Activities
Corsica

A traverse of the island along its ridges in 16 stages, considered one of the toughest in Europe. Refuges are staffed from mid-May to early October and nights must be booked; the northern stages are the most technical.

From the Grotelle shepherds' huts, about an hour's walk leads to the glacial Lac de Melo, then on to Lac de Capitello. In high season, parking is charged and traffic is regulated in the valley: set off early.

Red granite massif dominated by the Col de Bavella, reached by road from Zonza. Waymarked trails to the Trou de la Bombe, guided canyoning in the rock pools and laricio pines: allow a full day.

Nave Va, operating since 1998, runs day trips to the Scandola reserve, the village of Girolata and the Calanques de Piana, as well as outings to the Sanguinaires islands and whale- and dolphin-watching trips.

SPMB boats leave from the harbour for a one-hour tour beneath the cliffs and the King of Aragon's Staircase, or for the Lavezzi islands and Cavallo, in the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve.

Pale sand, shallow water, pines and red rocks facing the Cerbicale islands: the beaches south of Porto-Vecchio are very busy in summer. Arrive before 10 am in July and August, or choose June and September.

Dive centre based in the marina, offering try dives and French and international courses from age 8. Dive sites include the wreck of an American B-17 bomber off the citadel and the Revellata reserve.

The metre-gauge train crosses the mountains via Vizzavona and Corte, on 232 km of track with 59 viaducts and 57 tunnels. A relaxing way to travel between Ajaccio, Bastia and the Balagne without driving.