Day 1 in Eastern Corsica

Welcome to the Eastern region of Corsica! Upon arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

This region of Corsica includes the less developed and less visited eastern coast and inland regions of the island, with ancient forests and remote hill villages to discover, unspoiled by the passage of time and the arrival of tourism.

Start your visit to the area in the charming village of Aleria, situated south-east of Corte on a natural inlet called the Etang de Diane. Little remains of the Greek settlement that once stood here, although excavations continue to make new finds, and it is evident that the site has been occupied for at least 8,000 years. The archaeological site covers a plateau adjacent to the medieval town.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 6th century BC, Aleria was a port city located on major Mediterranean trade routes, and then subsequently occupied by the Greeks, Etruscans and the Romans. While here, you can admire centuries of history, through the remains that help inform visitors about the daily life and traditions of different Mediterranean peoples. The archaeological site was classified a historic monument in 1990. There are also ruins of Roman baths dating from the second century, but it is a private property.

Also at Aleria is a fort constructed towards the end of the 16th century. This fort is now classified as a historic monument and also houses the county museum of archeology Jerome-Carcopino. Here, visitors will discover some fascinating finds from archaeology explorations, ranging from Greek ceramics and sculptures to money and weapons, and provides a fascinating glimpse of how life would have been in the town.

Both the ruins and the fort at Aleria have excellent views over the sun baked Corsica countryside.

Also take some time in Aleria to explore the pond of Diana lagoon. Since the Roman ages, flat oysters, as well as mussels and clams, have been cultivated in this water pond located 1.5 miles north east of Aleria. There are several places around the pond where visitors can buy or eat these popular oysters.

An island called `island of the fishermen` has actually formed in the pond through the accumulation of oysters shells! It is also worth taking a walk or lazing in the sun at the beach Mare e stagnu that stretches between the pond and the sea into the mouth of the pond. Grab a basket of oysters, a nice Corsican glass of wine and watch the sun set over the pond and the Genoese tower that stands at the mouth - a perfect way to end a beautiful day!

Day 2 in Eastern Corsica

Make your first stop of the day about 7 miles south of Aleria to the tranquil seaside resort town of Ghisonaccia. This small resort offers a seemingly endless wide stretch of sand and beaches. Start off your visit at the beautiful Vignale Beach, and then stroll over to Pinia Beach, the wildest beach of the town that borders the forest of Pinia south of the Urbino pond. It can be accessed easily through public trails. This sandy beach is one of the most beautiful in Corsica. Little known, even in summer, visitors can enjoy the beach without the crowds (which is unusual in Corsica!).

After enjoying some refreshing beach time, head into the village of Ghisonaccia to grab a bite to eat. The village is set back from the sea about 3 miles inland offering a completely different scenery. Enjoy a relaxing lunch while giving yourself some time to walk through some of the shops in the area.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the nature of Ghisonaccia. Check out the Lagoon of Ubino, a wetland and swampy nature reserve; take a hike in the surrounding countryside, which forms a patchwork of fields and forest; or explore the nearby Fiumorbo river by canoe.

At the end of the day, enjoy any of the area restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine before heading back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 3 in Eastern Corsica

On your last day in the Eastern Region of Corsica, head 15 miles south to the beautiful seaside resort of Sari-Solenzara where you`ll also find long sandy beaches, emerald waters alongside vast expansive trees - this is a paradisiacal destination!

Spend a day of adventure at the Gorges of the Solenzara River. The river winds its way down from the mountains to the coast creating many natural swimming pools and waterfalls and offers a number of fun outdoor activities from canyoning, swimming, hiking and canoeing in the gorges. This great site epitomizes the special relief of the island, the amazing shapes and colors that range from red light to the darkest gray within the immense forests of Corsican pine.

After an active day, enjoy the friendly and charming atmosphere of Sari-Solenzara, an idyllic little village with an authentic feel that exudes calm and relaxation. Wander the narrow streets, enjoy the panoramas from the `Penna` and `Monte Santu`, and check out some of the beaches in the area.

Additional Days in Eastern Corsica

Should you be able to spend additional days in the eastern region of Corsica we recommend a visit to Castagniccia and the villages inland in eastern Corsica, a place of stunning natural beauty. It is a mountain region, covered with green maquis and composed of villages that are hung in the valleys. Exploring Castagniccia is a fascinating experience, but there are no autoroutes here, rather a maze of small winding lanes meandering up and down the hillsides past the small village.

For a good dose of authenticity in one of the most rural areas of the island, you have to walk the roads of this region. These villages are perhaps the least affected by tourism and the changing times that have affected many of the villages in Corsica.

Few of the villages here have major attractions, although many offer attractive churches and more attractive settings. It is rather the harmonious whole that is the attraction. Some of the more popular places to visit are Piedicroce, Orezza and the romantic ruins of the convent, Campana and La Porta.

Your Last Day in Eastern Corsica

Depart your hotel for the train station, ferry or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Corsican adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the eastern region of Corsica.