Ajaccio
CORSICA
«Le soleil a tellement fait l'amour à la mer
qu'ils ont fini par enfanter la Corse»
Antoine de Saint Exupéry
"Mountain in the Sea"
The island’s name origin still causes controversy. It is believed the name "Corsica" is derived from the Phoenician word "woody" - as Roman authors mention. According to another view, Romans called "Corso" the ancient tribes who lived on this island. The ancient Greeks also used the Phoenician name Kyrnos, which means "horn, cape, rock". It is considered that the Greeks, enchanted by island nature, gave to Corsica nickname Callista ("the most beautiful").
Corsica
Indeed, the island justifies all these names. Corsica is a wonderful combination of sea and mountains. It is the land of forests, rich variety of vegetation, where everything is fragrant. The land of crystal streams and broad mountain rivers with their deep emerald backwaters, cool and icy mountain lakes. The sea and the sun! Magnificent sandy beaches and clear turquoise water.
In Corsica you can choose activity for any taste. You can go for a walk in the forest along the winding pathways or for a long hike through the famous mountain routes. You can safely enjoy the sun and the sea on many beaches of Corsica, or you can take a boat to explore little beautiful islands, or you can visit ancient stone monuments, old-world castles, nature reserves and parks, natural monuments of UNESCO. We invite you to discover this wonderful island!
Ajaccio
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica, resort town and the center of tourism. The city is located on the western shore of the island, in the picturesque harbor. Ajaccio has numerous serpentine roads due to mountainous area. At the same time, the city stretches along the coast, with a smooth coastline and landscaped beaches. Here is the largest port for cruises in Corsica.
Due to the architectural style and harmony of colors, it was created as interesting and original city. The center of Ajaccio forms the old town, typically Mediterranean, with ancient buildings, cobbled streets and narrow alleys.
Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Imperial City. It is not surprising that many attractions of the city are associated with the name and image of the great military and political leader. There is house museum, opened to public, where Napoleon was born and lived. Many monuments are dedicated to Napoleon, many of the streets are named after Bonaparte family. For example, there is the street of Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon's uncle. It is a pedestrian street full of restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. Here you can find Fesch Museum, with a large collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. Nearby you will find the chapel with the crypt, where members of Bonaparte family were buried. Parallel to this street is the main street of Ajaccio, Napoleon Avenue, full of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Corse cuisine
Corsican cuisine is linked closely with local agricultural products and livestock products. Olives, grapes, chestnuts, citrus and arbutus grow in abundance on the island. Corsica is famous for its wines, cheeses and delicatessen. It is worth to try traditional dishes from wild boar and chestnut products, such as chestnut honey, jam, beer, cakes and pulenda. Corsican cuisine combines elements of Mediterranean and French cuisines. Fish and seafood are widely used in corsian cuisine. Gourmets will be delighted with freshest oysters and sea urchins.
Traditional meal in Corsica can start with hot or cold appetizers, salads, soups. Then the main dishes come, finally comes dessert. You can enjoy both the famous French desserts and original Corsican ones. After dessert you get fruits or cheese.