By Claire Hall, Director of directCorsica

Here’s a personal selection of some of my favourite places in Corsica.

VALINCO GULF

Having travelled to Corsica for many years, this is the area I have chosen to call home.  What I love are the beaches in this area; a whole series of little creeks and coves, so even in the summer you can often find a place all of your own.

* Walk the Chemin de Fozzano then treat yourself to a soak in thermal baths at the Bains de Baracci; situated off the D257. Tel: 04 95 76 30 40.
* Eat at the Auberge San Ghjuvani.  Try the veal with olives, snails or cannelloni stuffed with Brocciu (a creamy sheeps cheese with a distinctive flavour).
* For a great beach, head to The north side of the bay between Vitricella and Porto Pollo. It’s south facing and gets the sun all day

AJACCIO

Every time I arrive in Ajaccio, I am reminded of why it is known as the Imperial City. Unlike most of the resorts on Corsica, Ajaccio is a true city with a year-round population and a vibrant atmosphere. As well as boat trips and beaches, there are art galleries and museums.

* Visit the Maison Bonaparte where Napoleon was born.
* Eat at the restaurant 20123 in rue Roi de Rome. Authentic Corsican food accompanied by traditional singing.
* Walk the circuit from Pointe de la Parata at the edge of the Gulf of Ajaccio.

CALVI

Calvi is a fantastic place to holiday, particularly if you’ve never been to Corsica before - you could not hope for a more picturesque location, and everything is close at hand; the historic citadel, good restaurants, boutiques, a pretty port and the superb shallow sandy beach.  There is even a little train that links all the beaches along the coast.

* Eat at U Minellu, on traverse de l’Église, a little side street near the church. Try the Sanglier (wild boar) and Pullenda (a variation of Pollenta). Tel: 04 95 65 05 52.
* Visit the Cathedrale Saint-Jean Baptiste in the citadel, and the surrounding villages.
* Relax at the sandy beach which is particularly shallow so ideal for young children.

SAINT FLORENT

Sometimes known as the Corsican Saint Tropez, St Florent is a bustling waterfront town with boats, bars, excellent fish restaurants and an almost permanent game of boules in the square. But stroll into the old town and you’ll discover a charming, ageless quartier of old houses, little shops and wine bars.

* Buy muscat from the Lazzarini family. It’s the best I’ve tasted. Follow the route to the Citadel and you pass the shop on the left. Tel: 04 95 37 13 17.
* Visit in early August when the Porto Latino music festival is on and the town comes alive to the sounds of salsa.
* Eat at u Scontru restaurant in nearby Patrimonio.  Good value and high quality. Address: Lieu-Dit Campo d’Elge, Patrimonio. Tel: 04 95 37 29 73.

BONIFACIO

The most impressive feature about Bonifacio is its limestone cliffs. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Citadel and pick up charming souvenirs and local specialities.

* Eat at Le Comptoire Bonifacien, 9 rue St. Baptiste (04 95 73 58 54)  – simple home cooked food and local produce such as charcuterie and cheeses.
* Buy coral – the “oxblood” colour is the deepest red in the Mediterranean.
* Walk the Circuit Pedestre des Falaises. Stunning views and a picturesque beach at the end.

For more information visit directCorsica.