Corsica is known for its white sand beaches that draw hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, but the coast offers much more than this, with its crystal-clear waters and delectable, secluded bays. Excellent paths run along the coast in the three areas visited by this route, allowing frequent access to the inviting sea.
The clarity of the water makes for excellent snorkelling. There are plenty of shallow water bays for beginners, but there are also many places where the rocks drop precipitously into the sea, forming exciting underwater canyons. For more information see Snorkelling Report.
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| Rough seas near Centuri |
The first day of the trek follows the Sentier Douanier. This is the old customs officer path at the Northern tip of the island. It is deservedly popular, being studded with Genoese watchtowers and rising up and down between bays. It has a different character to the rest of the coast and can be quite windy, sticking out as it does into the Mediterranean Sea.
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| Genoese watchtower | |
After departing the coast for the spine of the Cap Corse, the coast is rejoined at Farinole, the route passes a couple of secluded rocky coves, before enterin the upmarket harbour of St. Florent. A good and very popular path follows the coast around the Desert des Agriates - an arid, unpopulated hinterland. Some of the finest white sand beaches are to be found here, interspersed amonst numerous idyllic coves.
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| Early morning at the Ostriconi beach | |
The Southern coast is met at the Pont di Ventilegne, where it is followed all the way to the Sothernmost point of the island. Once past the tourist beaches, the coast becomes wild, with low-lying pink granite. It invites frequent stops for swims, before becoming less accessible in stalagtite studded cliffs.
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| The low-lying rocks of the Capo di Feno |
It is possible to swim out to the Ile de Fazio, an island in a secluded cove, before rounding the corner to see the walled city of Bonifacio, high above the sea. The staircase of the King of Aragon allows a spectacular descent of these cliffs which continue toward Capo Pertusato. More excellent swimming can be had on the way to the cape, flat rocks allowing access to the sea and one of the many sea caves.
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| King Aragon's staircase | |
Capo Pertusato provides a fitting climax - a small white sand beach and flat rocks giving easy access to the sea and multitudes of fish. There is a small island off the final promontory which forms a deep underwater channel. There are several sea caves accessible by swimming. Beyond, Sardinia beckons just minutes away by boat.
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| Journey's end |
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