If you could visit only one region after the  sensational Golfe de Porto, it would have to be the south. Cap Corse or Balagne fans can cry foul, but the south blends history, culture and beach, with a dash of Corsican pride and Mediterranean glam sealing the deal.The south is blessed with an embarrassment of riches. For starters, you can’t help but be dazzled by Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the two Corsican supermodels. Then come the beaches. And what beaches! Take Plage de Palombaggia or the Îles Lavezzi; you could easily be forgiven for thinking you’ve hit the Seychelles. For those for whom beachside lounging spells death by boredom, there’s an abundance of activities on land and sea. Have you ever galloped across a sandy beach on a moonlit night? Got up close and personal with big groupers? Or swung through pine forests the way Tarzan of the Jungle does it? Just as stimulating is the journey back into history. Drink it in as you linger in the alleyways of Sartène, or visit the megalithic sites at Filitosa or Cauria. Sense the still-resonating forces that have shaped this island for centuries. You could spend weeks here and still have treasures to unearth. Who has heard of Tizzano, a hidden gem at the dead end of the southwest? Or the wild Vallée de l’Ortolo? And of course, the south is also a region of fine wining and dining. Now it’s your turn to enjoy.

Eastern Corsica isn’t as well travelled as its western counterpart and tourists tend to ignore it en route to more soi-disant magnetic destinations. It’s a shame (or a blessing, depending on your perspective), as there’s plenty to capture the imagination. Sure, the coastal plains that stretch from Bastia to Solenzara can seem numbingly monotonous to some, with a series of toy-town-like beach developments, but it’s definitely not to be sneezed at. There are cities that are steeped in history, such as Aléria, a former Roman capital, and miles of beach-luscious coastline.And the coastal plains are the best launching pad for exploring the mystifying hinterlands: the Morianincu, the Casinca, the Fiumorbu and the Castagniccia. Anyone wanting to get an intimate peek at a more traditional Corsica should visit these dauntingly beautiful microregions where the landscapes remain largely untouched and the people unaffected by the trappings of a fast lifestyle. In the countless valleys and spurs that slice up the spectacular scenery are discreet hamlets that retain a rough-diamond rural edge. This land is crisscrossed with tortuous roads that snake around mountain ridges, dramatically descending into thickly forested chestnut valleys and offering soul-stirring views. If that’s not enough, there are always epicurean indulgences: a robust cuisine scene and attractive chambres d’hôtes, all amazingly low-priced.

Though travelling in Corsica may not be cheap, neither is it prohibitively expensive. As a general rule, you can expect to pay at least €70 to €200 for a decent double room in high season (often more in August). You will have to pay the same minimum rates if you are on your own, as there are very few single rooms. Camping, sleeping in off-the-beaten track chambres d’hôtes or renting a gîte rural for a week can be good-value accommodation options. Sites charge an average of €6/3/3 per person/tent/car. If you’re solo, staying at gîtes d’étape can be another well-priced option (about €13 per night); most people think they are geared only to hikers, but all travellers are welcome. The interior of the island is also significantly cheaper than the coast. While Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio rank as the most expensive cities in Corsica, the Alta Rocca, about 30km to the north, is much more affordable and can be used as a convenient base. Another key factor to consider is the wild difference in costs between the high season (July and August) and the rest of the year. During these peak months room prices on the coast can be jacked up by 100% in many cases. The good news though is that even the most popular tourist places, such as Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, drop their prices dramatically out of season. You’ll find excellent deals, and fewer people, in the shoulder seasons either side of summer: in April, May, June, September and October, which can result in some real bargains in accommodation and transport. Not all tourist facilities are open, but you can easily get by.The cost of eating out is variable, depending on the location. Most res-taurants offer tourist menus for about €15. However, it is often better to choose a good restaurant and have one good course rather than a mediocre complete meal.

Hmmm…When the maquis is in full blossom in May and June, the scents are memorable and the vivid hues unforgettable. This is by far the best season to explore Corsica. The weather is sunny without being stifling, the countryside bursts with spring flowers, the locals are more hospitable and the flood of summer tourists, largely dictated by the French vacances scolaires (school holidays), has yet to crash over the island. Most French people hit the road in July and August, so those two months – in which prices soar, tempers flare and the island broils – are best avoided. The core of the peak season is from mid-July to mid-August, when Corsica is chock-a-block with visitors. Flights and ferries are full to bursting, too. It’s imperative to make reservations well in advance if you’re planning to visit the island during this period. Another good season is autumn, from September to mid-October. It’s refreshingly peaceful and the weather is usually warm. Most places are open, without being overwhelmed by the crowds. It’s generally comfortable for land-based outdoor activities such as walking, horse riding and canyoning.As for water sports, the water temperature is most favourable from June to October, and can reach 25°C in August.
Between late October and springtime, the island goes into snooze mode and most tourist facilities are closed, which is a bit of a shame since the climate is usually mild and sunny in winter, at least on the coast (it can be
downright chilly inland). It’s a good season for photographers, with perfect light and enchanting hues. Some chambres d’hôtes are open year-round, as are certain hotels in the main cities, which means that with some preplan-ning and your own wheels you can easily get around the island, and have the whole place to yourself! Winter is also the best season if you’re hunting for that perfect charcuterie – believe us!Walkers on the GR20 and other routes, the elderly and those travelling with children will surely prefer the less sweltering months of May, June and September, when roads and amenities are also less congested. Serious hikers should take note that the snow lingers until as late as mid-June on some sections of the GR20.You may also prefer to organise your trip to coincide with one of the many festivals that fill the Corsican calendar – Easter is a particular highlight.