CORSICA PORTS & CITIES
CORSICA PORTS & CITIES
| Ajaccio | Bonifacio | Calvi | St Florent |
Ajaccio
Cruise to Ajaccio, What Great Man Was Born Here? - Corsica
A cruise to Ajaccio will take you to Napoleon's birthplace and, if you did not know that before, it would only take a few minutes after cruising into Ajaccio to cotton on as 'Boneys' name and likeness is everywhere. The main shopping street is called Cours Napoleon and the wide tree-lined boulevards, parks and large squares in this newer part of town feature many statues of the great man, notably in the main square (ironically called General de Gaulle). The Old Town between the port and the imposing citadel on the cliff above boasts Napoleons House and the cathedral where he was baptised. The main marketplace is right by the port and here you'll find lots of local craft goods and endless Napoleonic souvenirs. Nestling in the Bay of Ajaccio, halfway down the islands west coast, Ajaccio is an excellent base from which to explore Corsica and discover why it is called the 'Scented Isle' (because of the sweet aromas from the mountainside maquis vegetation).
Bonifacio
Cruise to the Tip of Corsica to the Ancient Fortress Town of Bonifacio, Corsica
Cruise to this superb location on a narrow peninsula of white limestone at Corsica's southernmost point creates a sight unlike any other on the island. Bonifacio was established in the 12th century by the Genoese as their Corsican stronghold against the Moors; an earlier settlement existed here during Roman times. The name originated with Count Bonifacio of Tuscany, who built a castle on the peninsula in 828. To this day, the Italian influence is very strong. Bonifacio is one of Corsica's most beautiful towns and comes as a lovely surprise to many first-time visitors. It comprises the upper town, or Haute-Ville, and the lower town, consisting of the port, a marina and numerous restaurants and souvenir shops. The main attractions are located in the upper town, which is surrounded by enormous battlements. A flight of 100 steps, in addition to a gentler incline of a roadway, leads to the upper town. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined by stately buildings, many of which house attractive shops and quaint restaurants.
Calvi
Your First Cruise Sight of Calvi Will be Dominated by the Huge 15th Century Citadel - Corsica
Unusually, it is the new town of Clavi which is nearest, with the more historic quarter up towards the citadel. This makes for a very pleasant walk with lots to see along the way, including the St-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and the Oratoire St Antoine, before you reach the citadel itself. A lively Corsican holiday resort in its own right with a vibrant nightlife, Calvi is also close to the popular Llle Rouse resort further along the west coast. Other tours take you to Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, and to the interior of the 'Scented Isle', so-called because of the sweet aromas from the mountainside maquis vegetation. For shoppers, there is no shortage of Napoleonic souvenirs mixed in amongst some attractive local handicrafts and ceramics plus a variety of coral jewellery.
St Florent
Cruise to the Swish Harbour of St Florent - Corsica
The swish harbour area tells its own story: it is full of private cruise yachts with their owners clearly attracted by the sophisticated style and intimate size of this tiny harbour town at the northwest corner of Corsica. You will enjoy it, too, from the relaxed atmosphere in the bars, cafés, restaurants and ships around the harbour area to the intriguing shady squares and narrow cobbled alleyways of the town itself. It is one of several lively resorts stretching across the narrow Cap Corse to Bastia, just a short journey away. Bastia, which was the original Corsican capital before France took over Corsica and replaced it with Ajaccio, has an attractive main square with many café terraces. Its old port is the most attractive and interesting part of town and is overlooked by another impressive citadel.
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