A Photographer's Paradise, A Painter's Dream! It is said that when God created Corsica, he used it as his 'maquette', or model, for the rest of the world, creating the ideal mountains, the ideal beaches, the ideal forests and so on. We at directCorsica believe that there are more wonderful sites to see per square mile in Corsica than most other places on earth, and so we have come up with our own personal list of 8 wonders. These are places which, if you are a photographer, you must take a picture of, or if you are an artist, you must set up your easel and paint. To help you to visit these 8 wonders, we have designed a two centre holiday, and have prepared an itinerary to take you easily on day trips from your base, advising on the time of day to make your visit to get the best shots, where to place your camera or easel, etc..
SOUTHERN CORSICA - Auberge Sole e Monti, Quenza Located at the heart of the beautiful Alta Rocca region stands the Auberge Sole e Monti. Perfectly situated for exploring the dramatic surroundings, the Sole e Monti has and excellent reputation as a friendly, family run establishment. Located in one of the most fascinating areas of Corsica, at a Casa Toia auberge you can escape the hustle and bustle, and simply relax and enjoy the dramatic scenery and authentic surroundings. Founded in 1985, Casa Toia is an association to promote the traditional Corsican Auberges which have been selected for their cuisine and regional specialities. You can always be sure of a warm welcome and good value for money. Quenza, a stunning mountain health resort, can be found at an altitude of 810 metres at the foot of the famous Bavella needles. The magnificent landscapes surrounding the village are a haven for nature lovers, whilst the beaches of Solenzana and Porto Vecchio are just an hours' drive away. There is some marvellous walking from Quenza itself, and the nearby villages of Levie, Carbini and Santa Lucie de Tallano are well worth a visit. Pool ............................. Beach .......................... Bedroom types......……. Restaurant …….....….... Shops ……………..…..... Area / Airport ............... Arrival day ...................   No 47km Standard or surperior doubles Two in the village Walking distance, 50m South - Figari, Ajaccio or Bastia Any, subject to availability Wonders in the area; The magnificent town of Bonifacio, thought to have been founded in 828 by the Marquis de Toscane Boniface who gave the town it's name. Sitting on a limestone cliff, the town must be one of the most photogenic towns in Europe. We particularly like the view from the sea (take a boat trip from Bonifacio harbour), with the King of Aragon steps carved into the cliff side, and houses built on bulging limestone bluffs. The Aiguilles de Bavella - needle-like mountains thrusting up menacingly above you as you drive up from the coast to the Col de Bavella. Particularly beautiful towards sunset, with the sun setting behind them. Palombaggio beach must be one of the most stunning in Europe and the most famous on the island with white sand, shallow clear blue water, protected by pink granite rocks and backed with pine trees. The Oriu de Canni - a personal favourite (above) - is a shepherd's house built in a naturally hollowed out rock. You often see them in Corsica, but this one is just like a witch's house, and local people used to believe it was haunted. NORTHERN CORSICA - Hotel l'Aitone, Evisa Amid some of the most spectacular scenery on Corsica and at the centre of the 'Circuit des Merveilles', the Hotel Restaurant l'Aitone dominates the magnificent village of Evisa, 850m above sea level. Comfortable and welcoming, the hotel offers a traditional lounge bar and a restaurant where you try some of the local specialities such as terrine of wild boar with chestnuts, or trout from the local river, but what could be more relaxing than watching the sun slowly setting behind Spelunca Gorge from the panoramic terrace surrounding the pool. One of the biggest attractions is the outstanding natural beauty of the region. There are plenty of opportunities to swim in natural rock pools formed by huge granite boulders, and a drive through the Calanches de Piana is not to be missed! The Spelunca Gorge is one of truly one of natures unexplained wonders; deep red ravines that plunge to depths of 1000m, local legend has it that it was created by the devil himself in a fit of rage. Nature lovers will love the boat trips to Girolata and Scandola - europe's only land and sea reserve, and the little resort of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its Genoese watchtower red granite cliffs. Pool ............................. Beach .......................... Bedroom types......……. Restaurant …….....….... Shops ……………..…..... Area / Airport ............... Arrival day ...................   Yes, large shared 30km Double or twins In hotel or walking distance, 30m Walking distance, 30m North - Calvi, Bastia or Ajaccio Any, subject to availability Wonders in the area; The Spelunca Gorge - plunging rock faces in many shades of granite backed by high peaks, this has to be the most dramatic gorge in the Mediterranean. Edward Lear fell for it, and produced many sketches/paintings of this scenic wonder Porto, the pretty little seaside resort on the west cost with red cliffs plunging into the sea Les Calanches - red rock weathered into weird shapes by the wind (look for the Dinosaur and the Dog's head). Legend has it that the devil tried to seduce a young shepherdess but she and her fiancee chased him here and in his fury at not being able to tempt them, Satan used lightning to sculpt them into the rocks guarded by a surreal menagerie. Best viewed as the sun goes down. Le Niolo and the Cinque Frati mountains - a natural basin in the centre of Corsica, ringed by its highest mountains. Access by road was only possible from the middle of the twentieth century, and the people - often blond haired and blue eyed - are said to be descended from Scottish mercenaries. Particularly stunning is the Cinque Frati mountain - a granite bunch of fives pointing up from the skyline. Bookings and further information: e-mail contact@directcorsica.com. Please make it clear when booking which room type you are hoping to reserve. Comments from previous guests... Have you stayed here? Be the first to give us your comments using the link below... 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