The climate of the Mediterranean, the charm of France, the temperament of Italy and a rich history lost in the depths of time, remembering even the Etruscans, Carthaginians and ancient Romans. Is it possible to find all this in one place? Yes! All of the above you will find by going to the island of Corsica. And as a bonus, you will get beautiful picturesque landscapes, exquisite dishes and wonderful weather.
Geographic location
In different historical periods, this territory was owned by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and Genoese. Today, France is in charge here. The island of Corsica is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. However, those attractive features that it possesses appeared on it not so much due to its impressive size, but because of its geographical location.
For the sake of interest, try to consider this piece of land not as a single detail, but in the geographical ensemble in which it is located on our planet. This is not difficult. First, find Italy. The first major object in the sea to the west will beCorsica (island). The world map helps to understand even a person inexperienced in historical battles that this island is located in a strategically important place. Therefore, over the centuries, it has become a coveted trophy for many nations.
Link to history
And although at first glance it may seem that these data will be of interest only to gray-haired academics, this is not so. After all, all the peoples who have been here have left a trace behind them. That is why the island of Corsica is so rich in various historical sites.
Here you can get acquainted with the history, starting from the park of a prehistoric settlement, which is currently about 8000 years old. You can continue to get acquainted with the numerous fortifications of different eras, next to which you will find cute antique shops. And finish your tour with a visit to objects directly related to the most famous Corsican - Napoleon Bonaparte.
Peculiarities of mentality
In the popular television program Eagle and Tails, the island of Corsica is presented as a quiet area with a leisurely pace of life. It is repeatedly emphasized that pensioners mostly live on the island. To some extent this is true, but this circumstance does not mean at all that holidays in Corsica will be monotonous and boring. They know how to entertain tourists here.
As for the characteristic features of the mentality of the Corsicans themselves, they are good-natured and sociable people with a truly southern temperament. They are proudtheir origin and history, and consider themselves not French, and not even Italians, but Corsicans.
Activities on the island
The map of Corsica itself can immediately give a clear and correct idea of what you can do in this resort for outdoor enthusiasts. Fans of extreme sports immediately recognize attractive routes for unusual trips in the outlines of mountain ranges. The island of Corsica very naturally and quite compactly gathered twenty peaks in a relatively small area, each of which reaches a height of more than two thousand meters above sea level.
By the way, you can go to conquer these peaks not only on your own, but also on horseback. The trails, laid back in the days of the confrontation between the Etruscans and the Carthaginians, are still suitable for horseback riding.
The hardest track in Europe
It is the island of Corsica that is famous for the most difficult mountain route GR20. To overcome 250 kilometers of rocky paths, as a rule, 15 days are allotted. According to the number of these crossings, there are special shelters - houses on the route, where tourists can spend the night. In Corsica they are called refuges (from the French word refuge, which means “refuge”).
The transitions are incredibly beautiful. Although, in our understanding of this meaning, such sorties cannot be called a completely wild vacation. This area is protected. This means that it is forbidden by law to put up tents anywhere, except for places reserved forRefuges.
Each night in such a house, designed for 20-30 beds, will cost you about 11 euros. And the place will have to be booked in advance. For the right to put up your own tent, you will have to pay 6 euros. Fires are strictly prohibited everywhere.
Corsican festivals
Special attention deserves numerous festivals and local holidays, which Corsicans are able to celebrate with great taste and indescribable color. If you plan to visit Corsica at the end of summer, try to get to the town of Bastelica, located in the very center of the island, on August 12.
It is on this day that real folk festivals are held in honor of the memory of the national hero Sampiero. Perhaps you have never heard this name, but you probably know the hero of Shakespeare's tragedy - Othello. So Sampiero served as a prototype for him.
On this day, the streets are filled with dancing and singing people in magnificent Renaissance costumes. Young men in love will definitely take the opportunity to serenade under the window of their beloved, and the sounds of ancient musical instruments pouring from all sides serve as a wonderful background for this holiday.
Feast of Antiquity
If you prefer Roman classicism, go on August 8 and 9 to the city of Aleria. At this time, there is an "Ancient Feast". This time, the people around you will be dressed in Roman togas, and local restaurants and eateries will definitely offer antique dishes in their menu according to real oldrecipes.
In Corsica, you can easily find the type of holiday that suits you, and be sure to take away an unforgettable experience from here.
