Being able to experience such a raw and unspoilt land was truly hypnotizing. Totally off the beaten track where the true Corsican spirit is very much alive. We spent one night in the village of Corscia, where my partner’s father originated before our journey South.
Heading South
Before we knew it Thursday was upon us, which meant one thing, It was time to continue our journey South. Passing by Corte, Propriano, Porto Pollo then finally arriving at Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio.
We checked into a hotel Le San Lorenzo, a stylish boutique hotel tucked away amongst the Corsican countryside in Porto Vecchio. A welcoming tranquil setting with more sumptuous landscape views. A perfect home for the next couple of days.
I dont think I have ever experienced a town that can boast such a dramatic and seemingly precarious position as Bonifacio! Balancing perilously atop an eroding limestone promontory. Bonifacio is extraordinary: 360 degree perspective take in Corsica’s coastline, vast swaths of the Tyrrhenian Sea and barely 12km in the distance, Sardinia.
If possible, descending upon this part of the island by sea, is highly recommended (Not that I had the pleasure, however, upon exploring the island by boat, it was clear why this arrival mode of transportation is suggested!). Bonnifacio’s immense chalk-white cliffs horizontally grooved like geological millefeuille. At sea level, enormous grottoes open darkly in the cliff walls exposing the trickling stalactites.
We climb to the highest point of the white limestone cliffs as the sun begins to set. The sight of the yachts queuing to make their way through the narrowing passage into the harbour gives the sense of being in the “Côte d’Azur without the artificiality,” says Patrice Arend, proprietor of a nautical antiques store. It has in-fact emerged that Southern Corsica has been lately described as a discreet alternative to the South of France.
The sunset could only be described as compelling. The burning reds and oranges tantalizing the turquoise water as it descends beyond the boundary of the cliff-tops. The town of Bonfacio has an air of magic and romance, which caresses each and every element. As we slip back into the old streets, the town is coming alive with Corsica’s nightlife. The buzz of the bars, cafés and restaurants fill the warm Mediterranean air.
After spending 4 days on land, we decided it was time to take to the sea and really see what all the fuss was about! We rented a powerboat (as our friend conveniently had a license) from the one of many rental companies in the harbour. We headed straight for Porto Novo beach, which is only accessible by boat.