The French island of Corsica has a tremendous scenic diversity that is complemented by a fascinating history.

North-west to Corsica, the medieval town of Calvi and its marina sit below a citadel that appears to be standing on the water. The citadel overlooks the marina from the bay's western end and is home to the Baroque Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and many winding cobbled streets. Known for its pristine white sand beaches and beautiful crescent-shaped bay, most Corsican charter itineraries commence here as it cruises through the beautiful Golfe of Girolata – a nature reserve – to the pretty fishing village of Girolata.

Between Girolata and Ajaccio is the Gulf of Sagone, which is a favoured spot for scuba divers with a submerged plane to explore and a 60m wall dive.

Ajaccio, the birthplace of French Emperor, Napoléon Bonaparte, is an elegant and sunny city, dynamic and devoted to sport and fun. Ajaccio’s immediate surroundings is a natural paradise and an ideal place for hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, trekking and climbing.

At Place Foch, which opens out to the seafront from the old town’s cluster of winding streets by the port and the marina, there is a white marble statue of Napoléon atop a fountain of four lions. The baroque 16th century Notre-Dame Cathedral, where Napoléon was baptised, contains paintings by Delacroix and Tintoretto.

At the southern tip of Corsica is Bonifacio, a well-preserved fortified town that dates back to the 9th century.  Cantilevered out on eroded limestone, the original houses of the old town sit on white and caramel rock shelves precariously overlooking the café-lined harbour below. A popular tourist attraction in town is the Saint-Dominique church dating back to the 12th to13th centuries. This Gothic church has an impressive 15th century tower and contains interesting figures carved in wood, which are carried through the town during religious processions.

Further south, suspended between Corsica and Sardina, the Maddalena archipelago is another must-visit destination. This scatter of seven large islands and 55 tiny isolotti has some of the most spectacular beaches in Italy and some of the cleanest and clearest lagoons. Many of the beaches are only accessible by boat, giving a much sought-after exclusivity and tranquillity.