Corsica (Corsica in Italian and in Corsican) is a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It has belonged to France since 1768 and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, although being a more expensive destination than Sardinia or the Balearic Islands it usually receives a lower volume of tourism.
In this article I am going to tell you about its most important cities so that you can get to know it more thoroughly. Do not forget that with its 8,680 square kilometers it is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, although in reality it is not easy to find large cities due to its extensive orography.
Ajaccio
It is the most populated city and the capital of Corsica . It is located on the west coast of the island and is very famous because Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most brilliant military men in history, was born there. The waters that bathe its beaches are crystal clear and the sun shines brightly for about 300 days a year, which is why it is a perfect place to enjoy good weather.
Going back to Napoleon, it must be said that they have taken advantage of their popularity to attract tourism through the National Museum of the Bonaparte house , the Napoleonic hall, the imperial chapel … All of this seasoned with the joy that emerges from its streets, where markets are usually organized where it is possible to buy local and second-hand products.
Bastia
Located to the north, in the Upper Corsica region, Batia is the second most important city in Corsica. We are talking about 45,000 inhabitants who are a few kilometers from the island of Elba, which belongs to Italy. It is one of the few industrial centers on the island and we could say that the most important port is there. The Bastia citadel is a delight, as is the Baroque heritage it exhibits. The Old Port, the Cathedral of Saint Jean Baptiste and the Palace of the Governors are some of the points that no tourist should miss.
Calvi
Despite having just over 5,000 inhabitants, it is another of the cities that must be taken into account when visiting this beautiful French island. Its beaches are spectacular and the mountains are waiting to share the limelight. It is a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing vacation , and above all it boasts a beautiful citadel full of archaeological remains that show that it was already lived there in the Neolithic (between 5000 BC and 2500 BC).
court
Corte, more than a city, we could say that it is a town. A town located to the north, at about 450 meters of altitude and with a population that exceeds 7,000 inhabitants. The views it offers are wonderful and hiking enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to delight in forests, rivers, lakes, mountains … In addition, in this city that was the capital of independent Corsica is located the University of Corsica, which is home to about 3,800 students.
Sartène
They say that it is the most Corsican city in all of Corsica, something that must be verified by mingling with the people there. With just over 3,000 inhabitants, it is clear that it is another small town that we could label as a town. It is in the south of the island and stands out for the beauty of its buildings , which rise in a territory full of mountains. That does not mean that it is very close to the beautiful beaches in the south, so the tourist must decide if he wants a beach or a mountain, being able to change his mind every day.
Porto Vecchio
Just over 12,000 inhabitants allow us to say that Porto Vecchio is the third largest city in Corsica. It is an important tourist center located about 25 kilometers from Bonifacio, a city that I will talk about below. Its beautiful old town with fortifications from past centuries stands out, its beaches and its privileged location, since it is not only on the coast, but also at the foot of Aiguilles de Bavella, which is probably the most beautiful mountain in the place.
Bonifacio
For some it is the most incredible city in all of Corsica . A city if not a town, as there are just over 3,000 inhabitants living there on a cliff that attracts thousands of tourists. The views are spectacular and its fortifications powerfully attract attention. Strolling through the streets of one of the oldest cities on the island is a privilege, and it does not matter if you do it by approaching the most coastal area or the old town, where you will want to lose yourself among its narrow streets.
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