Corsica

As the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean, Corsica is often referred to as "the mountain in the sea". More than 70 peaks exceed 2000 m in altitude. Monte Cinto, at 2,706 m, is Corsica's highest peak.

The island's 2,000 km network of hiking trails offers something for everyone. Corsica has a lot to offer: from day hikes to the famous GR20 long-distance hiking trail, and even cross-island tours. If you're looking for something other than the beach or the city, this is the place.

Picturesque hiking trails lead through the lonely world of the mountains. In the north of the island, an easy hike leads to two peaks: Cima a Forca and Punta Liatoghju. From here, you have a magnificent view of the sea and the sandy beach at the foot of Punta Liatoghju, where you can cool off in the water after your exertions.

But the south of Corsica is also well worth a visit: from Bonifacio, walk to the lighthouse 5 km away on the rugged chalk cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica. From here, you also have the best view of Sardinia, 12 km away.

You can get around quickly on two wheels and visit many parts of the island in a single day. Cyclists of all kinds get their money's worth in Corsica: along the coast, through the dense pine forests or over the island's hills - from easy to difficult, from short to long: there's something for every cyclist.

The long-distance GT 20 cycle path leads from the north of the island to the south and can be mastered in 13 daily stages. The route is suitable for ambitious road cyclists, mountain bikers and e-bikers. For the latter, charging stations are provided along the way. So you can explore the island's diversity at your own pace.

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is located on the west coast of Corsica. For history buffs, a visit to Napoleon's birthplace on Place Letizia is a must. But also in the town itself, you'll discover numerous fountains, parks and monuments commemorating the former emperor.

While the town has an urban charm with its grand boulevards and squares, its many cafés and restaurants and its cultural sites, Ajaccio's surroundings, with their coasts, forests and gorges, offer nature of a special kind.

The town's location on the slopes of the Gulf of Ajaccio offers a magnificent view of the small archipelago of the Îles Sanguinaires. Four rugged islets of dark red porphyry stand like sentinels at the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio. At dusk, their blood-red color becomes even more apparent and, with a little luck, you'll be able to see the sun disappear behind the archipelago.