Corsica has 1000km of glorious coastline and close to 200 beaches; and due to the island's diverse landscape there is a similar variety in the makeup of the beaches.

There are fine and coarse white and golden sand beaches, plus pebbly beaches made up of millions of sea-moulded stones of every colour; and because of the nature of the landscape many of Corsica's beaches are hidden coves accessible only on foot or by boat - there's certainly something magical about exploring the coastal paths and stumbling across a deserted cove washed by the warm deep blue of the Mediterranean.

The beaches in Corsica are also incredibly clean and whether you're in one of the secluded bays or on one of the busier town beaches you will always find a very good standard of cleanliness - both in terms of the beach itself and in the quality of the water. And because of the island's position in the Med it gets some great winds and provides ideal conditions for a wide variety of watersports. There's good surf here, perfect spots for windsurfing, not to mention the more esoteric pursuits such as wake boarding, kite-surfing and fly-surfing.

While not possessing the prestige of the Alps, climbing in Corsica can be impressive, with everything from short cliffs to challenging climbs, the pinnacle of which are the Bavella needles. Within an hour's drive of the coast, the valleys around Corte offer some of the most exhilarating rock climbing opportunities in Europe, with superb views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Many of the climbs are quite technically difficult and require a degree of competence and fitness. For short climbs the island's chalk cliffs are the most rewarding; these run in a seam from L'Ile Rouse (on the northwest coast) to Solenzara (on the east coast).

Corsica will captivate those who enjoy walking, as hiking is one of the key attractions of the island, along with its beaches. With some impressively high peaks, breathtaking scenery and unspoilt countryside, Corsica can be greatly appreciated on foot and there is sufficient variety to match walkers/hikers of all levels. There are many footpaths that have been created to start from the sea and head to the mountains 'Mare é Monti' or those that travel coast to coast 'Mare é Mare'. The main walking season is between mid-May and early July and in September.

Much of Corsica's forests, featuring a whole host of fauna and flora, mountainous hinterland and wild coast are made more accessible courtesy of waymarked trails, maintained by the Parc Regional and local municipalities. Some trails only take an hour, while others take several days, in which case you can enjoy well deserved rests at refuges or gites d'etapes, which offer comfortable dormitory accommodation exclusively to walkers.

Depending on how adventurous or busy you would like to be, opt for either a single hotel package or a touring itinerary. Now, you must decide between the North or the South.

The North
You will discover the best of the north including the Balagne, the interior and Piana or Porto in the west. Drive further north along the west coast and discover la Réserve Naturelle de Scandola with its impressive red granite cliffs plunging into the transparent sea below. Continue to travel towards the north on the D81 road, which is probably one of the most beautiful, scenic roads of the island. You may stay most of the time in Calvi and drive around.

The South
Porto Vecchio, Bonifaccio... beaches, nightlife, cultural heritage, lively cafés and colourful morning markets... here you browse, you walk, you relax.