent has just announced some of the acts playing at this summer's event. Their website is in French but you'll recognise some names: The Beach Boys, Iggy & The Stooges, Tom Jones & more. Check out http://www.festival-guitare-patrimonio.com/ .

Villa Puccinasca is close by and still available during the festival which runs from 16-23 July http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000235/51334/Villa-Puccinasca.aspx

St Florent Premium Villa from £399pp this May

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

www.corsica.co.uk/lancrebleue
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the six-bedroom villa L’Ancre Bleue in St Florent from £399 per person, valid for departures on 22 May, and resulting in a saving of £228pp.
The price is based on ten sharing and includes return flights from London Stansted – Calvi, taxes and car hire.
Perched on the Fromentica hillside, L’Ancre Bleue is a stylish property commanding panoramic views out towards St Florent bay and the Désert des Agriates. Perfect for a larger group or those seeking extra space & quality. Includes a private pool.
Please note that all offers are subject to availability.
In 2011, Corsican Places - with Titan Airways - is chartering the UK’s only direct flight to Calvi (North West Corsica) for the second year running.

Corsica flight deals

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here are our latest cheap flight prices to the island of Corsica for departures this spring and summer:

Flights from Stansted to Calvi in partnership with Titan Airways:
£249pp for 7 night durations departing on 22nd May
£299pp for 7 night durations departing on 12th, 19th, 26th June and 3rd, 10th July
Prices include return flights departing on date specified, taxes and 23 kilograms luggage allowance. Snacks & drinks are available to purchase on board this flight.

Flights from Heathrow to Figari in partnership with British Midland (BMI):
£349pp for 7 night durations departing 19th June and 3rd July
£389pp for 7 night durations departing 31st July
Prices include return flights departing on date specified, taxes and 23 kilograms luggage allowance. In flight meal also included.

Other departure dates and durations also available, call or use the online booking engine for prices.

All offers apply to new booking only, cannot be combined with any other offer and are subject to availability. Current brochure terms and conditions apply. Offers can be withdrawn at any time.

22 May Calvi Offers

Press Office - Corsican Places — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Calvi Citadel Apartment from £349 per person – save £190pp
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom Apartment Georges in Calvi Citadel from £349 per person, valid for departures on 22 May, and resulting in a saving of £190pp.
The price is based on four sharing and includes return flights from London Stansted – Calvi, taxes and transfers. This spacious and modern third-floor apartment offers impressive views out over the Revellata Peninsula and towards the Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste at the high point of the Citadel.

Calvi Town Apartment from £499 per person – save £140pp
Corsican Places is offering 7 nights at the studio apartment Le Home in Calvi Town from £499 per person, valid for departures on 22 May, and resulting in a saving of £140pp.
The price is based on two sharing a studio and includes return flights from Stansted – Calvi, taxes and transfers. Le Home studios and apartments offer a great value for money option in the heart of Calvi. Housed in two-storey buildings, the properties are set within gardens in a quiet location, just a short walk from the centre of Calvi and the beach. Facilities include two shared swimming pools.

Call Corsican Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Corsican beach included in The Guardian’s “Top 10 beaches in France" feature

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Porto Pollo in southern Corsica has been selected as one of the top 10 beaches in France in a feature in today’s Guardian. Jacqueline Mirtelli of the France Tourism Development Agency recommended the beach and says:

“As a native of the French Riviera, I am very keen on the sea. For me, Corsica is a true paradise for beaches and it's only a two-hour flight from London or Manchester. Between Propriano and Bonifacio in sunny southern Corsica is Porto-Pollo beach, a long white arch of sand in a bay sheltered by green hills. I have been lucky to go to the Seychelles and Mauritius and it's like that – OK, a little bit less wild! Snorkelling is a must as the water is crystal clear and filled with fish.”

Corsica pick of spring breaks by Condé Nast Traveller

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Condé Nast Traveller has picked the mediterranean island of Corsica as one of the top holiday destinations for some early sunshine in their feature Here comes the sun – The best short-haul destinations for a warm and sunny spring break. Corsica is chosen alongside Essaouira in Morocco, Lisbon, Mallorca, Seville, Sicily, Tunis and the Turkish Mediterranean.

Here’s what they say about Corsica:

“A little over a century ago, Henri Matisse arrived on Corsica and got the shock of his life. Amazed at the clarity of the Mediterranean light, he later declared this was where his passion for colour began. Corsica, the 'Isle of Beauty', is only 180km long and 80km wide, but the contrasts are mesmerising. To appreciate the lure of Corsica fully, allow enough time to explore the far corners of the island, from the isolated northern fishing villages of Cap Corse to the beautiful sandy beaches near Porto-Veccio. You'll discover superb hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and exhilarating watersports.

When to go
The loveliest months are June and September, when you avoid the summer onslaught. But you may prefer Easter when a number of unusual religious processions take place (like the famous Catenacciu in Sartène) and the island is quiet.”

To read the feature in full go to http://www.cntraveller.com/recommended/beaches/short-haul-spring-sun

Porto Latino Festival dates announced

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The dates of this year’s Porto Latino Festival have been announced – the event will take place in St Florent in the North East of Corsica between Wednesday 3rd and Saturday 6th August 2011. Porto Latino is a lively Latin festival with open-air concerts held in the citadel each night.

The acts for this year haven’t yet been confirmed, however last year’s performers included Afro Cuban All Stars, Pierpoljak, Rachid Taha, Manu Dibango, Kassav’, Karamelo Santo, Ben L’oncle Soul, Hocus Pocus, La Cumbia Chicharra, DJ Oil and Tainos de Mayari.

Corsican Places has a number of self-catering properties and hotels in and around St Florent for holidaymakers wishing to experience the festival this summer. A Torra is a 3 bedroom villa in a quiet location beside the sea, but just a few minutes’ drive from St Florent. 7 night holiday packages departing from London Gatwick on 31st July 2011 cost £767 per person (based on 6 sharing) and include return flights, car hire and welcome pack. Alternatively the villa can be booked on an accommodation only basis for £2320 for the week.

To find out more about the festival go to www.porto-latino.com

Nuits de la Guitare dates announced

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The dates of this year’s Nuits de la Guitare festival have been announced – the event takes place in Patrimonio in the North-East of Corsica over 8 days between Saturday 16th July & Saturday 23rd July. This year’s acts haven’t yet been announced, however the event usually attracts international artists from all genres of music including Corsican, classical, jazz, blues, country, rock, gypsy and flamenco.

Last year’s festival included performances by George Benson, Simple Minds, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, Melody Gardot, Sylvain Luc, Louis Winsbery, BB Brunes, Richard Bona and many more. For more details visit http://festival-guitare-patrimonio.com/

Corsican Places has a number of self-catering properties and hotels in Corsica’s North-East with three properties actually in the village of Patrimonio which are currently available for a week between 17th & 24th July:

Villa Puccinasca – a 4 bedroom villa with private pool that sleeps up to 9
Villa di Ceppo – a 4 bedroom villa with private pool, sleeps 8
Villa Chassagne – a 3 bedroom villa with private pool, sleeps 6

Bergerie Olivella in Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas'

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bergerie Olivella was included in The Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas' shortlist - the lead travel story running in the broadsheet newspaper today & repeated on Times.co.uk.

The Olmeto villa - Premium property new to Corsican Places 2011 Collection - was described by the newspaper as a 19th Century Farmhouse, with its 'superb views across the Gulf of Valinco' being one of the highlights.

This is the second year running that a Corsican Places villa has had recognition within this much-anticipated Sunday Times travel article.

For more on Bergerie Olivella, please visit:
http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000237/51704/Bergerie-Olivella.aspx

Corsica feature on hellomagazine.com

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you love Corsica as much as we do you’ll be pleased to hear there is a feature on the island on hellomagazine.com describing it as “an island paradise set amid crystal clear waters, where the spectacular natural setting is enhanced by the historical and architectural legacy” – we can’t argue with that!

One of the recommended places to stay is the Hotel La Villa in Calvi for its: “refined and tasteful decor, boasts excellent views over the bay and a variety of options for relaxation or more active visits. The private apartments ensure complete privacy.” To find out more about the hotel and to book see our Hotel La Villa pages

To read the article in full go to http://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/201102074904/corsica/mediterranean/paradise/1/

There is also a gallery of images – see http://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/gallery/201102074904/corsica/mediterranean/paradise/1/7/

Extended early booking offers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places has extended some of its early booking offers until 18th February including:

£75 per person off package holidays travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari sud Corse flights on selected dates and staying at a choice of self-catering properties.
Up to 10% off hotel holidays when travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari sud Corse flights on selected dates.
Additional 5% discount for children aged 2 to 12 when booking holidays inclusive of flights from Stansted to Calvi or Heathrow to Figari sud Corse. Discounts now up to 20%.

For full details of early booking offers see http://www.corsica.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx#early

Spring Holiday Offers

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CORSICA 21 MAY OFFERS

Bergerie Olivella: 7 nights from £619pp (save £142pp from brochure price)
Specialist tour operator, Corsican Places is offering 7 nights self-catering at the three-bedroom Bergerie Olivella in Olmeto, Gulfs of the West Coast, from £619 per person, valid for departure on 21 May 2011. This price is based on six sharing and includes return flights from London Gatwick – Figari, taxes and car hire. New to Corsican Places 2011 programme and part of its Premium Collection, Bergerie Olivella is an idyllic stone cottage exuding authentic Corsican charm, in a prized location. Please note that neighbouring (but also very private) property, Bergerie Murtetu is also available for the same departure date & price.

Villa A Tighiaccia: 7 nights from £489pp (save £140pp from brochure price)
Also new to Corsican Places collection and another authentic stone house, 7 nights self-catering is also available at the two-bedroom Villa A Tighiaccia in Tarrabucceta, Southern Corsica from £489 per person, valid for departure on 21 May.
This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights from London Gatwick – Figari, taxes and car hire. Perched high above the village of Tarrabucceta, Villa A Tighiaccia offers a true sense of seclusion, commanding views over the Cagna mountain range and the Extrême Sud coastline to the south.
Please note that all offers are subject to availability.
Spring is an ideal time to visit the island of Corsica, the days are longer early in the season and the scented maquis is in abundance.
Call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Early booking offers expire soon

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only five days left to take advantage of early booking offers from Corsican Places. There are a number of savings available for bookings made by 31st January 2011. Offers include:

£50 per person off package holidays travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari flights in May*, June or September, valid at around 20 self-catering properties.
Up to 10% off hotel holidays travelling in May*, June or September when travelling on the Stansted-Calvi or Heathrow-Figari flights.
Additional 5% discount for children aged 2 to 12 when booking holidays inclusive of flights from Stansted to Calvi or Heathrow to Figari. Discounts now up to 20%.

For full details of early booking offers see http://www.corsica.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx#early

*Offers not valid on 29th May departure.

New apartment in Corsica with sea views

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places has added a one-bedroom holiday apartment to its selection online. The modern apartment has sea views from the large private terrace and will suit couples looking for self-catering accommodation close to a beach, restaurants and bars. Apartment Vinet is situated in St’Ambroggio, a seaside resort close to Calvi in the Balagne region of northern Corsica. For more details, prices and to book visit http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000234/51767/Apartment-Vinet.aspx

Relax and embrace the peace and perfect quiet

Huw Thomas - South Wales Evening Post — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As our flight banked towards Bastia’s Poretta Airport, a surge of excitement hit us.

After holidays in Spain, Belgium, Italy and France, Canada, Argentina and Chile we were back in Corsica - Kaliste (“the most beautiful”) to the Greeks - for the fourth time in 11 years, unable to resist the charm that had captivated and entranced us so completely. After holidaying in past years in the Balagne, Lama and Propriano we were going to break new ground and stay near Porto-Vecchio in the south east corner of the island, in the sure and certain faith that dramatic mountains, white sanded beaches and spectacular scenery awaited.

This time we stayed in the Casa di L’Olivu half way between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio and as we drove to our cottage - lost in the herb-scented maquis - we were at ease with the world and ready to embrace the peace and quiet, simplicity and splendour of this magical island. The owner– François Maestrati – was there to meet us, in his arms a welcoming and gigantic basket of fruit and vegetables from his own organic garden – the plumpest melons, tomatoes, courgettes, onions, aubergines and peppers which were to serve us well over the next week. Born and bred in the area, François proudly showed us around. The shuttered windows of the bergerie style property were hand made local carpenter copies of 19th century style, the beams were rescued from old barns and walls decorated in neutral shades giving the villa a warm and welcoming feel with comfort being a key theme. With spacious and safe grassy grounds surrounding the private and inviting pool and tiled barbecue area, this property is perfect for children to play and adults to relax.

In popped Alberti Salvi - a local farmer curious to see the new tenants but to tell us his home made ewe’s cheese – his tomme de brebis – was “the best on the island” and traditionally eaten with local red when very over ripe. “If only you had been here a month before, we could have spread the pungent cheese – maggots and all – onto a slice of bread and given you a real taste of Corsica” smiled Alberti. My wife, pale at the thought, was glad we had chosen September for our holiday.

As for local wine there was plenty of it as the Casa backed onto one of the island’s outstanding vineyards – the Clos Canarelli – whose reputation for red wine using the native nielluccia grape has rocketed in recent years. The quality and status of Corsican wine making has risen so much over the last 10 years that there is now a huge choice of premium wines to reward the island’s effort to do away with the cheap table variety and concentrate on finesse. The Clos is a devotee of biodynamic farming. Biodynamic winemakers claim to have noted stronger, clearer, more vibrant tastes, as well as wines that remain drinkable longer. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include the use of fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays and the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar. The famous Hotel Crillon in Paris has the Clos Canerelli on its wine list as does one of the finest hotel/restaurants not only in Corsica and France but Europe.

The Grand Hotel Cala Rossa – a 30-minute drive away, is superb in its setting, amenities and cuisine. With its own stunning beach, patios and terraces, jetty and boats, boarded walkways and bars and restaurants overlooking the bay of Port Vecchio it is a paradise of fine living. It has been in the Canarelli family for 47 years, bought by meat trader Jean -Toussaint in 1963 and now run by he and his beautiful and charming daughter Hélène, once a jewellery designer but now the driving force behind the day to day running of the Cala Rossa. 41 exquisite rooms in a hotel served by 120 staff, the island’s best wine waiter – Patrick Fiaramonti - subdued musical entertainment in the evening, and exquisite outdoor or indoor dining rooms await you. Its Michelin star cuisine under the great Georges Billon is Corsican and classic. Try the menu saveurs which offer seven courses that fused the great natural scents and smells, colours and tastes of the maquis to meat and fish of incomparable freshness and quality. We had wild mushroom risotto, langouste with tarragon butter, wild sea bass, fillet of veal with wild herbs from the maquis, unpasteurised cheese, a pre-pudding and then a symphony of raspberry, all washed down by fine Grotte di Sole 2008 white from Patrimono and a Clos Canarelli 2005 red.

When you can eventually tear yourself away from Casa di L’Olivu, there is a wide choice of stunning beaches in the area whether you fancy visiting the famous golden sands of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia (both in Europe’s Top 20 beaches) and Rondinara or exploring the untouched coves near Bonifacio.

The highlight of any visit to Corsica is the dramatic climb via the road between Solenzara and Zonza up to the Col de Bavella to get a panoramic view of the craggy giant needles of the 4,000 feet high Aiguilles de Bavella and the sparkling sea beyond. Here you see walkers from all over the world on France’s most famous Grande Randonnée – the G20 – le grand GR - the north to south trekking trail of 170 kilometres - making their way through the wild granite peaks and towering crests along the spine of Corsica. Return to the coast via Zonza, the picture postcard village with the highest race track in Europe at nearly 3,500 feet and a centre for maquisard resistance against the Germans in World War II. Eat Corsican wild boar charcuterie in the Hôtel Aiglon, try their Muntenalla of mountain delicacies - gratin de verdure, chestnut flavoured polenta, grilled figatellu liver sausage and sweet chestnuts steeped in muscat - for a mere 18 euros and make your dizzy way down to the sun-splashed sea.

We will soon return to the île de Beauté.

Relax and embrace the peace and perfect quiet

Huw Thomas - South Wales Evening Post — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As our flight banked towards Bastia’s Poretta Airport, a surge of excitement hit us.

We will soon return to the île de Beauté.

New holiday accommodation for 2011

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places has added 25 new properties to its programme for 2011, giving holidaymakers a greater choice of accommodation particularly in the south and south west of the island. Thanks to a new flight from Heathrow to Figari with Bmi, Corsican Places product manager Amandine Blanchard is anticipating increased interest in the region and has secured good quality accommodation to meet demand. Two of her favourite additions are Bergerie Olivella and Bergerie Murtetu, neighbouring properties on the west coast, full of character with stunning views over Valinco Bay which each sleep 6 but can be hired together for larger groups. Another personal favourite of the new additions is Casa Monica, a three bedroom villa with private pool in Porto Vecchio.

The full list of new properties for 2011 to date are listed below, but this is ever expanding as Corsican Places staff in the UK and based on the island are constantly looking for new apartments, villas, résidences and hotels which will meet the high demands they, and their customers, expect.

New for 2011
Bergerie Olivella, 3 bedroom villa in Olmeto
Bergerie Murtetu, 3 bedroom villa in Olmeto
Casa Monica, 3 bedroom villa in Porto Vecchio
Villa A Tighiaccia, 2 bedroom villa in Tarrabucceta
Casa Matteu, 4 bedroom villa in Figari
Casa Blu, 2 bedroom villa in Figari
Marina Serena, 2 bedroom mini-villas in Porto Vecchio
Villa Lavezzi, 4 bedroom villa in Porto Vecchio
Casa Aqua di Licci, 3 bedroom villa in Sotta
Villa Grivolas, 2 bedroom villa in Porto Vecchio
Bergerie Maltiponu, 2 bedroom house in Palombaggia
Casa Aliva, 3 bedroom villa in Porto Vecchio
Casa Castagni, 2 bedroom villa in Porto Vecchio
Hotel Costa Salina, new hotel in Porto Vecchio harbour
Hotel le Goéland, 30 room hotel in Porto Vecchio harbour
Apartment Cantu di L’Alba,1 bedroom apartment in Calvi Citadel
Apartment Chiara, 1 bedroom apartment in Calvi Citadel
Villa Mandarine, 3 & 4 bedroom villas in Calvi
Casa Laura, 3 bedroom house in Miomo
Villa les Voiliers, 3 bedroom villa in Marine de Davia
Villa Ogliastrelli, 3 bedroom villa in Lumio
Villa Chassagne, 3 bedroom villa in Patrimonio
Hotel Corsica, 4* hotel in Calvi
Hotel Regina, modern hotel in Calvi
Hotel le Bellevue, great value hotel in St Florent

New Heathrow to Figari Flight

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places has launched a new flight from London Heathrow to Figari in the south of Corsica for summer 2011 in conjunction with bmi (British Midland International). The flight will depart on Sunday mornings between May and September 2011, at convenient times to tie-in with accommodation check-in and check-out times. The service includes a generous 32” seat pitch with upgrades available, 23 kilograms luggage allowance and an in-flight snack.

The flight is 2 hours 20 minutes and flying into Figari provides easy access to accommodation in Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, L’Extrême Sud and the Gulfs of the West Coast. Corsican Places has added around 20 new properties in the south to meet demand - to take a look at villas, apartments, résidences and hotels in the south click here.

Calvi Jazz Festival Dates Announced

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The dates of the prestigious Calvi Jazz Festival have been announced. The festival will be held between 21st and 26th June 2011 in the historic town of Calvi on the French island of Corsica. In addition to evening concerts, for which tickets must be purchased, there will be free afternoon and late night jamming sessions and for the whole week there is a fantastic atmosphere on the streets of Calvi.

This event attracts performers as well as audiences from across the world. Flights and accommodation are available through Corsican Places. Keep an eye on the official website for the announcement of acts and more information - http://www.calvi-jazz-festival.com

Corsican Places launches its 2011 Collection

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places launches its 2011 brochure this month, confirming its status as the UK’s leading Corsican specialist. Highlights for 2011 include:

Widest Range of Corsica Holiday Accommodation to UK Market
Corsican Places continues to offer the widest range of Corsica holiday properties to the UK market – over 130 choices - much of which is exclusive to its programme. The tour operator specializes in villas, houses and apartments – most in close proximity to the coast – but also includes more rural accommodation within its portfolio, as well as hotels from the simple to the deluxe.

25 NEW Properties for 2011
Corsican Places has added 25 new properties for 2011 – the North of the island still being its stronghold, but expanding its property portfolio in the South to meet client demand.
New properties include, the converted and stylish Bergerie Olivella & Bergerie Murtetu – both part of Corsican Places Premium Collection – located in Olmeto, Gulfs of the West Coast.
The charming and traditional villa, Casa Monica, perfect for families, situated in Palavesa, just outside Porto Vecchio, between the sea and mountains. Also ideal for families is Marina Serena, a Residence of five modern mini villas just a short drive from Palombaggia and Porto Vecchio.
New hotels for 2011 include, the 3* Hotel Costa Salina, which enjoys a sought after location on the harbourside of Porto Vecchio, just a few steps away from the bustling marina.
Quality properties are continually sourced and added to Corsican Places’ online collection at www.corsica.co.uk

Second Year for Corsican Places Stansted – Calvi Charter
Corsican Places confirms that its Stansted – Calvi [North West Corsica] charter flight will continue for a second season from May - September 2011, following a successful inaugural operation this year. Titan Airways will again be contracted to charter this route, with Corsican Places set once more to offer the only UK direct flight route into Calvi.

Corsican Places is also pleased to announce that it will be able to offer seats on the - new for 2011- London Heathrow – Figari charter flight operating May – October 2011 in conjunction with airline British Midland. The ability to offer holiday packages including flight seats to Figari will complement Corsican Places’ increased accommodation choice in the South of the island.

Twin Centre options with Sardinian Places
Twin centre holidays can be arranged with Sardinia, through sister company, Sardinian Places.
Sardinian Places 2011 is now on sale online, please visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Corsican Places Early Booking Offers – Book by 30 November 2010
Corsican Places is offering a number of Early Booking Offers, valid for 2011 holidays if booked by 30 November 2010. These include £50 per person discounts on holiday packages incorporating selected properties, valid for travel in May*, June and September 2011; increased child discounts on package holidays, which include a Corsican Places charter flight; and free car hire upgrades subject to availability. Please call Corsican Places for more details.

The Corsican Places brochure offers an informative introduction to the destination and - new for 2011 – includes Beach and Family Guides. Once in resort, most guests are able to request a visit from a Corsican Places’ representative.

Corsican Places product manager, Amandine Blanchard said:
”Our growth in the South means that Corsican Places now offers a more balanced programme across the whole of the island, which I believe strengthens our position as the Corsica specialist. We are delighted both to have been awarded ‘Best Destination Specialist Tour Operator 2010’ this year by Atout France, and to have had such positive customer feedback from the first season of operating our Stansted – Calvi charter. We are also pleased to be able to offer holidays including flights on the new Heathrow - Figari charter.”

Corsican Places’ clients can book packages or accommodation-only, with competitive car hire included or available. Corsican Places 2011 holiday prices start from £349 per person (four sharing), based on 7-nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment, including flights and transfers. Accommodation-only prices start from £690.
Corsican Places is also able to devise ‘Touring’ itineraries, including a variety of hotels, for its clients. To request a copy of the new brochure, or for more information, please call Corsican Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

* excludes 29 May 2011departure

Festival of the Wind

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday saw the start of the interesting and unique Le Festival du Vent (Festival of the Wind) which is held in Calvi each year and celebrates everything to do with wind but also looks at environmental issues and preserving cultures. As well as bringing together scientists and engineers interested in technology, the event attracts a wide range of artists and promises to offer something for all ages. Expect information on environmental issues plus music concerts, street theatre performances, art displays, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning and kite flying. There will also be a performance by the French Foreign Legion which is based in the citadel of Calvi. The Festival of the Wind is an annual event, which is now in its 18th year and is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors. This year it is held in Calvi between 27th and 31st October 2010. For more details visit www.lefestivalduvent.com

2011 Holidays on Sale Now

Press Office - Corsican Places — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places, the UK’s leading Corsica specialist, has released 2011 holiday prices ahead of its new 2011 brochure arriving with customers next month. Following its success this year, the tour operator’s 2011 programme will offer the largest portfolio of Corsican properties to the UK holiday market, along with a choice of flights, including its own charter to Calvi and - new for 2011 - flight seats on the London Heathrow to Figari flight in conjunction with airline British Midland.

Early booking offers include savings of £50 per person offered on flight inclusive holidays staying at selected properties, valid if booked by 30 November (2010) for travel in * May, June or September 2011. Next season prices start from £349 per person (four sharing), based on seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment, including flights and transfers.

For more information, call Corsican Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk.

* Excludes 29 May departure

New Flight To Figari

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

New for summer 2011 is a Corsican Places flight from Gatwick to Figari – the only UK flight to Figari on a Sunday and therefore the only one ideally linked to much of the self-catering accommodation which is let from Sunday to Sunday. The flight follows the success of the operator’s Stansted to Calvi flight which operated for the first time during summer 2010 and received very positive feedback from customers looking for an alternative to the budget airlines.

The Gatwick to Figari flight will operate with Viking Airlines and customers will receive a generous 23kg luggage allowance and seats will also be allocated in advance. The flight will depart at 7am, arriving into Figari at 10.20. The return flights depart from Figari at 11.20am, arriving back to Gatwick at the convenient time of 12.35. For more details on the flight visit http://www.corsica.co.uk/Docs/Travel-Info/Flight-Information/Figari-Flights.aspx

16 new properties in the south of Corsica have also been added to the programme for 2011 to meet the increased demand for this beautiful region.

AITO Travel Expo

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Come and find out more about Corsica and other destinations available through our sister companies (The Gambia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Sardinia and Short Breaks to France & Belgium) at the AITO Travel Expo. Wednesday 6th October from 6 - 8.30pm at The Science Museum in London. Entry is free and there's a glass of wine on arrival, to register email travelexpo@aito.com

You can find out more at http://www.aito.co.uk/holiday-inspirations.asp

Corsica’s white-knuckle ride

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This week’s winner of The Telegraph’s travel writing competition is Penny Bunting who has written about her trip to the beautiful mountainous interior of Corsica and a particularly scary moment during a drive through the island’s winding roads. Read it in full at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-writing-competition/8021259/Just-Back-Corsicas-white-knuckle-ride.html

Top 5 things to do in Corsica

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Travel blog site Tips From the T List has added a new article listing the five top things to do in Corsica – including:

1. the fascinating Stone Age site of Filitosa,
2. the Trinighellu or “little Train” – a great way to see the stunning scenery
3. Museums in Ajaccio
4. Les Calanques de Piana – spectacular red granite cliffs
5. Parc Naturel & GR20 – walking and hiking trails through the mountain peaks

The article is by Thomas Dowson and is also featured on the Europe A La Carte blog. To read the article in full visit www.tipsfromthetlist.com/28549.html

Strong Summer Sales & Success of Calvi Flight

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist Corsican Places reports strong bookings for Summer 2010, as well as a successful start for its new flight service between London Stansted and Calvi, introduced in May 2010. The tour operator reveals a 30% increase in sales year on year, with bookings for its new charter - with airline Titan Airways - achieving an 88% load factor to date.

The company’s product manager, Amandine Blanchard comments:
“We are delighted with the success of our programme, which continually evolves to reflect the needs of our customers. Our charter flight service is the only UK direct flight route to Calvi and gives customers a welcoming alternative to the no frills options available to other regions."
She continues: “We have also increased our choice of hotels, with sales to date up 87% on last year. Villa bookings are also up by 22%. There has been a noted shift away from accommodation-only, as figures show 65% of our customers are now booking packages. This trend confirms a wider recognition amongst consumers of the importance of financial protection and tour operator support when booking a holiday, which has become even more apparent through recent events.”

Corsican Places has been providing holidays throughout the island for over twenty years and was voted “Best Destination Specialist Tour Operator 2010” in June this year, by Atout France – the country’s tourism development agency. The tour operator offers holidays from £399 per person based on 7 nights accommodation, inclusive of return Stansted to Calvi flight.

Alicia Keys Chooses Corsica for Her Wedding

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

R&B singer Alicia Keys has chosen the island of Corsica as the venue for her private wedding to music producer Swizz Beatz whose real name is Kaseem Dean. The small ceremony took place on Saturday 31 July in front of friends and family at a private property overlooking the sea. Although few details of the wedding have been made public, it is rumoured that U2’s Bono and Queen Latifah were among the guests.

For more details and to see the stunning Very Wang wedding dress see http://www.examiner.com/x-51156-People-in-the-News-Examiner~y2010m8d3-Alicia-Keys-marries-rap-producer-Swizz-Beatz-on-island-of-Corsica-in-France-Photos--Videos

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10836551

New property additions for 2010

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places – recently voted Best Destination Specialist Tour Operator 2010 by Atout France, France Tourism Development Agency – offers more accommodation choices on the island of Corsica than any other UK operator. Specialising in self-catering properties near the coast, with a north of the island stronghold, Corsican Places covers the whole of the island offering a diverse range of accommodation, including converted bergeries, more rural hideaways, and hotels.

New properties are regularly added to the Corsican Places portfolio, recent additions include:

Villas Mandarine – Calvi Town
http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000234/51683/Villas-Mandarine.aspx
Set in a private, five-acre complex, Villas Mandarine is a collection of eight contemporary villas nestled between the sea and mountains just a few minutes drive from Calvi Town and Calvi beach. There is a choice of three or four bedroom properties, each complete with private pool and garden. The appeal of Villas Mandarine is that it combines the privacy of quality self-catering accommodation with the benefits of a superior hotel service – included daily services include cleaning, bed making and newspaper delivery; optional extras include breakfast, shopping, chef service and babysitting, with the opportunity to request activities, boat trips and excursions. This season, Corsican Places offers seven nights at Villas Mandarine from £599 per person, based on six sharing and including return flights direct to Calvi, taxes and car hire.

Villa les Voiliers - Davia
http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000234/51673/Villa-les-Voiliers.aspx
Set in a tranquil corner of Marine de Davia, the three-bedroom Villa les Voiliers boasts a privileged position by the sea with outstanding views over the bay of Davia to the west, and stretching as far as the Cap Corse to the northeast. A path from the terrace and garden leads down to secluded areas perfect for sunbathing and from which, with care, it is possible to swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters that lap the rocks below. There are a number of beaches within a short stroll whilst, for the more active, there are tennis courts within a five minute walk. This season, Corsican Places offers seven nights at Villa les Voiliers from £549 per person, based on six sharing and including return flights direct to Calvi, taxes and car hire.

4* Hotel Corsica – Calvi Town
http://www.corsica.co.uk/Accommodation/19000234/51685/Hotel-Corsica.aspx
Located on a hillside, overlooking the bay of Calvi and Calvi Citadel, the pinnacle of Hotel Corsica is arguably its panoramic views. The atmosphere here is relaxed and for those who do not want to drive the short distance to Calvi Town or Calvi beach, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus service. The hotel is traditional and is comprised of 50 rooms - facilities include a large swimming pool, children’s pool, sun terrace, sauna, jacuzzi and gardens. This season, Corsican Places offers seven nights at Hotel Corsica from £1245 per person, based on two sharing with breakfast and including return flights direct to Calvi, taxes and transfers. For more information about Corsican Places, please call the Reservations Department on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

Porto Latino Festival

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It’s now less than a month till the lively Porto Latino Festival kicks off in St Florent, Corsica. It’s a hot Latin festival with nightly open-air concerts held in the citadel. The event lasts for four days from Thursday 5th August until Sunday 8th August 2010. Acts performing this year include Afro Cuban All Stars, Pierpoljak, Rachid Taha, Manu Dibango, Kassav’, Karamelo Santo, Ben L’oncle Soul, Hocus Pocus, La Cumbia Chicharra, DJ Oil and Tainos de Mayari. For more details visit www.porto-latino.com

World Rally Drivers Circumnavigate Corsica By Bike

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FIA World Rally Championship diver Matthew Wilson and co-driver Scott Martin have ridden around the island of Corsica to raise money for RPJ Crohn’s Foundation which supports the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (NACC). The pair rode a total of 985 kilometres and are aiming to raise £5,000 for the charity. If you would like to find out more visit http://www.tourdecorse.co.uk/ and you can make a donation online at http://www.justgiving.com/tourdecorse

Award Win - 'Best Destination Specialist Tour Operator 2010'

Press Office - Corsican Places — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places is pleased to announce that it was successful in winning the title of ‘Best Destination Specialist Tour Operator 2010’ at The French Travel Trade Awards held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on Saturday 5 June. The award ceremony – organized by Atout France, France Tourism Development Agency, formerly known as Maison de la France – followed the Agency’s biennial Spring/Summer Workshop, specifically designed for British Tour Operators and wholesalers programming France or aiming to develop a French programme.

Corsican Places was shortlisted in its category with three other travel companies, but was declared the winner by a panel of judges, which included representatives from ABTOF, P&V, Rail Europe, SeaFrance and the Coach Tourism Council.

Léa Despeysses, head of Trade and Exhibitions for Atout France said:
“Corsican Places has been recognized through this award for its contribution to the promotion of the French region of Corsica and its strong commitment and creativity during the very challenging economic climate of the past two years. Congratulations to them!”

Corsican Places product manager, Amandine Blanchard, who accepted the award alongside Corsican Places managing director, Chris Rowles said:
“We are delighted with this accolade. With 23 years experience of operating to Corsica we offer more accommodation and flight options to the UK market than our competitors. We continually look to evolve our programme, whilst maintaining both its quality as well as our passion for the island. As of May this year we now charter our own exclusive flight into Calvi with Titan Airways - currently the only flight route into Calvi from the UK.”

For more information, please call Corsican Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.franceguide.com

Pic Attached: From left to right: Chris Rowles, Corsican Places managing director, Martyn Sumners, chief executive of ABTOF (Association of British Travel Organisers to France), Amandine Blanchard, Corsican Places product manager and Gyles Brandreth, host of the awards.

Big 7 Day Sale Starts Tomorrow

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Corsican Places 7 day sale starts tomorrow morning at 10am with big savings across the season including:

Double Child Discounts
Save up to £1015 per booking on family holidays.
Save 20% off all child prices for every full paying adult for holidays departing between 18th July to 29th August.

Last Minute Holidays At Bargain Prices!
Superb late deals for departures up to and including 4th July.
Prices from only £349pp!

Peak season summer Holiday Deals!
Great savings for July & August departures.
Prices from only £499pp!

Offers for couples
Properties suited to couples & friends with some excellent prices!
Prices from only £449pp!

For more details log in tomorrow morning at 10am.

Wine Festival in Luri

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Luri Wine Festival (Fiera di U Vinu) will be held on 3rd & 4th July 2010 in the village of Luri in Cap Corse in the North-East of Corsica . The event is one of the most popular in Corsica and attracts wine lovers from across the island as well as mainland France and many other countries. The festival is a major gathering for Corsica’s wine producers who invite visitors to sample the wine; there are also music events, talks and the village’s wine museum stays open for the weekend.

The 'Isle of Beauty' certainly lives up to its name

Harriet O'Brien - The Independent — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An island beyond?
Yes. Corsica is where you can discover wild French beauty in the Med. Stunning pink cliffs drop sharply down to implausibly clear turquoise waters which elsewhere are fringed with sandy beaches. Inland, high granite peaks tower up in breathtaking shapes while kites and buzzards circle the aromatic vegetation. From the Greeks to the Romans, Pisans, Genovese and French (and even, briefly, the Brits), the foreign forces that have variously occupied this Mediterranean island have been entranced by its magnificent natural drama. Which is why the presiding French have given it the soubriquet l'Ile de Beauté.

But as to that French factor... Well, Corsica was acquired by France only in 1768 and this island, 160km from the French mainland (yet just 82km off Italy's Tuscan coast), remains idiosyncratically a culture apart. The Corsican language, for instance, is notably different from French and is widely spoken, while signposts give place names in both French and Corsican – except where independence agitators have painted over the Gallic names. The current Corsican nationalist movement has been a thorn in the French government's side for more than 30 years, although it is currently stymied by factionalism. It is also unlikely to impinge on tourists. For visitors, the Corsican spirit – proud, defiant and stalwart, in resonance with the natural world around – is part of the attraction.

Vital statistics please
Corsica covers 8,680 sq km, so it is just a shade larger than Crete and roughly one-third the size of neighbouring Sardinia, from which it is separated by a narrow strait of 14 kilometres.

It takes less than three hours to drive from the northern city of Bastia to the southern town of Bonifacio. But that is along the east coast. Once you head inland or along the glorious west coast, the roads concertina with the contours and journey times expand accordingly.

The Genovese, who by-and-large held power between the early 13th and the mid-18th centuries, developed Bastia as their headquarters. But today Ajaccio on the mid-west coast is the island's capital, as orchestrated in the late 18th century by the city's most famous, if probably least loved, son, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Almost half of Corsica's 275,000 permanent residents live in either Ajaccio or Bastia – where the majority of jobs are. That overall figure may look slim but the population has increased enormously since the dismal days of the 1950s and 1960s, when the island was sadly neglected by the government and many people left for economic reasons. In the 1970s a movement for the revival of Corsica began, and it has been hugely successful. With a resurgence of population has come a rebirth of pride in the island. For visitors, this is most immediately apparent in the unspoilt quality of the island: development has been carefully monitored, so it is rare to see concrete blocks along the coast and, as a rule, buildings of more than three storeys.

Take me to the very heart
The spiritual capital of Corsica is the robust inland town of Corte, its daunting fortress presiding over a tiny warren of cobbled alleys, with newer streets spread out below. More or less in the centre of the island, it is set in an astounding landscape of rivers and granite mountains. Corsica's great hero, Pascal Paoli, established a democratic parliament here during the island's brief period of independence between 1755 and 1768. Today, Corte remains the home of nationalism and it also contains Corsica's university.

There's a particularly pleasing hotel, with art deco-style furnishings, just outside town in the lovely Restonica valley: Hotel Dominique Colonna (00 33 4 95 45 25 65; dominique-colonna.com ; doubles from €70 room only). Or make for Sartene, clinging to cliffs inland from the south-west coast and said to be the most Corsican of Corsican towns. Once the base of the feudal Sgio overlords, it still exudes an atmosphere redolent of Corsica's notorious vendetta culture.

In the north-west, the inland villages of the Balagne district offer much staunch Corsican charm. St Antonino is said to be the oldest village on the island. Less tourist-trodden Speloncato looks as if it has grown organically from the rocks. Little Pigna is a picturesque haven of cobbled lanes and has become a centre for arts and crafts. It offers an appealing choice of guesthouse accommodation including Casa Musicale which, as the name implies, is also a venue for traditional music (00 33 4 95 61 77 31; casa-musicale.org ; doubles from €55, room only).

I want coastal drama
Most spectacularly seen from the water, the southern town of Bonifacio has a remarkable setting atop dazzling white cliffs. On a sunny day (one of the estimated 300 annual days of sunshine), the colour of the sea is mesmerising.

But Corsica's most celebrated sea scenery are Les Calanches on the west coast. This is a range of fabulously weathered orangey-pink cliffs set between the little harbour town of Porto and the pretty village of Piana. The drive through this area is spectacularly winding. Better still, there are several well-marked walking trails: these are described in English in a booklet (costing €3) which is sold in the tourist office at Porto (open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and on Sunday mornings V C in peak season; 00 33 4 95 26 10 55; porto-tourisme.com ).

The long peninsula of Cap Corse in the north offers ruggedly appealing scenery, dotted with old fishing villages and the remains of Genovese watchtowers. A corniche road twists its way around the 40km-long finger of land, a circuit that takes at least two days of relaxed driving, depending how much time you allow for hikes in the maquis-clad interior. Among the range of accommodation here is elegant Hotel Castel Brando, a 19th-century mansion in the lovely village of Erbalunga (00 33 4 95 30 10 30; castelbrando.com; doubles from €105, room only).

And for the best beaches?
Corsica has about 1,000km of coast, along which there's an alluring array of sandy beaches. East of the fortress town of Calvi there are expansive stretches of sand with safe, life-guarded bathing in the summer: for seclusion and a great view across to the citadel of Calvi head to the beach at Lumio overlooking the Bay of Algaio. But if you want to get right off the beaten track make for Plage du Lotu, which is accessible only by boat from the thriving town of St-Florent, dubbed the St-Tropez of Corsica because of the opulent boats that moor there in the summer. For a chic retreat, check into the Hotel La Roya (00 33 4 95 37 00 40; hoteldelaroya.com ; doubles from €180, room only).

Porto Vecchio on the east coast has become something of a hip haven thanks in no small part to the beaches that lie to the south, notably Palombaggio, which is bordered with pines and pink granite rocks; and Santa Giulia which offers plenty of beach activity. Among the accommodation options is Hotel Alivi on Santa Giulia, a stylish boutique outfit with doubles from €135 room only (00 33 4 95 70 03 46; santa-giulia.fr ).

Where can I tap into history?
Stroll in any of Corsica's fortress towns and you breathe in a great sense of the island's colourful, chequered past. In the north, Calvi's citadel is magnificently austere. In the south, the battlements of Bonifacio are terrific.

The three most striking ancient centres – Ajaccio, Bastia, and Corte – contain the island's best museums. Below Ajaccio's citadel Maison Bonaparte at Place Letizia (00 33 4 95 21 43 89; musee-masonbonaparte.fr ; Tues-Sun 10-noon and 2-4.45pm; €6) gives chapter and verse on the emperor, who was born there. To its north, near Ajaccio's marketplace, is the remarkable Musée Fesch, showing the art collection of Napoleon's step uncle, Cardinal Fesch. The gallery is set to reopen on 26 June after a refit (50 Rue du Cardinal Fesch; 00 33 4 95 21 48 17; musee-fesch.com ; opening times and prices still uncertain).

In Bastia's well-restored old citadel, the grand Palais des Gouverneurs is in the throes of impressive refurbishment. Showing the art and history of the city, it is due to open in mid-June. (Place du Donjon, La Citadelle; 00 33 4 95 31 09 12; musee-bastia.com ; opening times and prices still unconfirmed.) Corte's entire brooding fortress has become a museum. A visit to Museu di a Corsica (the name is, of course, Corsican) takes in the town's high battlements dating from the 15th century and offers an absorbing insight into the island's culture, with a permanent ethnographic collection and major temporary shows. This year's show is due to open later in the month, and will present an intriguing exploration of Corsica's thriving lay brotherhood, which is similar to the freemasonry but far less secretive and has some women members (00 33 4 95 45 25 45; musee-corse.com ; 10am-5pm daily except Sunday; €5.30).

And mystery?
It isn't only the landscape that exudes an other-worldly air. Head to Filitosa, south of Ajaccio, to see an extraordinary collection of standing stones, discovered in the 1940s. These aren't just menhirs, they are neolithic sculptures for, amazingly, the stones have carved faces. Station Prehistorique de Filitosa (00 33 4 95 74 00 91) is on the winding D57 west of the village of Sollacaro and is open daily 9am-6pm from April until the end of October; €6.

Take in, too, the ethereal harmonics of Corsican polyphony. This haunting, entirely vocal form of music was rapidly becoming a lost tradition in the 1960s and 1970s but it is now enjoying a huge revival. During the summer polyphony concerts are frequently held in village and town churches and at dramatic outdoor locations. Ask for information at local tourist offices – Calvi usually offers a particularly rich schedule of events (Port de Plaisance; 00 33 4 95 65 16 67; balagne-corsica.com ).

How do I get there?
The summer season's direct flights between the UK and Corsica are just starting. Ryanair (0871 246 0000; ryanair.com) flies from Stansted to Figari in the south, a service that began this Tuesday. From mid-May easyJet (0905 821 0905; easyjet.com) offers services from Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol to Bastia and from Gatwick to Ajaccio. Corsican Places (0845 330 2059; corsica.co.uk ) has a new weekly charter between Stansted and Calvi from 23 May. The company has an extensive portfolio of villas-with-pools to rent and it offers hotel trips, all of which can be arranged with or without flights.

And by boat?
There is a good choice of ferries from the French mainland and from Italy. Among the options, Corsica Ferries (00 33 4 95 32 95 95; corsicaferries.com ) operates year-round between Nice and Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi, and from Toulon to Ajaccio and Bastia; CMN La Meridionale (00 33 4 91 99 45 00; sncm.fr ) offers year-round services from Marseille to Ajaccio, Bastia and Propriano and also from Porto Torres in Sardinia to Ajaccio and Propriano; and Moby Lines (00 49 611 14020; mobylines.com ) has a summer service (starting at the end of May) between Livorno and Bastia, Genova and Bastia, and Sardinia's Santa Teresa di Gallura and Bonifacio.

Where can I find out more?
Contact the Corsica Tourist Board on 00 33 4 95 51 00 00; or see the website visit-corsica.com. Alternatively visit the website of enthusiastic resident expatriates: corsica-isula.com

The great outdoors: Natural wanders in Corsica
Crisscrossed by well-marked routes, Corsica is a hiker's haven – although bear in mind the high temperatures during the mid summer.

The most challenging trail is the GR20, taking about 14 days and offering much mountainous terrain as it stretches 200km diagonally across the island from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south. Other long-distance routes include the two Tra Mare e Monti paths on the west coast: the spectacular northern trail is broken into 10 stages; while the southern route is a relatively gentle five-day walk.

Of course you don't need to go the whole distance: there are plenty of options for following parts of these routes on stunning day walks. The mountain village of Evisa above the Spelunca gorge (pictured) offers many hiking options including sections of the Tra Mare e Monti Nord. You also follow part of this long- distance path on the spectacular hike from Col de la Croix to the west-coast village of Girolata, which is accessible only by boat or on foot.

30 European villas for families to share

Julia Brookes and Kate Quill - The Times — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

7 La Balagne, Corsica

Casa Horatio is a spacious modern villa in Lumio, La Balagne, decorated in a sleek contemporary style and set on a hillside with stunning views over the sea to Calvi. The house sleeps up to ten, with four large air-conditioned bedrooms, set on two floors, and a separate, self-contained studio room. Swimmers will love the infinity pool, surrounded by decking and loungers, while keen cooks will enjoy the well-equipped kitchen and outside barbecue. This is the kind of villa in which to hang out and chill. It costs from £824pp, based on ten sharing and including return charter flights from Stansted, taxes and car hire.

Details 0845 3302113, corsica.co.uk

Good Weekend for British Cycling in Criterium International

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British cyclists performed well in this year’s Criterium International, a two-day cycling event held in Corsica. Pierrick Fedringo of France won the overall event but Britons David Millar and Russell Downing both won stages; David Millar won the third and final leg of the weekend and Russell Downing won the second leg.

The race was held in Corsica this year for the first time since 1982 and is a warm up for the Tour de France; winner Fedringo says: "It's not like winning the Tour – the Tour is another dimension – but the Criterium International was the biggest race this year so far in terms of the participants, and I'm proud to have won it." Officials in Corsica are hoping to host a stage of the Tour de France in the near future.

Hidden gems of the Med

Nigel Tisdall - Natwest Sense magazine — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Charming Castagniccia
Mixing French flavours with Italian warmth, Corsica is blessed with sandy beaches, scenic mountains and unspoilt countryside. It’s a smart choice if you like exploring new places by car, with some good food and wine waiting at the end of the day. Head to the east coast and you’ll find the Costa Verde where long, quiet beaches are flanked by the chestnut-covered hills of the Castagniccia region. Here narrow roads wind inland to tiny villages with Baroque churches, panoramic viewpoints and hiking trails through the forests. Tuck yourself up in a fully modernised rural bolthole such as A Casuccia, a two-bedroom traditional stone house that comes with beamed ceilings, a pool and mountain views – and it’s only a five-minute drive to the golden sands of Moriani Plage.

Corsican Places (corsica.co.uk) offers seven nights in early July at A Casuccia from £830 per person, based on four sharing, including flights from London to Bastia, car hire and a welcome hamper.

New Flight Service To Calvi

Press Office - Corsican Places — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsican Places is to launch the UK’s only flight service into Calvi Airport with the announcement of its new weekly charter with the airline Titan Airways. Operating out of London Stansted airport, the new flight will allow short transfer times to visitors in and around Calvi and La Balagne region of north west Corsica, as well easy access to the island’s popular resort of St Florent.

The tour operator is offering convenient Sunday morning departures from May 16th to September 26th (2010) on board a Boeing 737-300 aircraft, which offers comfortable leather seating and a generous seat pitch of 32 inches. Pre-allocated seating together will be available free of charge and customers will have an increased passenger baggage allowance of 23 kgs per person.

Corsican Places commercial manager Paul Kenny comments:
“We are delighted to operate the UK’s only Calvi flight with the prestigious charter airline Titan Airways, whose high quality product matches our customer requirements which include comfortable flying and favourable flight times. Having a flight service into Calvi will benefit them immensely, with just a 10 minute drive from the airport to the picturesque port, as well a short distance from the best of La Balagne where we have a great choice of accommodation, including our exclusive collection of “Premium Villas”.

Corsican Places has provided visitors with holidays and flights to the island for over 23 years and is established as the UK market leader offering the widest range of accommodation. The tour operator features over 120 property choices and its handpicked collection includes villas, résidences, apartments and hotels.

Sample package: Corsican Places is offering seven night holidays from £349 per person based on self-catering accommodation at A Chjova, a cosy two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the picturesque harbourside town - just 400 metres from Calvi’s silver sand beach and 7kms from the airport. This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights from London Stansted - Calvi, transfers and taxes.

Additional flight options with low cost airlines are available into Corsica’s Bastia, Ajaccio and Figari airports from Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester airports through Corsican Places. The tour operator also offers accommodation only bookings.

Call Corsican Places on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

100 Best Villas

Sean Newsom - The Sunday Times — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Sunday Times reveals the best places for hire around the Mediterranean and Europe this summer

I Fiore di Vazze, Corsica
Sleeps 4
If you like the sound of number 6 (above), but not the price, consider this shepherd's cottage near Olmeto. It may not be so ingeniously built, nor have the same view, but it has rough-hewn charm aplenty, as well as a spring-fed plunge pool and an unfussy whitewashed interior. Figari airport is an hour's drive. £1,638/£717; 0845 330 2059, corsica.co.uk

Calvi Jazz Festival Acts Announced

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The programme for the prestigious Calvi Jazz Festival has been announced. The festival will be held between 15^th and 20^th June 2010 in the historic town of Calvi, La Balagne on the French island of Corsica. In addition to evening concerts, for which tickets must be purchased, there will be free afternoon and late night jamming sessions and for the whole week there is a fantastic atmosphere on the streets of Calvi.

This events attracts performers as well as audiences from across the world. Flights and accommodation are still available through Corsican Places but are selling fast. For more information visit www.calvi-jazz-festival.com

New Ryanair Flights to Corsica

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ryanair has announced a new flight from London-Stansted to Figari in the south of Corsica departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The service will begin on 4th May and adds to the choice of budget flights to the island. Specialist operator Corsican Places is urging holidaymakers wishing to travel with Ryanair to book early when the best prices are likely to be available. For more details see www.ryanair.com

Flying into Figari makes twin centres with neighbouring Sardinia an attractive option and the operator has seen an increase in interest for twin centre and touring holidays this year. For more information about Sardinia and the accommodation available visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Prestigious Cycling Event in Corsica

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The world’s best cyclists will meet in Corsica next month for the Criterium International, the first major professional race held on the island since the last Tour of Corsica in 1982. Lance Armstrong’s Team Radioshack, world road cycling champion Cadel Evans’ BMC Racing Team and Olympic gold medallist Samuel Sanchez’s Euskaltel-Euskadi are among the Pro Tour teams due to compete in the race.

The Criterium International is raced in three stages, over two days starting in Porto Vecchio on 27th March 2010. There will be a mountain stage on the Saturday and on the Sunday, a flat stage and short individual time trial.

Prestigious Cycling Event in Corsica

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of Europe’s Best Beaches in Corsica

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Sunday Times has listed the top 20 beaches in Europe, and Palombaggia in the south of Corsica has been included. Here’s what the Sunday Times says about the beach:

“The TV advert for this beach might say: “There’s clear, then there’s Palombaggia clear.” The water here puts the Seychelles to shame. What a backdrop, too: pine forests right up to the sand, craggy rocks like natural piers into the sea, sandy cafes serving moules and vin blanc for lunch. As with any French paradise, consider August off limits - better to go in late summer, as Corsica stays warmer for longer - but limited parking among the pine trees means that some parts of the beach are quiet even in high season. Take your camera: if you cut out the French cafes, people will think you went to the Maldives on your holidays.

Best for: those still saving to get to the Indian Ocean.”

If you’re interested in sampling the beach for yourself, take a look at the accommodation available in L’Extreme Sud. To read the article in full visit http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/beach/article6989680.ece

Why Corsica is a music lover's dream

Press Office - Corsican Places — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The island of Corsica is a music lover’s dream with many events scheduled throughout the year. These include:

Calvi Jazz Festival (15 – 20 June 2010)
An important event within the international jazz calendar, the Calvi Jazz Festival takes place every June and lasts for a week. Hundreds of musicians and singers, including the most prestigious, come to Calvi, which becomes host to formal concerts as well as more informal "boeufs" (jam sessions). Main performances are held on a stage below the Citadel, but the Quai Landry and café culture likewise become immersed in the jazz phenomenon.
On a smaller scale, Pinarellu in the south hosts its own Jazz Festival from the last Sunday in August – first Sunday in September.

Calvi on the Rocks (02 – 05 July 2010)
Calvi on the Rocks in July is a youthful music and arts festival with a mix of electronic music and digital art and Corsican art de vivre. A concert is held each night at the Calvi Citadel, and beach activities are also organised.

Les Nuits de la Guitare (Dates for 2010 tbc, usually in the month of July)
The impressive amphitheatre in the village of Patrimonio is the setting for the Nuits de la Guitare, an original event, which presents a leading and eclectic platform for the guitar. For more than twenty years the "guitar nights" have become the annual meeting place for leading international guitarists in jazz, blues, flamenco, manouche, rock, tzigane, tango and classical music. Last year’s performers included Tracy Chapman.

Porto Latino (Dates for 2010 tbc, usually in the month of August)
Porto Latino is a Latin music fiesta held annually in St Florent. The chic port town comes alive with all forms of South American, Spanish inspired and Afro tradition music, including the tango and flamenco. The streets reverberate with rhythm and St Florent enjoys being even more sought after, as the place to be, and place to be seen.

Rencontres Polyphoniques de Calvi (14 – 18 September 2010)
Polyphonic singing is one of the most popular of Corsican cultural traditions and singers from around the world perform in and around Calvi Citadel during the Rencontres Polyphoniques de Calvi every September. Events take place in the cathedral St Jean-Baptiste, the Saint-Antoine oratory and the Place d’Armes. Similarly, Estivoce evenings are held in and around Pigna, in La Balagne villages, on selected dates throughout the year. Voices from around the world mingle with the voices of Corsica at events also incorporating theatre and dance.

Corsican Places offers the widest range of Corsica accommodation to the UK market and can source properties / hotels in close proximity to the above events. This season (2010), a 7-night holiday with Corsican Places starts from £349 per person. This price is based on self-catering accommodation at the two-bedroom apartment, Casa Anna in the Calvi Citadel. Based on four sharing, this includes return flights from London Gatwick - Calvi, transfers and taxes. To request a copy of the new brochure, or for more information, please call Corsican Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

New Properties for 2010

Press Office - Corsican Places — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With 23 years of operation, Corsican Places continues to offer the widest range of accommodation to the UK holiday market – over 120 property choices - much of which is exclusive to its programme.

There are 18 new properties within the Corsican Places 2010 collection, including:

Hotel St Christophe 3*: Calvi Town - La Balagne
The 3* Hotel St Christophe has an enviable position situated on the rocks beneath Calvi Citadel and as a result offers magnificent views. The swimming pool is sited at the lower level and here further steps lead down to the sea enabling guests to swim and snorkel using the rocks as their base. Calvi harbour and beach are just a short walk away. Corsican Places offers 7 nights B&B at Hotel St Christophe from £656 per person based on 2 sharing and including return flights, taxes and transfers. Accommodation-only prices start from £61 per person per night to stay at the hotel on a B&B board.

Le Home: Calvi Town - La Balagne
Le Home studios and apartments offer a great value for money option in the heart of Calvi. Housed in two-storey buildings, the properties are set within gardens in a quiet location, just a short walk from the centre of Calvi and the beach. Facilities include two shared swimming pools. Corsican Places offers 7 nights at Le Home from £530 per person based on 2 sharing and including return flights, taxes and transfers. Accommodation-only prices start from £619 for a studio property for the week.

Casa di l'Olivu: Tarrabucceta - L'Extrême Sud
Casa di l'Olivu is a two-bedroom bergerie-style property set within peaceful grounds and surrounded by ancient olive trees in Tarrabucceta, L'Extrême Sud. Situated between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, the location of the property is perfect for discovering the south of the island, including the famous beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. Corsican Places offers 7 nights at Casa di l'Olivu from £541 per person based on 4 sharing and including return flights, taxes and car hire. Accommodation-only prices start from £821 for the property for the week.

Casa Ghjulia: Erbalunga - North East
The four-bedroom Casa Ghjulia is a contemporary villa perched on the mountainside just above the village of Erbalunga. Backed by the majestic Monte Stello - the second-highest peak of the Cap Corse - Casa Ghjulia boasts spectacular views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Corsican Places offers 7 nights at Casa Ghjulia from £527 per person based on 8 sharing and including return flights, taxes and car hire. Accommodation-only prices start from £1647 for the property for the week.

For more information or to request a brochure, please call Corsican Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk To see a link of all of the new properties for 2010, please click on: http://www.corsica.co.uk/NewProperties2010
Early Booking Offers are valid until 31 January 2010.

Top Listing for Corsican Places

Fred Mawer - The Daily Telegraph — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Corsica
The British holiday market to Corsica is changing, with fewer charter flights to the island this year. So more visitors will be arriving on low-cost flights, turning their backs on full packages and having more flexible breaks.
Corsica has lovely sandy beaches, attractive resorts and a dramatic mountainous interior. The drawback is that prices are higher than on much of the mainland.
Our selection
The leading specialist is Corsican Places (0845 330 2113; www.corsica.co.uk ), which has been selling holidays to the island for 23 years. It has an excellent choice of villas with private pools, apartments and hotels, and its own charter Gatwick-Calvi flights (the only flights there from Britain); accommodation-only bookings possible this year.

France is the Best Place to Live

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Quality of Life Index by Internationliving.com lists France as the best place to live for the fifth year running and Corsica is highlighted as one of the country’s top locations. 194 countries are ranked in the annual Index with scores given for nine categories:

1. cost of living
2. culture and leisure
3. economy
4. environment
5. freedom
6. health
7. infrastructure
8. safety and risk
9. climate

France scored high in most of the categories and the overall quality of life, “bon viviant lifestyle” and “world’s best heath care” are all highlighted. Although Paris is given the highest praise, “wild and lovely Corsica” is also mentioned. To find out more visit www.internationalliving.com/Internal-Components/Further-Resources/quality-of-life-2010

"Mumsnet Best" - Villa Cléa

Helen Mills - mumsnet.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

From: HelenMumsnet on 16-Jul-09 22:55 Overall rating 9.1
A huge and gorgeous (self-catering) villa, perched panoramically on the hills above the beautiful, sweeping bay of St Florent in sunny, northern Corsica.

Our boys (10, 9 and 5) couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the size of the place, with its light-flooded, cool-floored, open-plan living room, perky red kitchen, outside dining terrace, pretty decking-framed pool and five (count' em!) enormous bedrooms, three with ensuite bathrooms.

It's brilliantly equipped for families, with cots, highchairs, balcony rails, pool alarm, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, DVD player, coolbox, parasols, even buckets and spades - although the stone steps leading down to the lower floors might not suit young persons of the just-crawling or just-cruising variety.

But best of all is stunning location, with glorious views over the sea on one side and the maquis-covered mountains on the other.

If you can tear yourself away from the sun-drenched terrace (and prise the kids away from the pool), there's loads to do and see (and eat) in the surrounding area.

You could head for the fab, child-friendly beach in St Florent, where your kids can wade out for ages before the warm, clear water even gets waist-deep. Or you could mosey round the port of St Florent itself - a smaller, gentler cousin of St Tropez (with added Genoese citadel) - and gape at the blingiest yachts in the marina.

For edge-of-your-seat thrills, pile into your hire car and venture up the vertiginous Cap Corse coast road, counting off the Genoese towers on the headland as you go, towards the famously black beach below the pretty, slate-roofed village of Nonza. Or head, equally steep and twistily, inland to artsy-crafty Oletta and the "funny, stripey church" (© my five-year-old) at Murato.

Once you've made it in one piece back down the mountain, you might need a recuperative visit to one of the vineyards on the "wine trail" just outside St Florent.

If the self-catering gets too much, there are good local restaurants nearby - serving everything from pizzas to full-on five-course finery. And, as Corsica is part of France (despite what the locals say!), there are baguette-stocked boulangeries aplenty. Top foodie-treat of all is the ice-cream place behind St Florent village square, where, every afternoon and evening, they serve (with a huge smile) the most gobsmacking range of freshly-made ices and sorbets.

We had the most wonderful family holiday here. The warmth of the Corsican sun - and the warmth of the Corsican people we met - took our breath away.

Sample the delights of the island of Corsica

Tony Dawe - The Times — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Asked to name the first package holiday destination in a pub quiz, few contestants would answer Corsica. Yet the wild and beautiful French island in the Mediterranean was where Vladimir Raitz, co-founder of Horizon Holidays, sent his first charter flight passengers on holiday in 1950.

Today, most package holidaymakers on the island are likely to be French but the island still holds a special appeal for the British. Not just for the splendid beaches and bays, but because in this recessionary summer, they will find value for money in the traditionally expensive destination.

Behind the beaches, in the northwest, is the gentle, rolling countryside of La Balagne, dotted with vineyards, woodland and, with medieval villages, such as Sant’Antonino, rising above them. Down in the southwest, inland from the Gulf of Valinco and the resort of Propriano, the road climbs to the pine forests and sculptured rocks of the Col de Bavella.

Corsica is famous for the maquis, rugged heathlands full of wild herbs and flowers, but more remarkable for its mountainous spine, rising to 2,700m (9,000ft) with deep gorges and breathtaking valleys, crisscrossed by marked paths and penetrated by roads and the railway, with dizzying viaducts and long tunnels. Visitors staying in the north, or in the capital Ajaccio, should take the train to Corte, the ancient and colourful town in the centre of the island. Recover from the journey with refreshment at one of the bars or bistros in the 19th-century square before climbing the steep steps to the 15th-century fortress.

Corsican Places has a week in a flat for two, with views over the pretty port town of St Florent on the north coast, for £699 on July 12, with a flight from Gatwick, car hire and welcome hamper. A week from July 19 in a two-bedroom stone house, near the beach and a short drive from Bonifacio, the medieval stronghold in the south, is from £799, flying from Manchester.

Popping corks in Corsica

Mike Martin - simonseeks.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When you discover that Corsica was once owned and run by us Brits it’s a bit like discovering that we once owned Bordeaux. If we knew then how good the wine was going to be, why on earth did we give it up? No amount of guns or cannons should have put us off - we should have defended it to the death back in 1796.

Seriously though, although Corsica is nowhere near as famous as France’s great wine-producing regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy or Champagne, its burgeoning industry is having quite an impact on us Brits. Almost all of the main supermarket chains now stock at least one Corsican wine, and a trip to the island quickly explains why. Put bluntly, it’s distinctive, it’s made with real love and care, and it’s cheap.

It’s an unlikely place for a wine industry, as the island is the most mountainous in the Mediterranean and covers just 8720sq km. Incidentally, the island’s most famous native was Napoleon Bonaparte, a man who knew a thing or two about wine – he forced his troops to salute every time he marched past a vineyard.

He was born in Ajaccio, the island’s capital and also the heart of the wine-growing region. In fact, most of the island’s wine is produced on the west and north side, the east being too dry and desert-like. For years Corsica produced pretty ordinary vin de table, but now has invested heavily in the industry and, interestingly, has kept a lot of old obscure grape varieties, which it blends with more well-known ones like Merlot and Chardonnay. The results are impressive, modern-tasting wines that suit all palates and wallets.

We have the good old EU to thank for Corsica’s wine now, as back in 1980 it favoured uprooting vines that were over-producing – the infamous wine lake – and gave money to invest in more quality vines. The total area dropped to 22,500 acres, but the quality improved.

The undistinguished Grenache and Cinsault grape were replaced with Viognier, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon, but the local wine-makers, now armed with degrees and the knowledge of what people actually wanted to drink, blended them. Nielluccio for example is an old grape, probably Italian in origin, which produces a deep red wine with good structure. It’s grown on the chalky soils of the north of the Island. Blended with the trendy Merlot, it is one of Somerfield’s best-sellers, and at just £6 a bottle represents good value.

Similarly, Vermentino performs best in the north, and is added to Chardonnay to produce an interesting wine. The usually bland Chardonnay grape is given a golden, honey-tinted gloss, which gives it far more character. Again it is available in Somerfield. The Terra Vecchia vineyard welcomes visitors and is well worth a visit, producing outstanding examples of these grape varieties. They are very friendly, and are happy to give you a taste and discuss their wine. Try the 2005 vintages: the Chardonnay/vermentino is outstanding.

Another vineyard well worth visiting is Clos de Bernardi, for two reasons – the great, juicy reds and a lively discussion. Ask the staff about the 2000 rule, which stated that the reds must be 95% Nielluccio, and the whites 100% Vermentino – it’s sure to kick off a robust argument. Up until that point their wines could be blended, so they now feel a tad restricted.

Back in Ajaccio, Domain Peraldi, which overlooks the bay, is one of the best producers, especially of the unusual Sciacarello grape. This is a really old Corsican grape that appears to have been grown there for centuries, and makes a very spicy red that is also a tad heavy on the alcohol. You can always try the rosé instead, which has two advantages – it can be chilled, perfect for a hot day, and it’s a revelation. The rosés on any wine list are usually the last to get tasted, if at all, but rosé is growing in popularity all the time, and this under-rated wine is something Corsica does extremely well.

If you have a car and fancy some exploring, the northern tip of Corsica, Cap Corse, is well worth a trip. Here they make sweet wines from the Vermentino and Muscat grapes. Look for the label ‘Coteaux du Cap Corse’. Antoine Arena’s vineyard is worth seeking out for its luscious Muscat, and Clos Nicrosi, at Rogliano (follow the D80 north from Bastia to Cap Corse, and at the top you will pass through the village), produces one of Corsica's finest white wines. Demand far outstrips supply, so it is very sought after. Domaine de Gioelli, also at Rogliano, produces an unusual sweet red wine called Rapu.

Or, of course, you can also stay in the area. In the heart of the village Patrimonio you will find Villa Puccinasca. Set in an elevated position, with wonderful views over the village and surrounding countryside from the front terrace and garden, it has a large dining terrace with seating. From here the panorama is superb and best appreciated with a glass of the local rosé as the sun sets behind the mountains before you stroll down for a meal in one of the restaurants in Patrimonio.

Corsica has come an awfully long way in wine production in the last 30 years. It was almost ready to be abandoned by France, but then came the split with Algeria, and hundreds of trained wine-makers left to settle on the island. It’s a craggy, rocky place with, it claims, dozens of microclimates, but despite all the barriers it has started to produce wines that have an appeal well beyond the locals. It’s a great holiday destination, and you might just find some wines that will surprise you. As an old Tuscan proverb goes: “one glass of Corsican wine and I climb Stromboli.” And remember to shake the last drops of wine in your glass to the ground, as an offering to the gods.

Getting there
Corsican Places offers holiday packages including direct charter flights from London Gatwick or Manchester. These operate on a Sunday from May until October. For 2009, clients can also choose to make accommodation-only or flight-only bookings with the tour operator.
Easyjet fly to Ajaccio and Bastia.

Viva La Villa

Sam Wylie-Harris - Players Magazine — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exclusive, romantic and classy, Corsica’s beautiful beaches and mountain scenery have made this French island hideaway a star attraction with honeymooners and the jet set.

The Cala di Mare is built into the rock above the spectacular rugged headlands of the Calvi coast. Set over two levels, the four bedrooms all have en-suite facilities, DVD players and flatscreen TVs. The master bedroom is a hideaway in its own right with a private terrace and hammam sauna. Full-length windows run across the living room and make the most of the stunning view and sunsets.

Outdoors, guests can relax on a sun lounger with a chilled glass of wine and watch the sea merge with the waters of the infinity pool. Other amenities include a fitness room, sauna, state-of-the-art kitchen and top of the range barbecue. If you can tear yourself away, the restaurants of Calvi are just a short walk, and the chic boutiques of L’lle Rousse and Bastia a quick drive away.

Please note, due to horizontal railings and some unguarded drops, this villa is not suitable for young children.

Price: Corsican Places offers seven nights accommodation-only from approx £3,044.
For more information visit www.corsica.co.uk or call 0845 330 2113.

Live like a Local in the Med

Annabelle Thorpe - The Observer — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Calvi, Corsica
Dominated by an impressive medieval citadel, Calvi is one of Corsica's biggest tourist draws: its four-mile beach has excellent facilities - watersports, cafes and lifeguards. Most of the action in town is centred around Quai Landry, a beachside walkway that connects the port to the marina and is lined with restaurants and bars - U Calellu is one of the best for fresh fish. There are no buses on Corsica, but to explore further afield take the coastal train to L'Ile Rousse. The train glides past (and stops at) stunning beaches - although the spectacular countryside makes the trip worthwhile just for the journey itself.
For something uniquely Corsican, head to Calvi's Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste, where there are weekly concerts of chansons polyphoniques, in which performers sing two different notes at the same time. If you need a drink to recover, the place to head for cocktails is Chez Tao, a Calvi institution which combines a sleek eaterie with a bar that keeps the chilled-out music going till early morning. If you want to continue partying, there are shuttle buses to the city's two best clubs, Acapulco and La Camargue.
Stay: Apartment Carla is tucked away in the citadel walls. It's a sleek, two-bedroom apartment with blistering views across the Med. From £514pp per week, including flights and transfers (based on four sharing) through Corsican Places (0845 330 2113; corsicanplaces.co.uk).

Corsican Places included in 50 Bargain Villas feature

Sean Newsom - The Sunday Times — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A Chjova, Calvi, Corsica
£695, sleeps 4
This small apartment doesn't have a garden, and there's only one balcony, but who cares when it's air-conditioned and set in the heart of the pretty harbour town of Calvi? Everything is on your doorstep - restaurants, cobbled streets, markets and beaches - and it's just a short drive away from the wild, mountainous Corsican interior. 0845 330 2059, corsica.co.uk ; fly to Bastia, 90 minutes away, with EasyJet or Thomson Airways

Corsican Places included in 100 Best Holidays Feature

Stephen Bleach - The Sunday Times — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

No.39 Go modern in Corsica

Villas, ££££

The Corsicans are a conservative bunch, which is why Villa Luiggi, a modernist glass cube that would gladden Le Corbusier’s heart, has caused a bit of a stir locally — they’ve even made a TV programme about it. Still, all but die-hard traditionalists agree it’s a triumph, with slick looks and a great pool, and those windows make the most of the huge views across to L’Ile Rousse. Sleeping six, it costs £617pp/£1,218pp, including flights and car hire, with Corsican Places (0845 330 2113, corsica.co.uk ).

AITO adopts new green travel ratings

Oliver Smith - Telegraph.co.uk — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has revised its Responsible Tourism Star classification system.

AITO, which encourages a commitment to green travel among its members, has altered the number of points awarded to certain areas such as destination activities and carbon reduction.

Previously, its ratings system ranged from one to three stars. The revamped questionnaire will rate eco-friendly travel operators from one to five stars.

"We hope that through the increased emphasis on destination activities, members will be encouraged to work more closely with local communities," said Roger Diski, founder of Rainbow Tours and the Chairman of AITO's Responsible Tourism committee.

An AITO spokesman said that the new classifications would push a number of tours operators down from the top rating, which he hoped would encourage them to continue improving their green credentials.

A spokeswoman for charity Tourism Concern, which campaigns against irresponsible tourism, said that the changes were "much-needed" and encouraging, but called for greater transparency.

"We would like to see the results," she added. "Corporate checklists are rarely sufficient – they need to be robustly policed by third parties."

"Unless the actual impact is verified, customers really have no idea what they are buying into."

Travel companies must now re-apply for AITO membership to receive their new rating.

So far seven operators have been awarded the new five star rating: Corsican Places, Explore, Himalayan Kingdoms, Journey Latin America, KE Adventure Travel, Serenity Holidays and Tribes Travel.

Companies must achieve a minimum of one star to gain AITO membership.

Calvi, Corsica: My kind of town

Martin Buckley - The Sunday Telegraph — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Why Calvi?

I’ve owned a house in north Corsica since 2003 and I go there several times a year. I’m always stirred by the sight of the town from the deck of an approaching ferry – the lofty citadel with its year-round backdrop of snowy mountains is one of the loveliest sights I know.

The locals claim Calvi as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and his house can still be seen – at least, its ruins can: Nelson reduced it to rubble when he bombarded the French garrison in 1794 (he paid by losing the sight in his right eye in a return of fire). Calvi is a magnet for the yacht-owning super-rich, who sail from Nice or Cannes. In the lush Balangne, unspoilt mountain villages produce superb wine, cheese, olive oil and wild boar sausage.

What do you miss most when you're away?

The light; and Calvi’s great sabre of sand, five miles in length, with its inspiring view of the citadel. Apart from in the high season, you have the beach practically to yourself.

What's the first thing you do on arrival?

I go the newsagent at the top of boulevard Wilson and buy two newspapers, an English one and the local, Corse Matin. I read them at a table outside the café next door, the Rex. It’s a local joint with a real feel of traditional Corsica.

Where's the best place to stay?

La Villa (0033 495 651010; www.hotel-lavilla.com; doubles from £365) is the classy four-star above the town. In central Calvi, the Saint-Christophe is short on charisma but has an unbeatable seaside location (650574; www.saintchristophecalvi.com; from £140). Rent an apartment in the citadel, via Corsican Places (www.corsica.co.uk) or Directcorsica.com, or book an apartment for four at around £500 per week per person, including flights.

Where would you meet friends for a drink?

Follow signs inside the citadel to the nightclub Chez Tao (650073; www.cheztao.com), created by a Russian aristocrat and a ballet dancer in 1928, first made Calvi chic, and it’s still popular with the French in-crowd. Break out your most stylish linens, and try not to flinch when they hand you the drinks bill.

Where is your favourite place for lunch?

For seafood I recommend the Bout du Monde (565 1541). And the Santa Maria, on the square opposite the Baroque pink marzipan church of the same name, is a cheerful and affordable bistro.

And for dinner?

You’ll need a car or taxi, as it’s a little way from Calvi: La Casa Musicale in Pigna (no street address – you can’t miss it; 561 7731). Gorgeous views.

Where would you send a first-time visitor?

To Ile Rousse on the bone-rattling miniature train; but Calvi also sits on the edge of a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site, Scandola, that’s only accessible by boat: mottled-pink volcanic rocks, dolphins and seals. The glass-bottomed boats are not especially stable, so if you’re susceptible to sea-sickness, don’t go on days of heavy swell.

What would you tell them to avoid?

Dining at any of the preening cafés on the Quai Landry – high prices do not guarantee high quality.

Public transport or taxi?

Walk.

Handbag or moneybelt?

Corsican friends tell me darkly that the islanders have their own way of dealing with petty crime. For visitors, the island feels extraordinarily safe and secure.

What should I take home?

I have become addicted to the very high-quality local muscat as an apéritif. The music boxes handmade on the Strada di l’Artigiani in Pigna make lovely presents for families.

And if I've only time for one shop?

Annie Traiteur, 5 rue Clemenceau, is a terrific delicatessen specialising in Corsican produce.

Martin Buckley has a home on Corsica. His new travel book is An Indian Odyssey (Hutchinson £18.99)

Guide to eating in Bastia

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:14:41 GMT

Northern Corsica's main international airport is located just south of Bastia, from where visitors can organise multiple day-trips to various places of interest such as Cape Corsica or the mountains near Corte, all located about one hour drive away from the coastal town.

Gastronomy is at the very heart of Corsica's culture and gourmets will find in the citadel town of Bastia some exquisite places to sample traditional Corsican specialities such as brocchiu, charcuterie, veal with olives or even bouillabaisse.

Eating in the town centre:

For a taste of Corsican typical specialities, head for the "Rue des Sens" restaurant at 1 rue Pino. Menus start at €14.

"La Table du Marche Saint-Jean" in the place du Marche is the ideal choice in this part of town for fish and seafood dishes. Menus are at €25.

"Un Autre Monde" offers a great choice of sweet and salty crepes. The restaurant is located at 3 rue saint Erasme.

Snacks and ice-creams are available all day at the "Glacier Raugi", at 2bis rue Capanelle.

Restaurants within the citadel:

"Sampiero", place du Donjon, and "La Citadelle", 6 rue du Dragon, both serve a large array of traditional Corsican dishes and their locations within the citadel's walls always add something to the atmosphere.

"Sampiero" also specialises in fish dishes, including fish soup and scorpion fish.

Seaside restaurants:

The Old Harbour is an excellent place to find a restaurant with sea view such as the "Le Colomba" restaurant at 2 quai sud. This is a good place for French cuisine.

The "Caveau du Marin" is also based in the Old Harbour, in the Quai des Martyrs-de-la-Liberation. The chefs serve French and Corsican cuisine dishes and menus start from €22.

"Les Zephyrs" offers various typical dishes from the island, as well as pizzas, pasta dishes and crepes. The restaurant is in 6 rue des Zephirs and is only open for the high season starting from the end of April.

For pizzas and grilled meat dishes, "Le Pressoir" is the ideal spot in town, with a la carte and menus at €20. The restaurant is open everyday except on Sundays, and is located on route du cap toga.

Restaurants outside of Bastia:

Holidaymakers planning a visit to Biguglia Lake, which is the island's biggest lake and a popular place for water sports activities, can stop for lunch at "Les Colonnades" gastronomic restaurant, which is located just over four kilometres south of Bastia.

The menus include an array of Mediterranean dishes for €25. The restaurant is part of the Ostella hotel which is in Avenue Sampiero Corso.

Alternatively, visitors looking for a quicker lunch can stop at the nearby fast-food restaurant "The Country Burger" in rue Santa Maddalena Le Prado. The restaurant is closed on Thursdays.

Visitors heading north towards Cape Corsica will enjoy fish dishes and seafood with unrestricted view over the Mediterranean Sea at the "La Terrasse" restaurant in Place d'Erbalunga in the village of Brando, situated 11 kilometres north of Bastia.

Menus start at €15 and the restaurant is open from mid-April to mid-October.

Melu and Capitellu Lakes

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:12:18 GMT

The area around Corte in central Corsica offers some rewarding hiking trails to a multitude of peaks and glacial lakes for thrill-seeking adventurers.

Both departing from the Bergeries de Grotelle car park at the end of the D623 road are the trails to the Melu (1,711m) and the Capitellu (1,930m) glacial lakes.

The trek to Melu Lake takes about one hour from the car park. From there, trekkers can decide to tackle a further 45-minute hike to Capitellu Lake for even more magnificent views.

Exploring Solenzara's coastline

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:11:30 GMT

Holidaymakers looking for a bit more adventure after hours spent sunbathing on Solenzara's sumptuous beaches can opt for sea kayaking or a boating trip to explore the area's multiple hidden coves and creeks.

This is an ideal excursion for groups of friends and Corse Pneu'marine can arrange boat rental from Solenzara for non-licensed visitors.

The brig 380 motor boat can sit up to four people and costs €120 to rent per day.

Solenzara is located on the eastern coast of Corsica, about 45 minutes north of Porto Vecchio.

Corsica and Pascal Paoli

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:10:26 GMT

Corsica's "Babbu di a Patria" or father of the nation is celebrated at the Maison Natale de Pascal Paoli in Morosaglia, a must-do on a visit to northern Corsica.

The museum, which was installed into Paoli's birthplace, retraces the biography of the national hero and the history of his government in the 18th century.

The museum is open from 9am to 5pm from October to April and 6pm during the high season.

Morosaglia is located about 50 kilometres south of Bastia.

Night out in Porto Vecchio

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:08:31 GMT

Equally popular among locals and visitors, the cabaret "La Taverne du Roi" is the ideal place to listen to traditional Corsican singing, as well as other modern French and International titles.

Artists come to perform here every night under the mystical vaults of Porto Vecchio's Genoese tower.

The Taverne is located at 43 Borgo Street and is open every day from 10.30pm.

Porto Vecchio is located about 20 minutes away from Figari airport and about two hours from capital Ajaccio.

EasyJet cuts booking fee

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:07:18 GMT

Low-cost carrier easyJet, which offers flights to Corsica from London Gatwick, has announced plans to cut booking fees for business travel.

The airline will drop the per-seat booking fee from $5 to £3.30 in a bid to increase the number of business travellers taking advantage of its flights.

It is hoped the move will encourage business travel agents to offer their customers easyJet flights.

Recent travel disruptions 'highlight need for insurance'

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:05:01 GMT

The recent problems caused by unforeseen events such as Hurricane Gustav, political unrest and the collapse of Zoom airlines highlights the need for comprehensive travel insurance, one price comparison website has said.

Moneysupermarket.com has reminded holidaymakers that the best way to prepare for a holiday is by choosing the right travel insurance policy.

"No one can foresee the problems that may beset unsuspecting travellers, yet planning for every eventuality with comprehensive travel insurance is crucial - especially if faced with cancelled or delayed flights due to adverse weather conditions," the company said.

Ferry travel 'more pleasant than flying'

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:04:26 GMT

Ferry travel is a much more relaxed and pleasant experience compared to flying, the Passenger Shipping Association has said.

William Gibbons, director of the organisation, explained that when taking a ferry guests have the chance to relax before their holiday begins.

Taking a car onto a ferry also cuts out any of the stress associated with flying.

"You don't have to worry about parking your car at the airport, transfers to the airport," he said.

Exploring remote beauties

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:56:01 GMT

The Beauty Island has scattered hidden treasures all around the island but some of them can only be reached by sea.

Sea kayaking is the best way to reach those little-explored coves and inlets hidden along the coast.

From Tizzano in southern Corsica, holidaymakers can rent kayaks and snorkelling gear and row their way along idyllic Cala di Conca or Erbaju Beach.

To reach Tizzano, take the D48 road from Sartene, which is situated just over an hour from Ajaccio.

Paddaghiu menhirs

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:55:01 GMT

Paddaghiu has the largest collection of menhirs in the Mediterranean, an impressive relic of bygone civilisations which will captivate both children and adults.

The Alignement of Paddaghiu is well worth visiting on a holiday to Corsica as it counts some 255 megalithic statuaries, a large number of which are still in the standing position.

The prehistoric site is located near Sartene and Bonifacio, and is also easily accessible from capital Ajaccio, situated about 85 kilometres north.

Tour di Campomoro

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:54:16 GMT

Scuba divers will particularly like the village of Campomoro in southern Corsica as it is a prime diving destination in the summer when water temperatures reach the 26 degrees C.

Campomoro was also a major strategic point during the Genoese occupation in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Campomoro tower is well worth a visit.

The tower, which is one of the biggest in Corsica, was used to track the enemies and protect the Gulf of Valinco.

The village is located near Propriano, about one and a half hours away from Ajaccio.

Hiking trail around Biguglia

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:52:10 GMT

Holidaymakers on their way to visit Biguglia Lake can take a short hike to Saint Andre Chapel for commanding views over the village of Biguglia and the surrounding valley, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

The chapel itself, which is called Sant'Andria di Fabrica and dates back to around 1,000 AD, is also well worth a visit from an archaeological point of view.

The way marked footpath starts from the village of Biguglia, which is a 10-kilometer drive away from Bastia.

Corsica's largest lake

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:51:27 GMT

Biguglia Lake is the perfect destination for a Sunday break for Bastia's inhabitants and is also a popular excursion for holidaymakers all year long.

The lake is Corsica's largest, measuring some 1,450 hectares. It is located at the very heart of the Biguglia Nature Reserve, a haven of peace for numerous species and aquatic plants.

To visit the area, take the N193 road from Bastia and drive south for about ten kilometres to reach the northernmost point of the lake.

Biguglia Lake extends over 11 kilometres in total, all the way to Marana beach which is only a few minutes away from Bastia-Poretta airport.

Brits seek out thrills on holiday

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:50:08 GMT

Britons are increasingly seeking out adventurous activities to try on holiday, according to new research.

Figures from investment bank Cater Allen show that 54 per cent of holidaymakers plan to try their hand at an outdoor activity while on holiday.

Top of the list is trekking, with 26 per cent planning to take in the scenery of their holiday destination with a hike.

Scuba diving, bungee jumping and white water rafting are also popular pursuits for adrenaline-junkie tourists.

Corsica 'perfect for activity holidays'

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:49:31 GMT

The GR20 walking trail makes Corsica the perfect destination for an activity break, one travel expert has said.

Lucy White, editor of the Rough Guide to Corsica, explained that as well as appealing to those looking for a luxury beach break, Corsica has plenty to offer those looking for a more active holiday.

She explained that completing the GR20 can fill a whole two-week break as the hiking route takes about 15 days to complete.

Virgin confirms Gatwick bid

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:49:00 GMT

Virgin has confirmed newspaper reports that it is interested in making a bid for Gatwick Airport.

A spokesperson for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group said that its main airline Virgin Atlantic would be interested in running the London terminal as part of a consortium.

This follows the Competition Commission's announcement last month that airport operator BAA should be broken up as it currently runs Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted.

Gap year budgeting advice issued

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:48:24 GMT

The Fair Investment Company has issued savings advice to travellers following research which suggests the average gap year now costs more than £4,000.

Students can cut costs by shopping around for the best-priced travel insurance and using a pre-paid credit card.

Fixing a stringent spending budget for while away can also help to limit the costs of a gap year break, as can opening a high interest savings account before jetting off.

Spokesperson Rachael Stiles explained that the interest generated by the right savings account can make a real difference to how much students have to take away.

Growth in all inclusive holidays noted

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:46:43 GMT

A growing number of holidaymakers are choosing to take all inclusive breaks, which are easier to budget for, one travel expert has said.

Bob Atkinson from Travelsupermarket.com explained that as a result of the credit crunch, all inclusive holiday deals have grown in popularity.

He noted a "big growth" in all inclusive bookings over the course of the summer, with holidaymakers also cutting down on the number of short breaks they take.

Stag and hen parties explore "more exotic destinations"

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:45:42 GMT

Brides and grooms-to-be are increasingly keen to explore more exotic destinations on their stag and hen parties, one expert has said.

The trend for overseas stag and hen parties has continued despite the credit crunch, explained Ben Rodger, marketing manager of Release Travel.

He added that people are choosing to "explore newer more exotic destinations" and travel to "more unique memorable locations".

Things to do in Bastia

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:44:05 GMT

Bastia welcomes thousands of visitors every year who have come to explore the north of the island and areas like the Balagne, Cape Corsica or the island's mountains.

Bastia-Poretta airport is the second major international airport on the island after Ajaccio Campo dell'Oro in the south, and is a good base to explore the northern part of Corsica.

Although most visitors prefer the beaches of Calvi or Ile-Rousse, Bastia also has its fair share of white sandy beaches and water sports activities.

The town also has a few cultural sights which are well worth a visit and is located just under one hour north of the Maison Natale de Pascal Paoli, the birthplace of the island's hero par excellence.

Bastia's main historical site is of course its Genoese citadel which was built in the 16th century for the Genoese governor of Corsica and its 15th century Sainte-Marie Cathedral.

On the way to the citadel fortress, visitors can stop at the botanical gardens Jardin Romieu, which are open from 8am to 8pm in the summer.

Bastia's other places of interest include Corsica's largest church, the 17th-century Saint-Jean Baptiste Church on the Hotel de Ville square, as well as the Baroque chapel the Oratoire de l'Immaculee Conception, which was home to the Anglo-Corsican Parliament in the late 1790s, when Britain briefly claimed sovereignty over the French island.

Nearby Saint-Nicolas square is a pleasant pedestrian-only area with plenty of cafes and restaurants, as well as Bastia's war memorial and statue of Napoleon.

The Hotel de Ville square also makes a pleasant stroll while tasting local delicacies at the small market.

For a full understanding of Corsica's history, holidaymakers can join one of the multi-lingual tours organised by the association Via Corsica Euro-Tourisme.

The three main themes offered for the tours are Baroque Bastia, Genoese Bastia and the town's lay religious brotherhoods.

Northern Corsica's capital is also one of the best places to organise water sports activities in the area, including sailing, windsurfing, diving, kayaking, sea fishing but also paragliding and horse riding in the maquis and along the beach.

The town's best sandy beaches, including the Arinella and Marana beaches, are located south of town, but there are also some pleasant shingle beaches like Grigione or Miomo beach in the north.

Multiple day-trips to the mountains or the north and western coasts can also be organised from Bastia.

Located only a few kilometres south of Bastia near the airport is Biguglia Lake, which is Corsica's largest lake and is a popular base for all sorts of water sports activities.

Road trips in this part of the island abound and renting a car or motorbike is certainly the best way to fully appreciate the surroundings.

Driving through traditional villages perched in the mountains or along the coast in Cape Corsica for outstanding sea views is equally fascinating.

The drive to Ersa, which is the northernmost point of the island in Cape Corsica, only takes about one hour from Bastia.

Calvi and Ile-Rousse, by far the most popular seaside resorts of the area in the summer, are situated only about one and a half hours away.

The Island of Beauty has much more to offer than beach holidays and water sports however, and an excursion to the central part of the island is well worth the trip to see some awe-inspiring 2,000-metre peaks.

The area around Corte, which is about one hour south of Bastia, has some challenging and fascinating hiking trails to glacial lakes and rewarding panoramas.

Guide to eating in Porto Vecchio

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:41:51 GMT

Looking for a place to relax while sipping a cocktail facing the Big Blue? Want to treat your taste buds to some of the best French and Corsican cuisine? Porto Vecchio welcomes thousands of new and regular visitors every year, all fascinated by the Island of Beauty.

Eating in the town centre:

"Le Troubadour", 13 rue du General Leclerc, is the best place to go in town for wine amateurs. The restaurant's open-plan wine cellar holds wines from all around the world.

The restaurant is open all-year long and there is a private parking for clients. Menus average €29.

"Sous la Tonelle", rue Abbatucci, is a traditional Corsican cuisine heaven with menus at €25. In July and August the restaurant is only open in the evenings.

"Stella Marina", 1 rue Pasteur, serves both pizzas and Corsican dishes for around €20 per person. The place is only open from April to September.

Seaside restaurants:

"U Corsu" is located on the commercial port. Views from the restaurant spread across the gulf of Porto Vecchio, the harbour, the citadel and the surrounding mountains.

Menus are at €28 and include a selection of typically Mediterranean dishes of fish and grilled meat. The restaurant is closed outside of the high season from the end of December to the end of March.

"L'Antigu" is located in the very heart of the citadel (51 rue Borgu) and offers some of the best views across the gulf from its open-air terrace. The restaurant is open all year-round and menus are at €22 in the evenings.

"Le Bistrot" is located on Quai Pascal Paoli and is open all year-round except in February. This is the place to go for some excellent fish dishes. Count €45 per person for a la carte orders.

In the vicinity of Porto Vecchio:

"Le Refuge" restaurant is situated just outside of Porto Vecchio, near the village called l'Ospedale on the D368, in the locality of Cartalavonu.

Corsican specialities and folk dancing and singing twice a week is on the menu. The place is open from March to November and the average price per person is €22.

Visitors looking for a real treat should head for the "Santa Maria" gastronomic restaurant in Santa Giulia marina, just south of Porto Vecchio on the N198.

The restaurant's gastro menu is at €36 at lunch time and at €56 for dinner. The place also has gorgeous views over Santa Giulia Bay and has a swimming pool and beach access.

The restaurant is only open during the high season from April to mid-November.

Restaurants outside of Porto Vecchio:

Visitors to Corsica planning a visit to the archaeological sites of the Alta Rocca region should aim for a lunch break at the restaurant "L'Oree du Site" near the ruins of Araghju, located around 15 minutes away from Porto Vecchio.

The place offers snacks and restaurant meals all day, including Corsican dishes such as sciaccia, suckling-pig, veal with olives, fiadonu and chestnut flan.

It is best to time a visit for Saturday evenings when the restaurant holds its weekly folk dancing and singing nights.

Menus average the €9 and the restaurant is open from April to mid-October only.

Driving into central Corsica is an unforgettable experience and holidaymakers staying in Porto Vecchio should head for the town of Zonza in the Alta Rocca to admire Bavella's needles and its cragged landscape from the Auberge du Sanglier's terrace.

The restaurant is a 45-minute drive away and menus include diverse local Corsican specialities for around €22 per person. The place is closed from January to mid-March.