Corsica is an island belonging to the Republic of France, located on the Riviera in the south, near the Italian island of Sardinia. Its population is around 300 thousand inhabitants and is currently one of the best existing destinations for lovers of sport, nature and landscapes.
The island lies about 200 km southeast of the French Riviera in the Mediterranean Sea at the height of the Italian city of Tuscany. It's an incredibly beautiful island too so it's no wonder that the Greeks gave the name of Kalliste the Beautiful. Has nearly a thousand miles of beaches, with almost a third of endless golden beaches and fine, is the ideal place for holiday water sports, scuba diving, hiking ...
What to do?
Besides its incredible nightlife and cuisine, you can enjoy these lands all kinds of sports activities, both aquatic and terrestrial, in addition, can also engage in tours in major cities such as capital, Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, or Bastia, capital of the North. Other cities, like the Court, Calvi and Porto Vecchio are also worth visiting, especially the last two; both are the most tourist island. If you wish, have the opportunity to visit the island or islands sangrienta Lavezzi, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular sunset you can imagine.
You can not go to Corsica without experiencing the slightly smoked sausage type lonzu (pork loin) or coppa (neck), as well as the Brocciu cheese, fresh white cheese which is used also to fill the pasta and make candies like fiadone or falculella, sweet cakes made with chestnut flour. The Corsican cuisine is based on the trilogy of Mediterranean olives, cereals and wine, magnified, in this case, the chestnut. Some dishes are aziminu, a variant of bullabesa (fish soup and seafood that is served on bread) and onion and wild boar.
How to get there?
Being served by four major airports, Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari, Corsica is just over an hour's flight from Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted Airport, allied with the low cost airline EasyJet.
The air routes between the UK and Corsica are only on Sundays.
Do not Miss:
Rural festivals:
Foire de l'Olivier, in a lovely setting of an olive grove in Montemagiorre, this fair celebrates the olive Balagne.
Foire de l'Amandier, with painting exhibitions, events for children and cooking competitions around the almonds and almond, happening during the month of August.
Fiera di U Vinu, in the heart of the village of Luri, this fair is the meeting point for producers of wine from Corsica and invites visitors to experience the local wine, taking months scheduled for July.
Music festivals:
Calvi Jazz Festival 23 to 28 June.
Nuits de la Guitare, it happens every year in the months of July and has as guests the best guitarists around the world, be it Jazz, Flamenco, Blues or Rock!
Motor Sport:
Rally of Corsica on 03 October 2010.
CYPRUS
Cyprus is a beautiful Mediterranean island situated south of Turkey and north of Egypt and is the third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia.
With its white sandy beaches, crystal blue sea and the sun shining an average of 326 days of the year, it is no wonder why Cyprus is a very popular destination for both tourists and those seeking a move to warmer climates.
Cyprus blends modern with ancient times and has a vast contrast between luxurious beach resorts, cosmopolitan towns, sleepy villages and natural unspoiled countryside.
The island is currently divided by the Green Line after violence broke out in 1974 and the Turkish army claimed hold of the northern side of Cyprus and declared themselves the TRNC (Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus), only recognised by Turkey. Talks are ongoing for a declaration to be agreed and both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots hope that eventually the island of Cyprus will once again be reunited.
GASTRONOMY
Located on the eastern Mediterranean sea, Cyprus has evolved a great tradition of fine Cypriot cuisine from the Greeks and the Turks, with local twists and innovations. There are also Arabic and Middle Eastern influences.
The main ingredients of the cuisine of Cyprus include crispy green peppers and green beans, dense okra, carrots, and artichoke, sweet cucumber, tomato and grape leaves, and hearty beans, peas, and lentils.
ATTRACTIONS
There’s no contesting that the wine of Cyprus is some of the best in the world. In Cyprus, fine wine has been perfected since the time of the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and even Egyptians. Cyprus is the Island of Aphrodite, and how better to experience love than the Lemesos Wine Festival! A typical evening at the festival includes music, celebration,dancing, and lots and lots of wine!
Another one of the great Cyprus tourist attractions would be Water World Waterpark in Ayia Napa. Experience the Kamikaze rides, Poseidon’s Wave Pool and the Trojan Adventure. An interactive play centre for kids.
If you’re looking for a little peace and tranquility after the adventure go to Ancient Salamis. This is one of Cyprus’s prime archaeological sites. Check out the gymnasium, baths and amphitheatre where the earliest archeological finds go back to the eleventh century.
GETTING THERE
From just 4hours and 45 minutes flying from the UK, more than 33 airlines currently operate scheduled flights from and to Larnaca Airport.
An alternative option would be Paphos international airport situated on the South West of the Island. Close to Paphos itself and close proximity to the tourist resorts on the South.
