Exploring Rugged Northern Corsica

Imagine… A mountainous island that seems to explode from the Mediterranean Sea, with snowcapped peaks that top out at over 9,000 feet! A lush, fertile landscape that abounds with pulsating waterfalls and rivers. A unique race of proud, defiant people, that have fought off invaders for over a millennium.

You will find tiny villages clinging to the side of limestone cliffs, with houses that seemed to have been carved rather than built. A veritable chain of Medieval light towers, perched on the point of every cove, designed to warn of the arrival of adversaries. Diminutive town centers where the men play a game of Buls from dawn to dusk.

Such is the unmistakable island of Corsica, which has intrigued travelers since before the birth of Christ. It is one world’s natural and cultural wonders. The proud people have taken impeccable care of this spectacular island, and embrace every aspect of the lifestyle. Wild boar is commonly found in the mountains, and Corsican red wine provides an ideal complement to the cuisine.

Though a French flag flies over the island, Corsicans do not consider themselves ‘French.’ They are fiercely independent, and have their own language, which is only spoken on this singular isle. Corsicans recognize the value of tourism, and you will likely find them to be engaging and friendly hosts.

Of all the places we have traveled, Corsica and its people left the most powerful and enduring impression on me. I loved their impassioned music, unique gastronomy, and the ‘joie de vie’ – the love of life that seems to burn brighter in Corsica than anywhere else on earth!