Do you want an Island Wedding in Europe? Corsica could be your perfect destination!?
The island of Corsica is a spectacular land mass of mountainous terrain and rocky coastline and just four hours on the Ferry from the south of France.
The island is divided into two regions: Haute Corse to the north whose capital is Bastia and Corse du Sud where Ajaccio is both the island’s capital and airport.
With almost 200 beaches and 1000km of coastline, Corsica is a beach lover’s dream. The most renowned are the sweeping bays of Calvi and L’Ile Rousse in the north, and Palombaggia, Pinarello and San Ciprianu in the south.
If you’re looking for an island paradise wedding within Europe then Corsica could be your perfect destination. Take a look at our amazing suppliers and see who can help make your party amazing!
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More About the French Island of Corsica (Corse)
The rich and chequered history of Corsica manifests itself around every corner with some fascinating architecture. Monuments, citadels, watchtowers and museums scattered all over the island bear witness to the ever-changing and often turbulent past of this multi-cultural island. Of particular note are the Baroque style churches in la Balagne region and the 60 Genoese watchtowers that punctuate the coastline.
Despite being our closest Mediterranean island, Corsica remains relatively unknown to holiday-makers which is a great shame given the mix of astonishing scenery and a thriving culture. Set on the western Mediterranean trade routes of the past, Corsica has always been of great importance to the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. In 1768, France bought Corsica from Genoa and despite France’s 200 years’ rule, Corsica has retained much of its Italian origins with its Genoese fortresses, Baroque churches and a Tuscan-influenced language and cuisine.
Corsica has two french departments : Corse-du-Sud (102A) | Haute-Corse (102B
It is said that the best beaches in the Mediterranean exist on Corsica’s coastline – half-moon bays of white sand, transparent water and rocky coves extend all the way along the west coast. The finest beach is undoubtedly Le Plage de Saleccia, a spectacular sweep of soft white sand and turquoise sea, with not a building in sight. Corsica has 1000km of glorious coastline and close to 200 beaches; and thanks to the island’s diverse landscape there is a real variety in the style and makeup of the bays and coves. And the beaches in Corsica are also incredibly clean.
In central Corsica, the range of granite mountains which form the spine of the island afford superb scenery and magnificent views. And an unusual aspect of Corsica is its prehistoric sites, known to be among the greatest of the Western Mediterranean. At Filitosa, just north of the port of Propriano, can be found a wonderful array of statue-menhirs and prehistoric structures, unique for their carved faces dating back some eight thousand years. Another unusual spectacle is the UNESCO-protected site of the Calanches found close to Porto on the West Coast. Here vast rock formations and pinnacles in vivid hues of orange and pink appear to crumble into the dark blue sea. Some soar 300m above the waves and many resemble different animals and figures. The coast of the Gulf of Porto is one of Corsica’s most famous landscapes.
Corsica is so much more than a beach resort
The majestic old town of Bonifacio sits on a limestone throne at the far south of the island and is one of the most spectacular towns in the Mediterranean. The citadel walls and ancient houses of Bonifacio appear to rise seamlessly out of sheer cliffs that have been hollowed and striated by the wind and waves. Beneath, an inlet about 100 metres wide forms a natural harbour and a series of grottoes and coves. Time seems to stand still in the hills of la Balagne and the beautiful villages here. Clinging to mountains above the sea, they give a glimpse of the old days in Corsica and afford spectacular viewpoints. Situated between la Balagne and St Florent, the Désert des Agriates is an area of arid landscape and savage beauty. The highlights include the deserted beaches of Saleccia and Loto – with their curves of pearl-white sand and crystal clear water. Ajaccio is famous as the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, but Corsica’s capital has a historically-rich history as well and is a fascinating location to explore.
The region of Corte in the Interior offers beautiful rugged landscapes, two of which are the spectacular glacier-moulded gorges in the Mediterranean right on the town’s doorstep – the Restonica and the Tavignano valleys. These valleys echo with tumbling rivers and rock pools, and sharply sculptured slopes rear from forests of enormously tall Corsican pines, proving the perfect locations for outdoor adventure. And the northeastern peninsula poking out to sea towards mainland France is Cap Corse, a rugged landscape with wonderfully-wild beaches like Nonza.