Springtime in Southern Corsica

In the spring, come and stroll around the narrow medieval streets of Bonifacio , a fortress that sits on a white chalky cliff, an open air museum that provides every visitor with an everlasting souvenir. Far from the summer crowds, walk out until you reach the Pertusato Lighthouse, offering a magnificent view of Sardinia and the Iles Lavezzi and keep an afternoon free to play a round of golf in the leafy setting of Sperone, also providing views of Sardinia. You will be surprised to discover the sailor’s cemetery in the upper town of Bonifacio and you can dare to descend the King of Aragon’s Staircase that is carved into the white chalk of the cliff!

Don’t forget to take the children and enjoy a boat trip to visit the sea caves, whilst admiring the magnificent yachts that are moored all along the quay of the marina at the old port in the lower town. Spoil yourself by eating pasta with lobster or a dish of Aubergines à la Bonifacienne. The children will prefer hanging around theaquarium as they enjoy a cacavellu (Easter gateau decorated with eggs)! Fall in love with jewellery made from Mediterranean red coral, which brings luck in Corsica! During the Easter period, don’t forget to join the procession in the old town on Good Friday! Take advantage of this to visit the church of St Dominique, constructed by the Knights Templar (1270).

Stroll around  Porto-Vecchio , « the city of salt », and discover the old town by taking the little tourist train that carries you to the upper town. The Oriu di Canni (between Figari and Porto-Vecchio), housed beneath the rock, will fascinate children who will be able to enjoy a real adventure as they seek out this spot. Then head in the direction of theOspedale Forest for a walk to the Punta di a Vacca Morta (1314m)

Aromas: Spring is the ideal season for exploring the aromas of the Corsican Maquis during a horse ride with A Staffa or to enjoy a botanical excursion to the Fautea Genoese Tower in Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio.

Alta Rocca

Ospedale, in the direction of  Zonza , a magnificent village in the heart of the Alta Rocca where you can discover the old granite houses built on the rocky outcrops that overlook the valley in the midst of chestnut trees, pines and holm oaks. There are many prehistoric sites in this region, and it is with a child’s eye that you will visit Cucuruzzu and the medieval site of Capula.  In Sainte Lucie de Tallano, the olive oil fair takes place every year in April and all the typical farm products are on offer: charcuterie, cheeses, chestnut flour, honey, preserves and wines. Local artisans sell their wares: wooden objects, stoneware, leather goods, glassware, as well as knives, wickerwork, pottery, jewellery and works of art and you can also explore the eco-museum housed in the old oil mill.   

Criss-cross the Cuscione plateau, often snow-covered at this time of year, using snowshoes or on foot and don’t be surprised if you come across wild horses along the way. Thecharcuterie of the Alta Rocca should be enjoyed without moderation, and an AOC labels means that you can be sure of buying quality products.  At the markets of Corsica, the land’s producers offer you lonzo, coppa, ham…

Take the road that leads to Bavella and admire the tall Laricio pines that were formerly used to make the masts of ships. A two hour return walk is a must if you want to discover the Trou de la Bombe, a curious feature of the Bavella massif. Make sure to have a camera handy, because you may be lucky enough to spot a mouflon mountain sheep, the emblematic animal of Corsica.

The next day you can head back to  Solenzara , where you can enjoy a beginners course in scuba diving. The water is clearer at this time of year than in summer and the flora and fauna are amazingly rich. You can also gather shellfish on the great deserted beaches covered in fine white sand during this season. Spoil yourself by buying a magnificent Corsican knife, signed on the blade by the artisan and complete with a handle made of horn.

Find out more .