Corsica is many things to many people and a bewitching prospect. What we love best is that it can still feel like something of a secret: those secluded coves you can find, hidden amongst the near-infinite folds of the coastline; or up in the hills of the Balagne where time seems to have stopped and you can enter a remote village, convinced you’ve gone through a rip in the fabric of time, and explore tiny shops or enjoy a coffee on a sunlit stone terrace; there’s the granitic drama of the mountain passes that seem to obey their own laws of geometry; and even the towns can feel ‘your own’, the labyrinthine streets leading to quiet corners, places you might miss on any other warm evening… We’ve come up with some places to stay that we think you might like – perfect for a holiday for two – and some suitably romantic locations. Let us know what you think.
Find out more: holidays for two
1. Getting away from it all at Hôtel A Piattatella…
Relax in style at Hôtel A Piattatella
Hôtel A Piattatella is new to our hotel programme for 2015 – and we’re very excited about it. In a laid back way, of course; because Piattetella is all about being laid back and being pampered in the tranquil surroundings of beautiful countryside. And it is a beautiful prospect: small, intimate, lovingly put together and with such views of the surrounding Balagne countryside… We’re pretty sure you’re going to find it hard to pull yourself away. But, should you want to venture out, L’Ile Rousse is close by, with its beaches of golden sands and narrow cobbled streets, and you simply have to explore the Balagne hinterland where time itself seems to stand still…
Find out more: Hôtel A Piattetella
2. Staggering beauty on the south coast
The jawdropping scenery of the Col de Bavella
The mountain passes in the south of the island very much deserve the ‘jawdropping’ epithet; they have to be seen to be believed. You can drive to the Col de Bavella relatively easily from Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio or Ajaccio, and my word is it worth it. The granite has been moulded into dizzying shapes and seems to have its own colour palette: blue at dawn, deep grey at midday and a roseate pink at sunset. You can sit here for hours lost in the drama of it all, and be back by the coast within the hour, soaking up the last of the day’s sun.
Find out more: places to stay in the south and west
3. Breathtaking beaches
A little piece of paradise on Santa Giulia beach
The couple in this picture tell it best: “it was late afternoon and we were in that dreamlike state you sometimes get on beaches – lulled by the sun, a couple of quiet drinks and several tactical light dozes. The tide had gone out a bit and we waded into the sea and up onto an island of exposed rocks. We must have sat there for over an hour, feet in the water, cooled by the breeze coming off the sea. Sometimes you find a small pocket of freedom, a way of exiting the world for a while and simply existing on a different plane. This was one of those moments.”
Find out more: holidays for two in Corsica
4. A sunset to remember
Sunset near Porto. Bliss.
“We’d been driving in the mountains all day – starting out from St Florent, winding along the coast into Calvi and we just kept heading west. We got ourselves some olives and a small bottle of wine in a village outside of Calvi and gradually made our way to the spectacular gulfs of the west coast. It was starting to get dark when we stopped the car. We opened the wine and the olives and sat as the sun set pink and purple across the bay. It’s not something we’ll forget in a hurry.”
Find out more: places to stay in Calvi and St Florent
5. Treat yourself to some 5* luxury…
Marinca Hôtel & Spa
The Marinca Hôtel & Spa is an exceptional property set in beautiful and elevated grounds by the sea, with magnificent views across the Valinco bay. Here, the service is first class and the welcome is warm and relaxed. The natural environment has been exquisitely well preserved: a stunning three-tier pool has been carved into the hillside, resembling rock pools cascading into a larger infinity pool below and the beach with its rocky coves and crystal clear water is utterly wonderful.
Find out more: Marinca Hôtel & Spa
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