Femina India – July 10, 2019

Palombaggia beach

LIVING travel bucket list

THE GR 20 IS ONE OF THE MOST

STUNNING HIKING PATHS IN EUROPE.

T

he French island of

Corsica is a beautiful

secret begging to be

discovered by the intrepid

traveller. If you’re someone

who loves a mix of adventure,

leisure and a rich dose of culture,

then this Mediterranean gem

is a must-visit. From gorgeous

beaches and mountains to

a vibrant architectural heritage,

this place has it all.

EXPLORE THE CITADEL

This quintessential island of

yore has its very own citadel

dating back to the 9th century.

Nestled high up on Bonifacio’s

cliffs that overlook the port, the

climb up to the citadel is pretty

tedious. The view, however,

takes in stunning features such

as churches, cemeteries and the

port’s crystal-clear waters.

LET NATURE TAKE OVER

Established in 1975, the

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCKScandola Nature Reserve is

Steeped in French and Italian influences, Corsica is the perfect combination

of old-world charm and natural beauty, says Aurelia Fernandes

CORSICA CALLING

Corsica’s national treasure.

Recognised by the United

Nations as a Natural World

Heritage Site, the reserve and

park is only accessible by boat.

The boat tours allow you to

explore the reserve’s many

caves and grottos, so don’t

forget the camera.

SUNBATHE IN STYLE

The commune of Porto-Vecchio

is every beach bum’s dream.

With endless resorts, white

sands and azure waters, the

Palombaggia and Santa Giulia

beaches are ideal for water

sports or if you just want to

have some fun under the sun.

WALK EVERYWHERE

Corsica’s GR 20, also known as

fra li monti (meaning ‘across

the mountains’) is considered

one of the toughest GR hiking

trails. Besides, the GR 20 also

makes for one of the most

stunning hiking paths Europe

has to offer.

CELEBRATE HISTORY

Located in Ajaccio, the Musée

Fesch is Corsica’s artistic pride.

Housing an impressive collection

of early Italian, Renaissance,

Roman Baroque and Neapolitan

Baroque paintings, the museum

also displays the works of great

Italian artists, including Botticelli

and Cosmè Tura.

( Clockwise) View of

Bonifacio old town; GR 20;

The Musée Fesch museum

The Scandola Nature Reserve

The citadel at Bonifacio