Corsica: geography and features

The climate of the Mediterranean, the charm of France, the temperament of Italy and the lost in depth of time a rich history, remembering even the Etruscans, Carthaginians and ancient Romans. Is it possible to find all this in one place? Yes! All of the above you will find, going to the island of Corsica. And as a bonus you will get beautiful picturesque landscapes, refined dishes and wonderful weather.

Geographical location

In different historical periods this territory was owned by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and Genoese. Today the administration is carried out by France. The island of Corsica is one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. However, those attractive features that it possesses have appeared on it not so much due to its impressive size, but because of its geographical location.

Try for the sake of interest to consider this piece of land not as a single piece, but in the geographical ensemble in which it is located on our planet. It is not difficult. First, find Italy. The first large object in the sea to the west and will be Corsica (island). The map of the world helps to understand even to an inexperienced person in historical battles that this island is in a strategically important place. Therefore, for centuries it has become a welcome trophy for many peoples.

Link to history

And although at first glance it may seem that these data will be of interest only to gray-haired academicians, this is not so. After all, all the nationalities who visited here left a trace. That is why the island of Corsica is so rich in various historical sites.

Here you can get acquainted with the history, starting from the park of prehistoric settlement, which at the moment is about 8000 years old. Continue to familiarize yourself with the numerous fortifications of different eras, next to which you will find lovely antique shops. And finish your tour - by visiting objects directly connected with the most famous Corsican - Napoleon Bonaparte.

Features of mentality

In the popular television program "Eagle and Reshka" Corsica is represented as a quiet place with a leisurely current rhythm of life. It has been repeatedly stressed that mainly pensioners live on the island. To some extent this is true, but this does not mean that rest in Corsica will be monotonous and boring. They know how to entertain tourists.

As for the characteristic features of the mentality of the Corsicans themselves - it is a good-natured and sociable people with a truly southern temperament. They are proud of their origin and history, and consider themselves not French, and not even Italians, but Corsicans.

Types of outdoor activities on the island

Map of the island of Corsica itself can immediately give a clear and correct idea of what can be done at this resort lovers of outdoor activities. Fans of extreme sports immediately recognize in the outlines of mountain ridges attractive routes for unusual travel. The island of Corsica very naturally and fairly compactly collected on a comparatively small territory twenty peaks, each of which reaches a height of more than two thousand meters above sea level.

By the way, you can go to conquer these peaks not only on your own, but also on horseback. The trails laid during the time of confrontation between the Etruscans and the Carthaginians, and to this day are suitable for horseback riding.

The most difficult track in Europe

It is the island of Corsica is famous for the most difficult mountain route GR20. To overcome 250 kilometers of stony paths, as a rule, take 15 days. According to the number of these transitions there are special shelters - lodges on the route, where tourists can spend the night. In Corsica they are called refuges (from the French word refuge, which means "refuge").

Transitions are incredibly beautiful. Although quite a wild rest in our understanding of this meaning, such sorties can not be called. This territory is reserved. So, the law forbids placing tents anywhere, except for the places reserved for refuges.

Each night in this house, designed for 20-30 beds, will cost you about 11 euros. And the place will have to be booked in advance. For the right to put own tent it is necessary to lay out 6 euros. Bonfires are strictly forbidden to fire everywhere.

Corsican Festivals

Special attention should be paid to numerous festivals and local festivals, which the Corsicans are able to conduct with great taste and indescribable color. If you are planning to visit Corsica at the end of the summer, try to get to the town of Bastelika on August 12, located in the very center of the island.

It is on this day that the most popular festivities are held in honor of the memory of the national hero Sampiero. Perhaps you have never heard this name, but you are certainly familiar with the hero of Shakespeare's tragedy - Othello. So the prototype was exactly Sampiero.

On this day, the streets are filled with dancing and singing people in magnificent Renaissance costumes. Young lovers will take advantage of the opportunity to perform a serenade under the beloved's window, and the sounds of ancient musical instruments pouring from all sides serve as a wonderful background for this holiday.

Feast of antiquity

If you prefer Roman classicism, go to Aleria on August 8 and 9. At this time, there is an "Ancient Holiday". This time around you people will be dressed in Roman toga, and local restaurants and eateries will necessarily offer in their menu antique dishes based on real old recipes.

In Corsica, you can easily pick up the type of rest that is right for you, and you will certainly take away unforgettable impressions from here.