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“U casgiu” (cheese in the Corsican language) is a mainstay of the region and one of the delicacies most appreciated by locals and travellers alike. A genuine product of ancestral know-how. Once known as the shepherds’ island, Corsica has inherited a strong cheese-making tradition.

Deep in the scrubland, goats and sheep share the dense, rich vegetation, enabling local producers to craft a wide variety of cheeses. This means that part of Corsica’s cultural heritage will be on your plate when you try this tasty speciality.

What to eat in Corsica?

Your stay in Corsica is an ideal opportunity to delve into its cuisine and sample some of the local favourites. Both savoury and sweet, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

If you are mad about charcuterie, this is the place for you! The choice is yours: lonzu, coppa, saucisson, prisuttu… And not forgetting figatellu, a dried sausage made from pig’s liver, the real hallmark of the island’s charcuterie. Traditionally smoked over chestnut wood, it is eaten only in winter served inside a plain sandwich.

Sample a wealth of different dishes when you go out for a meal or do your shopping at the market: cannelloni with brocciu, chestnut flour pulenta, Aziminu (Corsican bouillabaisse), aubergines à la bonifacienne… It’s hard to get more typical than stufatu, for example. This slow-cooked stew is made with manzo beef, panzetta (smoked bacon), tomato paste, red wine, onions, black olives and bay leaves.

For a sweet treat, try desserts made with Brocciu or chestnut flour, including flan, fondant, fritters and crème brulée. To accompany your coffee, tickle your taste buds with biscuits like Canistrelli, frappes and finuchjetti.

Not forgetting Corsican honey, olive oil, preserves, nougat, myrtle liqueur, beer and Corsican wine!

How to pick a Corsican cheese

Cheese is one of the cornerstones of Corsican cooking. Many cheesemakers sell their own produce. The island’s temperate, humid climate makes for good, tasty, and high-quality cheeses. The local vegetation is rich and dense. Goats and ewes feed on it, which produces top-quality, high-protein milk. This, combined with the ancestral expertise of the producers, is guaranteed to deliver the great taste of traditional Corsican cheese.

There are five main cheese families in Corsica, spread over five different regions.

“Bastilicacciu”, or Bastelicacci, is produced in the south-west, in the Ajaccio region. A mild, creamy and soft cheese resembling the famous Camembert. It can be easily spotted by its blue-grey rind. As time passes, the more it dries out, the stronger it becomes.
“Casgiu Sartinesu”, or Sartenais, found in the south of the island, in the Sartène region. This is a raw pressed cheese, smoked over a chestnut wood fire. Its distinctive feature is its light brown or even orange rind. Like tomme cheese, it can be aged for a long time without losing any of its flavour.
“Casgiu Venachese”, or Vénacais, a variety found on the east coast. This is a reasonably strong soft cheese, allowing you to enjoy the longer maturing process without it being too intense on the palate. It can be recognised by its “sticky” rind, usually yellow-orange in colour. It has been likened to Pont l’Evêque.
“Niulincu”, or Niolu, from Haute-Corse, in the Niolo region near Saint-Florent, in the centre of the island. This cheese has a strong character and owes its spiciness to the high moisture levels in the cellars where it was matured. Consumers be warned!
“Calizanincu”, or Vieux Calenzana, is found in the Balagne region, near Calvi, in the north-west of the island. A sharp cheese with a dry texture, ripened for several months. The unique potency of this cheese makes it a rare experience, as it is difficult to make and requires special expertise.

a pasturella corsica — *Photo credit:* *A Pasturella* *in Grossto Prugna – South Corsica.*

Typical Corsican cheeses

These cheeses have been crafted from generation to generation paying the utmost respect to Corsican tradition. Here are a few examples:

Brocciu : Corsica’s national cheese, originally from the mountains, is a smooth and creamy cottage cheese. Made from whey, it is usually eaten chilled at the end of a meal paired with a marmalade or jam, sugar or honey, It can also be enjoyed as a savoury starter or main course with a slice of bread and a salad, or cooked as part of an omelette or fiadone, the signature dessert.
Ewe’s milk cheese: this cheese has a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Ewe’s milk Tomme: a favourite in Corsica, often eaten in sandwiches, bruschettas and even as a raclette cheese.
Fresh goat’s cheese used to make migliacci, a little-known traditional recipe from time immemorial. These are fresh cheese patties cooked on chestnut leaves in a wood-fired oven.

Each of these cheeses can be seasoned with dried fruit, hazelnuts and aromatic herbs typical of the Corsican maquis, used to coat the cheese. Not forgetting “Casgiu Merzu”, which translates as “rotten cheese”. As its name suggests, it is a putrid cheese, aged for a very long time by producers to the point where the maggots of the Piophila fly develop. It is therefore extremely strong and only the boldest will appreciate it.

*Photo credit:* *U Diceppu cheesemongers* by *Dms Studio Creatif*

Where to buy Corsican cheeses

Artisanal cheesemongers / Directly from producers: come and meet them for a tasting and share your experience. A genuinely insightful opportunity.
At local markets: meet the producers who will whet your appetite by sampling their cheeses.
Groceries: where only Corsican cheese is stocked. Feel free to ask for advice based on your preferences.
At the supermarket: choose from a wide range of cheeses.

My top addresses

La crèmerie impériale in Ajaccio
U Core Paesanu in Porto Vecchio
Fromagerie Ottavi in Ghisonnacia
U Muntagnolu in Bastia.

*Photo credit:* *A Fiera* *Fine Corsican grocers (Folelli, Haute-Corse)*

Corsica’s cheese season

There’s no specific time of year to enjoy a good bite of Corsican cheese! Just remember that the brocciu season ends just before the peak of the summer heat, in June, when the ewes stop lactating. It’s time for summer grazing, when the sheep go to rest in the shade of the mountains until they are ready to return in November.

*Photo credit:* *Pierre Thomas Graziani* *Manager of the Tolla sheepfolds*

Conclusion

Follow the roads of the Isle of Beauty while inhaling the sweet scent of the maquis, and set off on a gastronomic adventure! You’ll meet dedicated producers who’ll tell you their stories as you taste their delicious wares. Cheese in Corsica is more than a skill, it’s a tradition, and each has its own character. So, do you prefer goat’s milk or ewe’s milk? Either way, bon apetitu !

In addition to the beaches, towns and hiking trails, giving the nuraghi their own itinerary during your stay is a great way to learn about Sardinia and its history. These structures are easy to spot as you drive along any road on the island, but we want to highlight those that we think are worth visiting because they’re the best preserved, most beautiful and interesting to see.

Nuraghi in Sardinia: what are they?

Nuraghi are ancient megalithic stone structures unique to Sardinia that date back to the 2^nd millennium B.C. They remind you of medieval castles, with their bastions and walls, but with a circular shape.

Nuraghi: who built them?

Archaeology relies on indirect evidence obtained from studying excavations and from finding materials and ovens; that’s why, sadly, there are no written sources and today there are still so many mysteries surrounding the world of the ancient Sardinians. So to answer the question ‘who built the nuraghe?’ we can only tell you that it was the Nuragic people, a prehistoric civilisation that emerged and expanded throughout Sardinia during the Middle and Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age (circa 1700-700 B.C.), and whose name has become synonymous with the structures they most commonly built.

Why did the Sardinians build the nuraghi out of stone?

The main objective of any people, the Nuragic civilisation included, was to take possession of land and to then give it their own legacy. However, the purpose of the nuraghi is not altogether clear. All we know is that at some point in history they were places of worship for the inhabitants of the village.

What we do know, though, is that the nuraghi were subsequently used for other purposes over the course of their existence. But the real question is: how were they built, and above all, in how many years? Well, we’re sorry to disappoint you, but unfortunately nobody knows. How the blocks of basalt were transported and erected remains a mystery to this day.

How many nuraghi are there in Sardinia?

The nuraghi are a characteristic feature of Sardinia’s rural landscape: there are around 7,000 of them scattered all over the island. Some are buried under mud while others were destroyed many years ago. Here’s a list of the most interesting ones to visit.

The most beautiful nuraghi in Sardinia

Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta

SS 131 Carlo Felice, 09071 Abbasanta OR

The Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta is the one that has delighted us most, maybe because of its unusual shape and because it’s one of the best preserved on the island. The nuraghe Losa, also known as “su nurache ‘e sas losas”, owes its name to the cinerary urns from Roman times that were found outside the village, not far from the boundary wall. Another curiosity is that the village was still in use in the Middle Ages!

The first thing you notice on the guided tour are the shelves on the ground, which were originally positioned at the top of the terrace of the nuraghe. There are actually some steps inside to take you up, treating you to an amazing view of the line of the outer wall.

We also discovered that the nuraghe is still inhabited – by bats, spiders, jackdaws and masses of lizards. Our advice would be to visit during solstice.

Here’s all the useful info:

Guided tour (optional) runs from 9am until one hour before sunset.
The full ticket costs €6.
Dogs are also allowed, on the leash.

Nuraghe Arrubiu in Orroli

Località Su Pranu, 09061 Orroli SU

The nuraghe Arrubiu in Orroli is of course one of the most beautiful and interesting to visit simply because it’s the largest in Sardinia. It’s known as the red giant due to its structure, with its various shades of red basalt and the lichen colouring the surfaces of its walls.

Arrubiu is made up of 22 towers. The entrance faces southeast, opposite the direction the mistral blows, thus protecting the inhabitants from the wind. We know that after it was abandoned by its creators, around the 9^th century B.C., it was repopulated in the 2^nd century B.C. by the Romans, who adapted it to their needs.

The entry ticket costs €5 and includes a guided tour.
It’s open every day from 9:30am until dusk.

The Nuraghe Piscu in Suelli

SS 128 Centrale Sarda, 09040 Suelli Provincia di Cagliari

The nuraghe Piscu stands on a small hill in the countryside of Suelli, from where you can enjoy stunning views. We’ve feasted our eyes on such beauty for two reasons: the nuraghe is surrounded by green valleys and rolling pastures that are bursting with all the colours of the rainbow come spring, and walking around the defensive walls and inside the various rooms is a wonderful experience.

There is even a well! Although the nuraghe Piscu is unguarded and therefore free to enter, in our opinion, it is quite well preserved.

Nuraghe su Nuraxi in Barumini

Viale Su Nuraxi, 09021 Barumini SU

You can’t leave Sardinia without visiting the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi in Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Nuragic complex consists of a vast village of huts; its maze of narrow paths and cisterns is quite unique.

It’s open every day from 9am until 4pm during the winter and until 7pm during the summer and can only be visited accompanied by a guide.
The entry fee is €15 and the ticket also includes entry to the Zapata Museum and the Giovanni Lilliu Centre.
The guided tours depart every 30 minutes and last around 1 hour.

Nuraghe Genna Maria in Villanovaforru

09020 Villanovaforru SU

The Nuraghe Genna Maria stands on a hill 1km from Villanovaforru. We are now in central-south Sardinia, immersed in a tree-filled park steeped in the fragrances of the Mediterranean shrubland. There was a village both within and outside of the nuraghe that emerged around 1000 B.C. and was constructed in the same stone as the nuraghe.

The “inhabitants” fled due to a fire, never to return, leaving their possessions unattended until the “conquest” of the Romans, who repurposed the nuraghe as a sanctuary. The excavations revealed many finds, such as cooking pots, grindstones and even animal bones. We were amazed by the discs used for cooking dough and a well that functioned as a fridge.

The uniqueness of the nuraghe Genna Maria lies in its location being around 400 metres above sea level: from here, you can see 53 Sardinian towns and villages and, in really good weather, you can even see the Gulf of Angels in Cagliari. You can even see the Gulf of Oristano stretching out as far as the Giara di Gesturi plateau and the Gennargentu massif.

Guided tours: every hour from 10am to 12pm and from 4pm to 6pm.
Entry fee: full €4, reduced €3. For further information, take a look at the official website.

The nuraghe di Santa Cristina in Paulilatino

Località Santa Cristina, 09070 Paulilatino OR

The sacred well of Santa Cristina is the most mysterious place in Sardinia. It is situated near Paulilatino within an archaeological park, and there is also a beautiful nuraghe that we recommend you visit at sunset.

It’s open all year round from 8:30am until dusk.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office for €5.

Incidentally, you can also add to your list the nuraghe and Church of Santa Sabina in Silanus, the nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba, the Nuragic complex of Palmavera in Alghero, the nuraghe Noddule and the nuraghe Dronnoro. Where would you start? Let us know in the comments. See you soon!

Sardinia offers a multitude of diverse and unique landscapes that range from towering, jagged cliffs to gentle sandy bays. The Supramonti mountain range is a must visit with unspoilt waterfalls, forests and woodlands all waiting to be explored. In this article I’ll be taking you on a tour of my favourite regional and national nature parks that are well worth a visit.

South Sardinia Nature Parks

Let’s start by discovering the nature parks of southern Sardinia.

Sette Fratelli Park is around an hour’s drive from Cagliari and takes its name, “seven brothers”, from the seven peaks of its mountains. A green oasis considered a gem by locals. The star of this park is the Sardinian deer, and you may well see this majestic animal in its natural habitat on an excursion. Make a stop at the botanical garden (also accessible for the visually impaired) in Maidoppis. While there, be sure to enjoy a picnic or a barbeque in stunning surroundings, as well as visit the archaeological sites such as the Is Concias Giant’s Tomb, just a stone’s throw away.

Remember: only light fires in authorised areas.

Monte Arcosu is the largest Mediterranean bush forest in the Mediterranean basin and also part of the gorgeous Gutturu Mannu Regional Park. It is around 20 km from Cagliari and boasts lush vegetation such as holm oak, cork oak and plants typical of the island like myrtle, rock rose and the strawberry tree. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean bush and reconnect with nature. Visiting hours can be found on the official WWF reserve site.

In the Campidano area you’ll find the three peaks of the volcanic Monte Arci. This mountain holds a special place in Sardinian history because of its obsidian, or as they used to call it, black gold. It was traded and used to make weapons, such as the obsidian tips that you can see at Cagliari’s archaeological museum. In the town of Pau visit the only museum dedicated to obsidian in Europe and stroll the obsidian trail where the ground is covered in this incredible black glass. For the best experience go on a museum guided tour.

Nature Parks near Cagliari

If you’re in Cagliari be sure to visit the Molentargius wetlands. This is one of the most important sites in the Mediterranean basin as it’s a nesting ground for flamingos. These special birds are held dear to the city and are considered its mascots. It’s a perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and lose yourself in the local flora and fauna.

Sardinia’s Regional Parks

Besides Gutturu Mannu Park and Molentargius Park in Cagliari, Sardinia’s regional nature parks include Tepirola Park, which stretches across the municipalities of Bitti, Lodè, Posada and Torpè. There you’ll find miles of trails and unspoilt waterways. Porto Conte Park, which I described in my article 9 things to see in Alghero in every season. Porto Conte is 20 km from Alghero and is a treasure chest of rich biodiversity. Plus, it’s one of the few places where the griffon vulture still nests.

Sardinia’s National Parks

Among Sardinia’s most beautiful national parks are two wonderful and unique places with rich histories: the Maddalena Archipelago and Asinara.

The Maddalena Archipelago has always been one of the most fascinating places on the island. Not only does it have thousands of years of history but also a rich variety and uniqueness of landscape. Have you ever heard of the pink beach of Budelli for example?

arcieplago di la maddalena — Maddalena Archipelago

Asinara is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, located to the northwest of Sardinia, within easy reach by ferry from Stintino. Famous for having been a prison, today its unspoilt landscape, made up of jagged cliffs and dense Mediterranean scrub, is predominantly inhabited by albino donkeys and Asinara horses.

I highly recommend a day trip to this part of the island.

Historical and Environmental Geo-mining Park of Sardinia

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1998 and the first mining park in the world, the Historical and Environmental Geo-mining Park of Sardinia is one of the island’s most important and unique treasures. The park’s vast and unique environmental, biological and geological features can be seen in the various mining, cultural, natural and historical sites that you can visit. To discover them all, visit the official website of the geo-mining park.

I hope you enjoyed this journey through Sardinia’s most beautiful nature parks and are planning your visit now! Sardinia has something for everyone. Need some tips on how to organise the rest of your holiday? Take a look at this treasure trove of articles so you don’t miss out on a thing and get planning today.

For 4 years now, Volotea has been holding its “Design and Fly” competition in partnership with Show Us Your Type. European designers, and designers from all over the world, take part in a competition to represent a Volotea city through a typographic creation.

This year, our competition is a bit different. To celebrate Volotea’s 10-year anniversary, we decided to give free rein to artists, so that they can choose the Volotea city that they find most inspiring. And so they can display the diversity and cultural wealth of Volotea cities.

After several weeks and many entries, we are delighted to present the 10 winners of the “DesignVolotea10years” competition, and the winner of the international prize:

1st price: Bilbao by Hernán Raffo, @hernanraffo

We spoke with two of the winners, Hernán Raffo (Bilbao poster – 1^st prize) and Andres Nava H. (Barcelona poster – international price).

Hi, Hernan, Andrés. Congratulations on your prizes and thank you for these beautiful posters! Could you tell us a little about you?

Hernan: I’m Hernán Raffo, and I’m a graphic designer. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, playing football and drawing. I made my relationship with design official at the University of Buenos Aires. I ended up in Barcelona and then Ibiza, where I currently live. I love typography and playing football – I’m a Racing Club de Avellaneda follower.

Andres: I’m Andrés, from Mexico City. I’m a visual artist and maybe now also a designer. I currently live in the UK and am in the final year of the Photography BA at Coventry University.

Where did you get the inspiration for your respective posters, Bilbao and Barcelona?

Hernan: I was inspired by its shapes, the way in which the Nervión river flows into the old city, its modern architecture. And it’s a symbol for the Basque Country.

Andres: I spent some time researching the city and its landmarks—not just the geographical, but also historical one. In the end, the piece of history that I was left most excited about is another piece of design, one that impacts the city’s inhabitants on a daily basis and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future: the revolutionary work in the Eixample district and the iconic city grid that resulted from it.

I based my poster on what I imagined one of Ildefons Cerdà’s city-planning blueprints would have looked like whilet he was still working out the final details of his radical ideas for the future of the city, the scribbles and annotations he would have made. It went on from there. That strong conceptual foundation was the basis for all the other aesthetic decisions: the grid, the custom-made typography, the colours and textures, the hand-written notes and marks, everything.

Where do you find your inspiration in everyday life?

Hernan: My inspiration depends on the time and the project. Lately, I’ve been very inspired by calmness.

Andres: It’s a matter of hours and labour for me. “Inspiration” doesn’t just come, I find, you have to consciously work towards it, set deadlines. For me, work can involve going to exhibitions with a pencil and notepad, making notes; reading essays, books, articles; talking to friends about their work, helping them with their work, asking for help; trying out what seem to be useless ideas in isolation and experimenting with materials; and also, creatively solving small annoying problems within your everyday life—I need to design and make a new handle for my parents’ espresso machine, and glue together a mug that a good friend gifted me, using the kintsugi technique, for instance.

What is the most recent project, work, artist, or exhibition that you fell in love with?

Hernan: I have been working for some time with a beer project called Mosquito Brewing, In addition to making a beer I love, they are equally dedicated to design. I am absolutely in love with them. I also adore ses12naus in Ibiza.

Andres: It’s difficult to say… I spent the last six months in Berlin and saw a lot of great things. A few venues of the Berlin Biennial were great. I can think of the works by Lawrence Abu Hamadan, Forensic Architecture and Elske Rosenfeld within that. I was also introduced to the work of Dayanita Singh via her Gropius Bau exhibit. And met by chance an artist working out of the Berlin Treptow Ateliers, Elena Karakitsou, whose work I felt I “got”. Strangely, it’s actually a couple of re-encounters that have made the largest impact on me recently, perhaps because I’m simply at a different stage and they feel particularly relevant to the development of my practice right now—I cannot stop thinking about Tehching Hsieh’s ‘Time Clock Piece’ and Francis Alÿs’ ‘Paradox of Praxis I’, aka, ‘Sometimes Making Something Leads to Nothing’.

Finally, if you had to recommend a Volotea city to go on holiday, or if you had to choose a Volotea city for your next holiday, which one would you pick and why?

Hernan: Porto! Its contrasts, its colours, its textures. It’s a city that is full of life and visually glorious.

Andres: Well, I’m not very well-travelled, so I can’t be trusted with recommendations. That said, I’d love to go to Paris. I’ve never been, and I have a good friend there that I would love to visit soon.

Thank you both!

Think you know the most beautiful beaches in Corsica? You may have read my previous post on this subject. But did you know that there are still wild beaches in Corsica?

They are not as easy to reach, there may be no beach bar or parking area, and far less people. So you will have to bring your picnic with you, your icebox with cool water, put on a hat, good footwear, and you’re off!

Some can be reached after walking for a bit, other ones can only be reached by boat (suddenly, more people!) But when you get out of the water in these beaches, all you will see is the natural world around you.

The wild beaches of Haute-Corse

The beaches in the Agriates desert

The beaches in the Agriates desert are all wild. They can be reached by ferry, which means they are popular. However, I cannot fail to mention them, even if there’s more people – they are always less crowded than the famous Porto-Vecchio beaches! And the area is still wild and idyllic.

Saleccia

You can reach Saleccia on a 4×4 after driving down a 15 km track – that’s about a 45-minute trip. The track starts at Casta, just after the Relais at Saleccia.

U Paradisu campground is near the beach, fully integrated with the surrounding area. It’s a good place to spend a few days away from it all. But check if there are any vacancies before travelling for 45 minutes along a track!

Lodu

You can reach Lodu beach on the St-Florent ferry. It’s also called Loto or Lotu. (Note: in Haute-Corse, “t” is pronounced “d” and “u” is not pronounced, but it’s not pronounced at the end of the word. But in Ajaccio, “t” is pronounced “t”, and “u” is pronounced!)

To fully enjoy this idyllic location, I recommend taking the first Popeye ferry at 9 am. Then you will have the chance to see this white-sand beach when there’s still no one there, and be the first to disembark, like Robinson arriving at his island.

Ghignu

You can reach Ghignu taking the Malfacu track, and then walking for a bit less than 5 km (about 1 hour). A wonderful beach of white sand and turquoise water.

Malfacu

One of the options to get to Malfacu is to drive along the track from Vezzu hill on a 4×4 car. It will take you more than an hour to cover these 13 km. The other options are to walk from Saleccia or from L’Ostriconi, but it’s a rather long trip – even longer when the weather’s hot!

L’Ostriconi

This wild beach in the Agriates desert can be reached through a path from the old Ile Rousse route. This 800 m long beach can be dangerous when the weather is bad because of the strong currents, so avoid swimming too far from the strand.

The wild beaches at Cap Corse

Barcaggio beach

This beautiful beach, located at the north end of Corsica, Cap Corse, can be reached from Barcaggio village.

You will find a parking area that is for pay during the summer. From there, just walk for about fifteen minutes to discover this wonderful beach. Across from it is a little island on which stands the northernmost lighthouse in Corsica.

A few years ago, I found plenty of Bolma rugosa, a small shell that’s made in Corsica.

Des Iles beach

The beach at the Finocchiarola islands at Cap Corse is the first beach that can be reached from Tamarone bay through the douaniers route. It takes 20 minutes walking to get there. For those who have a 4×4 vehicle, you can also take a track.

The beach is almost deserted and has a splendid view of the Finocchiarola island, a natural reserve.

Like most unspoilt wild beaches, there is a bed of Posidonia, an underwater flower that is often taken for seaweed.

The wild beaches of South Corsica

Near Piana

Ficaghjola

You walk down to this little cover by a path from the Hotel des Roches Rouges outside Piana. You need to walk for 3 km to reach this little gem.

Cross Mezzanu brook, then keep walking along its bank down to the beach. On the way there, don’t forget to admire the view of the Gulf of Porto and the Piana cliffs.

You will be rewarded by a beach of fine sand and crystal-clear water at the end of this walk.

Arone beach

Arona beach, the only large beach in Piana, monitored in the summer, is nonetheless a wild beach. You can get there by car (and by boat).

From Piana village, take the D824 between the church and the supermarket. Drive for 12 km for about 20 minutes, to reach this superb white sand beach.

For gourmets, there are several restaurants near the beach, but also a campground and tourist apartments.

The wild beaches at Ajaccio

Lava Gulf

To the north of Ajaccio, between Capu di Fenu and Pelusella point, Lava Gulf is a very pleasant, and very long, beach. This beach is maintained by the city of Ajaccio and is monitored in the summer.

You can drive there by road D381, at the end of about 9 km.

The sunset to the west is gorgeous, so make sure to pack an evening picnic.

Cape Feno

This wild beach is also near Ajaccio. Locals love it, but so do surfers, as the wind and the waves are often perfect for them.

Take the D111B from the road from Vitulo to Ajaccio.

This beach, in a wild area, is gorgeous, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for the children, as there can always be waves and strong currents in the sea.

Near Propriano

Campomoro

Campomoro beach stretches out for more than 2 km in a nature reserve.

You can get there by driving along the D121 when you leave Propriano headed to Sartène.

Roccapina

In the south end, you will find Roccapina beach, at the foot of the famous Roccapina Lion.

The beach can be reached by car. There’s a great campground and bungalows a few hundred metres before you get to the beach.

The beach is curved, as it’s located in an inlet, and it’s very pleasant, with a gorgeous view wherever you look. The water is so turquoise that it looks like a swimming pool!

The wild beaches near Bonifacio

Stagnolu beach

Not far from Tunnara, Stagnolu beach is a gorgeous wild beach with 300 metres of sand. 10 km from Bonifacio, take the T40 then the D358 towards Tonnara, and then a track.

Behind you, you will find white sand dunes and the mountains. Bear in mind that, even though it’s a family beach, a small part of the beach is a nudist area.

Balistra

This beach of fine sand and turquoise water brings to mind the Caribbean! 10 km from Bonifacio, with the pond that bears its name in the background, this beach is a mecca for kite surfers.

Take the T40 towards Porto Vecchio, then, after about 8 km, take a road to the right and keep driving for about 2 km until you reach Balistra beach. There’s a free parking area and the beach is monitored in the summer.

Unspoilt Corsica

As you can see, even though Corsica is a tourist destination, there are still unspoilt, wild areas. This is because certain natural areas are protected by the authorities – it is for us now to protect these precious places.

Corsica is known for its dreamy beaches, but there are also superb natural pools.

Article updated on 6/08/2024

The mountains on the island are the source of many rivers that reach the sea among rocks. Nature, being generous, offers us magnificent natural water spots. The water is certainly cooler than the Mediterranean, that is, very cold in the spring, when the snows melt, but when it starts getting hot in the summer, it’s a great way to cool down.

In every river in Corsica there is a river where children swim all summer long. In fact, when the weather is warm, Corsicans prefer rivers to the beach.

These are some of the most beautiful natural pools in Corsica.

La Solenzara

This is my favourite, as it’s very easy to access and just above us: you can see the majestic Aiguilles de Bavella from there.

To get there, take the D268 towards Bavella. Because the road runs along the Solenzara river, you can choose the spot you like. There are little beaches in some areas where you can sit down comfortably under a sun umbrella.

In certain places you can find rocks to jump from, so pick the one that best suits you.

La Restonica

Restonica valley, just above Corte, in central Corsica, is about twenty kilometres long. This beautiful valley has many natural pools and waterfalls.

At this height, I should warn you, the water is very cold, around 12°! Just tell yourself it’s great to get the blood flowing. To reach it, take the D623 south of Corte.

Fango valley

This valley is a bit less crowded because it’s less easy to access, which is even better! Go to Galéria, south of Calvi, and take the D351.

The source of Fango river is as the heart of Capu Tafunatu, the pierced mountain. This year is riddled with little ponds that make nice natural pools in the middle of the pink granite rocks. Moreover, the water is at an ideal temperature to plunge in!

Manganellu river

Manganellu river crosses the village of Vivario and plunges into the Vecchio. To reach it, walk along the GR20 track for a while, specifically stretch 8 from Petra Piana to l’Onda. It’s an easy walk along a rather large path in the midst of the pine trees. Take care to stay on GR20 – if you go along the ridges path, you won’t be able to swim today! If you don’t feel like walking, you can drive, taking the D23 at Tattone.

The pine trees around these natural pools contrast with the colour of the water. Feast your eyes.

Aïtone forest

I adore Aïtone forest all year round! At the heart of these 4000 hectares, you will find some hidden natural pools and waterfalls. The water is never warmer than 15° even in mid-August, but the landscape is so stunning and soothing that no one will complain! You can walk there from Evisa village, through a chestnut forest. You will find your reward after walking for some 45 minutes.

For those who are not that fond of sport, you can drive there. Just take the D84 and park at Belvédère Mare in Mare Nord.

If you are hungry in the evening, I recommend going up to Castel di Vergio Hotel, named after the hill. They serve a unique menu including a delicious Corsican soup, huge, high quality steak, and Fiadone for dessert. Everything is homemade, and there is a view of Monte Cinto, the highest peak in Corsica.

The Cavu natural pools

Cavu river is in the South of Corsica, a few kilometres to the North of Porto-Vecchio. These are some of the many natural pools in this river. To get there, take then D1968A at Sainte Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, towards Taglio Rosso.

The first one is a gorgeous pool behind U Paesu restaurant at Tagliu Rossu. Walk upriver to find other spots not far from there. Further up, you will find a paid parking area (EUR 5), with beautiful pools, and a bit farther, another spot called “Piscini di Micu”.

I’ve been saving the best for last: the most beautiful natural pools are the ones near the Les 3 Piscines restaurant.

Criviscia

Drive towards Zonza village in l’Alta Rocca to discover the Criviscia brook. Them go towards Quenza, and when you reach Criviscia bridge, find a place to park (which is not easy!)

From the bridge, you can see the brook and hear the sound of the waterfall. The river wends its way through pine trees and oaks, and you can splash in the very cool water from the mountains. If you continue to go upriver, you’ll reach a canyon with rocks to jump from.

Purcaraccia waterfall

I have already talked about trekking in Corsica, which I encourage you to do – it’s often while trekking that you will discover lovely waterfalls and natural pools.

I couldn’t fail to mention one of the most beautiful ponds on the island. You should be aware that it’s often crowded, you I would get there early, to be among the first to experience the magic of the area.

You will need good walking shoes, but once you get there, you will find a corner of paradise!

Cascade des Anglais waterfall

The Cascade des Anglais waterfalls can be reached from Vizzavona hill. This gorgeous waterfall is at an altitude of 1130 m, so it’s rather cool up there, as is the water!

To get there, you’ll have to walk for a while along the GR20. From the Vizzavona parking area, take the forest route towards the ruins. It’s a 30 to 35-minute walk, quite easy, but a bit uphill.

You can also get there from Vizzavona train station. The path is well marked and shaded, and takes about 1h30. The walk is really worth it, and the temperature is always nice.

A nice alternative to the sea

Wherever you stay in Corsica, you will find at least one natural pool near. You can also go canyoning down these rivers, which are very safe.

If you feel like taking a break from the beach and getting some cool air, don’t miss beautiful inland Corsica.

And if you are looking for more ideas for your Corsica vacation, don’t miss all our articles on experiences, gastronomy and things to see around Ajaccio and Bastia.

Why not discover Corsica, the “Ile de Beauté” (The Island of Beauty), through hiking? There are all kinds of hikes in Corsica, from the world-famous GR20 to kid-friendly ones. Let me tell you about hikes I have done and loved.

Truth be told, I’m not a great sportswoman and I love easy hikes, when I can take the time to take videos and photos, or just LOOK AROUND! I’m always at the back of the group, but I always have the most photos!

Hikes in Piana

From the Dog’s Head to the Fortified Castle

I have wonderful memories of this hike, because it was the first weekend our restrictions were lifted after the 2020 lockdown. Being outdoors, under the blue sky, was wonderful, and we were practically on our own in the rocky inlets of Piana.

This is a short hike, a one-hour round trip, which is suitable for children. The hike starts in an oak forest, with granite boulders smoothed down by time and erosion.

The view over the Bay of Porto at the start is breath-taking. This view of the Mediterranean after 2 months in lockdown was like a “Get out of Jail Free” card!

I thought I found a fortified castle, but in fact it’s an impressive block of granite resembling one. Another rock looks like a dog’s head. In Piana, every rock looks like something else.

Calanche and Piana forest

This hike starts from Piana stadium, outside the village.

To reach this beautiful view and admire the rocky inlets from high up, you’ll have to climb. The incline is 600m. The path is very well delimited, between undergrowth and sunny areas.

When you come back, I recommend going down towards Roches bleues. This route goes into the forest: in the summer, you will be in the shade, but in January you may encounter some ice! What’s interesting about this path is the main views of the rocky inlets you will find.

The round trip is 9km, and takes between 4.5 to 5 hours.

The old mule path

Starting again at the stadium, but from the crossroads, go ahead rather than climbing to the right.

In the 19^th century, Piana locals who wanted to go to Porto took this path, as the route between the inlets did not exist. The path is paved and buttressed by drywall. At the top, you will be rewarded with a superb view.

This is an easy hike, about an hour and a half long, with a 250m incline.

We completed these two hikes on the same day, last January, the first going down to the inlets at Roches Bleues, and then taking the mule path on our way back. It’s very doable.

Hikes in Vergio

Nino Lake

Nino Lake is earned, and here I’m talking to an expert audience. I did this hike in September a few years ago, but it was tough as the incline is 690m!

When you leave the Poppaghia forest house, you follow a path through the forest that gently goes up around the Orsu Longu ridge. It was then I thought that it wasn’t so hard after all… But then there’s more forest that shades you, and a quite steep slope with stones that slip under your feet and make it hard to get through. Experienced GR20 hikers won’t bat an eyelid, but if you are a novice, get ready to suffer!

Discovering a glacial lake and its pozzines (pools) is worth the effort.

For me, it’s doable (if I’ve done it, anyone can), taking your time and departing early to have a picnic by the lake. For these 10km, allow some 5 or 6 hours for the round trip. This hike may be considered difficult.

A bit of the GR20

There are some easy hikes at the level of the Castel Vergio hotel. Starting with the hotel behind you and to your left, you can start several routes. Some time ago, I did a bit of the GR20 hike towards Nino Lake – it’s easy and specially very pleasant, as the path is well delimited and follows the ridges.

HIKES IN THE Agriates DESERT

Here are several nice hikes you can do following the routes that the customs officials used to take when looking for smugglers.

You can start your hike from St-Florent and La Roya beach, or take the shuttle to Lodu or Saleccia beaches.

You can go to Ostriconi beach if you like to walk: it takes some ten hours from Saleccia and some 30km one way.

I was less ambitious, and walked from Saleccia beach to Ghignu beach. It’s a beautiful walk, 11km as a round trip, by the sea, with several idyllic coves where you can take a swim to cool down.

This hike, which has hardly any incline, is suitable for everyone. You can smell the fragrances of the Corsican maquis, the famous Corsican immortelle flowers, but in the autumn, you will find arbutus and myrtle. No shade here, so don’t forget your hat!

In November, we stopped at Trave beach, where we took a spuntinu (a picnic in Corsican) in the shade of an old sheep pen that resembles Robinson Crusoe’s hut. We were true Robinsons, alone in the world, with the infinite turquoise sea in front of us!

Hikes near Ajaccio

The Ridge route

This hike is a beautiful walk frequented by Ajaccio locals. It is suitable for everyone, including as a family walk.

You walk high above the town, finding yourself in the middle of cacti, to cross a more arid area. The starting point is Bois des Anglais.

The view of the town and bay of Ajaccio town is amazing. As you go on, you will find the route of the Sanguinaires. Follow the ridges to have a view of the entire Bay of Ajaccio.

You can then turn back and go down to the town again, or continue to La Parata.

Spring is the best time of year to do this hike as it is not too hot yet. In the summer, it’s best to do it at the end of the day, just do the first part, and watch the glorious sunset on the Sanguinaires Islands. You will find then that their name comes from their tawny hues at the end of the day.

From La Parata to the Sanguinaires it’s slightly over 11km as a round trip, and a 550m incline.

Coti Chiavari prison

I have done this hike to Coti Chiavari prison, to the south of the Bay of Ajaccio, in May, and temperatures were just right. It’s not very difficult, and you can take the children with you.

You start at Mare e Sole. Follow the myrtle path through a forest of cork trees. You will cross a small brook, where you’ll see the ruins of an old oil mill.

Then you will reach a larger, flat path, and have a glorious view of the silvery beach. Then take the route flanked by eucalypt trees that goes up to the prison. On the way there, you will find the remains of the prison cemetery, with some tombs of past convicts.

At the top of the track, turn left to reach an esplanade (look out for very tall pine trees), from which you will have an amazing view of the entire Bay of Ajaccio. If you have taken the path across the ridges, you will find yourself facing the other side of the Bay!

Hike at Alta Rocca

Piscia di Gallu waterfall

This last hike goes up to Alta Rocca, near Ospédale Lake. The incline is very slight, 110m, and the round trip is 4.6k, about 1h40.

You reach it from the (paid) parking area about 1km to the north of the lake.

On the way, you will come across a ford (you cross through the rocks), and at the top, you will find an amazing balancing stone. But, above all, a stunning view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

During the first part of the hike, you will walk under the shade of Lariccio pines but then it’s all rocks in the sun. The end of the route requires some technical skill, as the ground is covered in pebbles as well as a tangled roots, so watch where you step! Finally, you will reach this wonderful waterfall. Of course, in the autumn it’s much less impressive!

Hiking in Corsica

Hiking is a great way to discover the Island of Beauty. This mountainous island offers very different landscapes, and particularly the heights to properly admire them.

And don’t forget to put on sun cream, take enough water, and wear a cap!

Volotea celebrates its 10th anniversary! To celebrate this important milestone, we invite you to retrace the company’s 10 years through the discovery of 10 Volotea bases.

On 5 April 2012, a new low-cost airline made its first flight from Venice to Cagliari. Since then, Volotea aircraft have crossed European skies, transporting more than 40 million passengers and connecting more and more cities: today we have over 100 destinations in 16 countries with a map of 360 routes, and keep growing.

Volotea cities are the heart and essence of flying so, to celebrate our anniversary, we thought we would introduce you to some of our operational bases.

We invite you to leave with us on a journey back in time to discover 10 cities that have made the history of the company. 10 bases, one per year, the year of their inauguration.

2012: NANTES

The charming old town, the relaxing green spaces and the dynamic cultural life will win you over as soon as you set foot in Nantes.

This lively city located along the Loire estuary is full of tourist attractions and art displays; the many works of art and museums have in fact contributed to giving new life to the city, renewing its industrial heritage.

Unmissable experiences in Nantes:

Cycle along the green line to discover one of the most “bike-friendly” cities in France
Spend an evening at the Hangar à bananes, one of the many bars, restaurants and displays overlooking the Loire
Discover the installations on the Estuaire Trail between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire
Taste Muscadet wine in the city bars or exploring the vineyards in the Nantes region
Immerse yourself in culture visiting the city’s main monuments and museums, like the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Cathedral, and the Museum of Fine Arts

2013: PALERMO

Palermo will cast a spell on your senses: eclectic, chaotic, fragrant, colourful, with a fascinating millenary history that peeps out on every corner, Palermo is a continuous discovery. Its rich cultural heritage, its exotic, lively personality, its fantastic gastronomy, and its paradise beaches near the city are just some of the things that make Palermo one of the most surprising destinations in Italy.

Unmissable experiences in Palermo:

Visit the Cathedral and the catacombs
Try the street food and Sicilian specialties
Take a swim in the many dream beaches along the Palermo coast
Explore the Teatro Massimo and the entire historic centre

2014: ASTURIAS

Asturias is famous as a true paradise for lovers of nature and active life: lush natural parks, long wild beaches where you can surf or relax in the sun, mountains to explore where you can do some fantastic trekking… But those looking for a culture break will not be disappointed by Asturias: the cities, the charming small villages and the traditional museums are unmissable, as well as the rich local gastronomy. You will always be warmly welcome!

Unmissable experiences in Asturias:

Visit the three main cities of the region: Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés.
Unwind in one of the stunning local natural parks , where time seems to have stood still
Try the local specialities in one of the charming seaside villages, such as Llanes or Cudillero
Surf the waves at one of the endless local beaches, like Peñarronda.

2015: VERONA

Ever since Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his famous tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Verona has earned a reputation as the romantic city par excellence. Indeed, this Unesco World Heritage city will conquer anyone’s heart, thanks to a well-preserved historic centre, a Roman Arena where unmissable operas are staged, a splendid province where rolling hills give unique wines to the world. And who wouldn’t like to sip a spritz while lazily watching life from one of the city’s magnificent piazze?

Unmissable experiences in Verona:

Attend a concert in the dreamy Verona Arena
Enjoy a break from exploring the historic centre in Piazza delle Erbe, the beating heart of the city
Declare eternal love to your partner (or to yourself) under Juliet’s balcony
Have a delicious aperitif and taste the excellent local wines, such as Lugana or Valpolicella
Take a trip to Lake Garda, with its Mediterranean climate, its spas, and the charming villages scattered along its shores

2016: TOULOUSE

Lively Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city, is known as “the pink city” for the colour of its buildings, which take on a particularly striking hue in the light of sunset. The beautiful Vieux Quartier, the historic centre, seamlessly flows into the more modern and busy part of Toulouse, a cutting-edge research hub as well as an important university city. The diverse urban landscape has a beautifully melancholy air when viewed from the old bridges over the Garonne.

Unmissable experiences in Toulouse:

Stroll through the alleys of the Carmes district
Enjoy a show in one of Toulouse’s cultural institutions: La Cave Poésie or the Cineteca, both on rue du Taur
Enjoy local delicacies and wines and go shopping in the elegant Saint-Etienne district
Like Nantes, Toulouse also has its own space dedicated to giants: the Giant Machines in the Montaudran district
At sunset, take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Garonne and admire the incredible view over the Dôme de la Grave!

2017: BILBAO

If you are an architecture fan, Bilbao is undoubtedly a must. With its avant-garde museums, including the incredible Guggenheim, and futuristic buildings, the city has focused on new architectural trends and culture to recycle its industrial past. We feel you should also know that some of the best chefs in the world have opened their restaurants here, and the beaches near Bilbao are spectacular. Already looking for a plane ticket to the Basque Country, are you?

Unmissable experiences in Bilbao:

Marvel at the Guggenheim’s stunning titanium building and admire its collection of modern art
At lunchtime, take a tour of the different bars in the picturesque Casco Viejo to do some “picar” (nibbling) on pintxos and txacoli (the local sparkling wine)
Treat yourself to a dreamy boat ride along the Ría, the urban estuary where the river meets the sea
If you visit the city in early July, don’t miss the huge BBK music festival, where world-famous musicians perform every year

2018: ATHENS

Athens, the birthplace of democracy, is one of those cities you absolutely must visit once in a lifetime. Not only because of its incredible historical heritage, which is a real draw for tourists from all over the world, but also for its irresistible atmosphere: Athens knows it has a lot to offer, but it doesn’t seem to give too much importance to its own beauty. It is precisely this informal and somewhat anarchic air that made us fall in love with her. Trust us on this.

Unmissable experiences in Athens:

After making a stop at the Acropolis, discover the most authentic Athens by following the advice of our local experts
Greek cuisine is a true explosion of flavours; try its most distinctive dishes in Plaka restaurants
Discover the hipster soul of Athens and its vibrant cultural and nightlife in more alternative neighbourhoods, like Metaxourgeio
Enjoy the view of the city from the top of Mount Lycabettus, preferably at sunset
Depart from here to discover the wonderful Greek islands, such as Mykonos or Santorini

2019: CAGLIARI

The capital of Sardinia is a delightful town on a human scale, perfect for a break from the island’s paradise beaches but also to enjoy a cultural weekend any time of the year. In the charming fortified district of Castello you can take a walk through history and enjoy splendid views of the city, while in the port area you will be greeted by the salty air and typical trattorias serving gorgeous fish dishes. A few kilometres from the town centre, the lovely coastline is particularly lively in the summer months, while the lagoon areas are the home habitat of pink flamingos and many other bird species.

Unmissable experiences in Cagliari:

Enjoy the view of the city and its surroundings from one of its seven hills
Treat yourself to a delicious aperitif at Saint Remy fortress
Immerse yourself in the history of Sardinia with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum
Spend the afternoon swimming and the evening lounging around at Poetto beach
Watch the diverse aquatic fauna in Molentargius Park

2020: NAPLES

Could its proximity to Mount Vesuvius be the reason why Naples releases so much energy? Or is it the influence of its three millennia of history, which have seen a succession of invasions, attacks, and natural disasters, forging the character of this city so strongly? Whatever the explanation, no one can remain indifferent to the chaotic but absolutely irresistible personality of this city that assaults its visitors’ senses. The smells of Neapolitan gastronomy, the noises of traffic and street vendors, the colours of the hanging clothes and the Nativity figurines, the view of its gulf, one of the most beautiful in the world… Naples is not a destination, it’s a state of mind that cannot be described. One you need to experience.

Unmissable experiences in Naples:

Take a leisurely stroll through the alleys of the historic centre, a World Heritage Site
Prepare your stomach for the local street food: pizza, sfogliatelle, babà, cuoppo, and so on and so forth. And of course don’t forget na tazzulella e cafè!
Explore the city from an alternative point of view from underground Naples
Plan a trip to Pompeii and the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Naples

2021: LYON

The home city of the Lumière brothers is not only pilgrimage site for cinephiles, but for all art lovers. With over 20 spectacular museums, gorgeous UNESCO-protected neighbourhoods, and cultural offerings for all tastes, elegant Lyon bewitches beauty lovers. Good food also has its home here: your mouth will water constantly in the gourmet capital of France.

Unmissable experiences in Lyon:

Get lost in the corridors of the Musée des Confluences as you go on a journey through the history of humanity
Try typical Lyonnaise cuisine in the local bouchons
Find the many street art works scattered around the city
Witness the evocative performances of the Festival of Lights, held every year in early December

And the Volotea cities continue to increase: the latest arrival is Lille, the new base we opened in 2022. We invite you to discover all the cities you can reach with our flights and keep getting inspired, discovering, travelling!