Why Corsica could be your surprising summer escape
With its fusion of Mediterranean cuisines, perfect beaches and historic towns – including Napoleon's birthplace – the French island is ripe for discovery Clear waters and shady pines make Palombaggia one of Corsica's must-see beaches
Pearl-white sands lapped by turquoise seas, dramatic mountain and coastal scenery, and a host of historic sites dating back 8,000 years, all garnished with fine food and super hotels and holiday villas: it's no surprise the French call Corsica L 'Î le de Beauté (the Isle of Beauty).
Although it is somewhat of an undiscovered gem for many British tourists, Corsica offers sun, culture and adventure without the crowds, and its 200 beaches are some of the Mediterranean's best.
Whether it's Ostriconi's exquisite sunsets, Calvi's fashionable urban vibe in the north, or Rondinara's perfect scallop of grains and Palombaggia's pink-grey rocks and tall pines in the south, divine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters are a given.
Prefer a cooling dip inland? The island is blessed with stunning natural pools. They might lie within Les Piscines Naturelle de Cava's sculptural volcanic stone, Fango Valley's waterfalls and colourful rocks, and on the Solenzara River beneath photogenic peaks. All promise a rejuvenating diversion from the summer heat. The shallow waters at Santa Giulia beach make it a perfect spot for snorkelling
Corsica is also laced with wonderful hiking trails linking mountains and the Mediterranean – most famously the 180km GR20, but there are also shorter, equally spectacular routes. Walk to stunning Lake Nino, ascend 2,706m Monte Cinto – the island's highest point – or cross the Col de Bavella above red granite pinnacles. You could also explore Scandola Nature Reserve's mesmerising rocks and jagged peaks with sweeping bay views, visit epic glacier-moulded Restonica and Tavignano gorges or the Lavezzi Archipelago's secluded beaches and coves.
Corsica's natural wonders are just the start. Its prolific historical sights include the capital Ajaccio, Napoleon's birthplace, with pastel-hued streets and gracious squares; medieval Bonifacio, rising seamlessly from vertiginous limestone cliffs; and Calvi's magnificent citadel. Genoese towers and forts abound, alongside prehistoric ruins that include Filitosa's tombs and standing stones.
However, these are not the only man-made wonders. Corsica's food is a thing of beauty. Not just fish fresh off the boat but also local dishes featuring wild boar, slow-cooked lamb and chestnut-flour cheesecake. There are superb cafés and restaurants, with 43 Michelin Guide entrants, including two-star Casadelmar's Corsican-Italian menu. Corsican cuisine is an undoubted highlight of any trip to the island
To fully appreciate this glorious island, book with the best. Corsican Places has years of experience, experts with first-hand knowledge of the destination for tailored advice and an English-speaking team on the ground. They're all essential ingredients in Corsican Places' ATOL–protected packages that include flights, car hire and transfers.
Its extensive range of accommodation runs from adult-only apartments to hotels and family villas. In the northwest, Algajola's ancient fishing village is home to the intimate family-run Hôtel Santa Vittoria, with 15 rooms and a beautiful dining terrace with views across the sea and beach. Further south, the exclusive five-star Grand Hôtel Cala Rossa ups the ante in a private park overlooking the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Perfect for couples and honeymooners, its serene spa's therapies use wild botanicals and homegrown produce, and its celebrated restaurant serves seasonally inspired dishes. Poolside at La Citaj, a beautifully refurbished period villa near St-Florent that sleeps eight
Corsican Places also offers superb family villas, pool towels and welcome pack that provides everything from wine and beer to snacks. Contemporary four-person Villa Kallisté has crisp modern interiors and French windows opening onto a large south-facing terrace and a pool overlooking the rugged southeast coastline. Beaches are just a short drive away, along with Propriano's bustling quayside.
Alternatively, enjoy the tranquil eight-person Villa Rasello, which is superbly elevated in the southern hills, with an open-plan living area and kitchen ideal for families, and looking over a large private pool to the mountains. Its terrace is perfect for alfresco dining, while a few miles' drive takes you to Monacia d'Aullene with its traditional Corsican restaurant.
Book your summer villa holiday before the end of May for Corsican Places' special offer where kids and school-age teenagers fly free from London Stansted to Calvi between May 18 and October 5, and from London Gatwick to Figari between June 29 and August 24.
Accommodation includes stunning family villas such as the eight-person La Citaj near St-Florent, where seven nights, including flights and car hire costs from £699pp. A superbly refurbished period home, La Citaj features exposed stonework, fireplaces and a large pool offering views towards the magnificent Cathédrale du Nebbio.
Alternatively, the four-person Casa di L'Olivu is a rustic stone property in southern Corsica costing from £699pp for seven nights, including car hire and flights. Set between olive trees and vineyards, its open-plan living/dining area and two bedrooms are decorated in tasteful neutral tones. Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio are within a short drive.
Corsican Places also offers great deals on adult-only accommodation. A Merula near Calvi is bookable from £799pp for seven nights, including flights and transfers. Set in immaculate grounds, the 25 two-person residences with kitchenettes are individually styled and overlook the gardens and shared pool from their balconies or terraces. Multiple bars and restaurants are close by. Nearby, Le Home's two-person apartments offer another adult-only break within tranquil grounds, from £699pp including flights. The view across the Gulf of St Florent from Corsican Places villa L'Ancre Bleue
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Times
2 hours ago
- Times
16 of the best quiet Greek islands
Of Greece's 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 are inhabited, and a good few of those have such pulling power that the crowds they attract aren't to everyone's taste. Those busier isles may be packed with atmosphere, but if you're keen to avoid throngs of tourists there are also dozens of others to discover that, compared with the likes of Santorini and Mykonos, are incredibly laid-back. It's not a lack of appeal that positions these quieter islands under the radar: the key thing keeping crowds at bay is generally ease of access. Those islands with international airports (such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Mykonos) will always be busier than Milos, Syros and others only served by domestic flights. Ferry connections make a difference too. You'll find fewer people the further you go from Athens or more accessible isles, meaning those you have to hop to — such as Lipsi or Astypalea — are quietest of all. So whether you're after a peaceful time on the beach or a hike in scenic countryside, you'll find the most magical spots by steering clear of cruise destinations, big resorts and social media influencers. From sleepy Cycladic gems to almost untrodden Ionian isles, these are the best quiet Greek islands. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for proximity to AthensWith the catamaran from Athens' main port in the city of Piraeus taking only half an hour, Aegina is among the easiest of Greek islands to hop to. Oddly, its proximity is more a deterrent than a draw: Aegina barely registers with foreign holidaymakers. That's a shame, because visitors will discover a taverna-packed island that offers great value for money. True, the beaches may not be as good as elsewhere in Greece, but Aegina has something else: thanks to all its nut trees, you won't find better pistachio ice cream. Stay in one of the six lovely studios at Nikolaou Residence, in the renovated former home of artist Nikos Nikolaou, about a mile from the centre of for unexpected discoveries Butterfly-shaped Astypalea isn't an obvious island to visit. About halfway between Santorini and Kos, it's one of those spots that flies under the radar — which makes stepping off the ferry here all the more rewarding. History buffs will find Roman baths, a Venetian castle, traditional windmills and a museum chock-full of antiquities; beachgoers will discover some of Greece's most translucent waters. When you get hungry, island specialities to try include ardista (stewed lentils), lambriano (stuffed lamb) and xirotigana (fried dough drizzled with honey). Stay at Chrysalis Boutique Hotel, an adults-only retreat with yoga classes and massage treatments in Astypalea Town. Best for myths and legendsIf you find yourself falling under this Dodecanese island's spell, you wouldn't be the first. Legend has it that this is where Odysseus was enchanted by the goddess Calypso — though today's visitors are more likely to be won over by Lipsi's marvellous beaches. From the sands of Platis Gialos and Kambos to pebbly Monodendri, there's no shortage of spots in which to dive into tempting, turquoise waters. Getting here requires a straightforward ferry trip from Kos, which takes about two hours. The Aphroditi Hotel, just steps from the beach, is perhaps the island's best guest accommodation. Best for authentic characterIt's easy to get overlooked in an archipelago shared with Santorini and Mykonos. Yet Andros, the second largest Cycladic island, has a different appeal to its glitzier neighbours. For a start, it's greener and has lots of scenic hiking trails — then on a hot day the beaches take centre stage. Wild and lovely Achla — watched over in its sheltered cove by a lighthouse and an Orthodox church — is the standout, while sandy Batsi is more accessible, with ample facilities. Stay at Krinos Suites, a boutique hotel in a former silk-weaving school that blends understated style with heartfelt hospitality and you'll be steps from Batsi for sunsetsAnother isle in the shadow of its Cycladic sisters is Folegandros, which sits halfway between Santorini and Milos. Many of its best beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, which makes it feel laid-back and bohemian. The island's main town, traffic-free, clifftop Chora, has some of the Aegean's prettiest backstreets and squares, plus a Venetian fort with a sheer drop down to the sea. For memorable sunset views, make your way up the long zigzag path to whitewashed Panagia church — or hop on a leisurely cruise to take it all in. Catch the evening's fiery glow from the comfort of Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites, hidden away on the west coast with Aegean horizons from its for volcanic viewsIt's only a short ferry ride from Kos, so Nisyros receives crowds of day-trippers from its Dodecanese neighbour. Happily, when they leave, it becomes a tranquil haven for the smart few who stay here. Volcanic roots have bequeathed it dark-sand beaches, hot springs and pumice cliffs, plus a crater around which it's possible to walk. Dotted here and there are towns and villages: the capital and main port of Mandraki is the liveliest, Emporios is a pretty hilltop village with volcanic views, while Nikia is closest to the crater itself. At the town of Emporios, Melanopetra (the name means 'dark stone') is a good bet for self-catering stays in stylish apartments built with local for culture vulturesYou'd never guess from its peaceful vibe that Syros was once this seafaring nation's main commercial hub. Yet that influx of wealth can be seen in elegant architecture and cultural institutions centred on the island's capital, and that of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli — named after Hermes, the Greek god of merchants. On your list should be the grand 19th-century theatre, treasures displayed in its Archaeological Museum, and an array of Orthodox and Catholic churches. Beach-wise, there are pebble or sand options scattered around the coast, with the best being in the south (don't miss pretty Megas Gialos). Give in to Ermoupoli's charms at Aristide Hotel, an art-and-marble-filled Cycladic townhouse that's a short walk from the beach or main for peaceful escapesBeing overlooked in the rush to reach better-known Cephalonia and Lefkada has been a blessing for offbeat Meganisi. Despite lying only 25 minutes by ferry from Lefkada, this unspoilt Ionian island has forgone large-scale resort development to retain its welcoming, step-back-in-time appeal. With just three pretty villages, acres of olive groves and about 1,000 residents, it's a beautifully languid spot, especially once you're stretched out on one of its marvellous beaches (Fanari and Spilia are highlights). Vathy and Spartochori villages have plenty of charm, and you'll be within striking distance of both when staying at bay-facing Azur Retreat — where an infinity pool and upscale bedrooms await. • Discover our full guide to Greece• Best Greek islands to visit Best for going wildIt's all about nature on Alonissos, which lies within the Northern Sporades national marine park (Greece's first), an area stretching over 2,000 sq km. This reserve is home to rare Mediterranean monk seals, as well as dolphins, turtles and colonies of seabirds. Divers are in for a treat at the Underwater Museum's sunken, fifth-century BC cargo ship, which can also be viewed virtually at the local information centre. Back on dry land, discover monasteries, hiking trails and picturesque island capital, Patitiri, then decamp to Chrisi Milia beach for turquoise waters and some of the finest golden sands. Relax in peace at The Infinity 180 Luxury Suites, a collection of adults-only apartments with a gorgeous pool; then liven things up with a day trip to Skiathos, just over an hour's hydrofoil skim away. • Best hotels in SkiathosBest for mixing city and seaThe Saronic islands are some of the easiest to access from Athens and are a cinch to combine with urban explorations. Agistri is only an hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus, but despite this proximity it remains idyllic and peaceful: all chilled-out vibes, crystal coves and pine trees cascading down to the sea. Dragonera is one of the island's best-known pebble beaches; for sandier shores, try Skala. Skala is also where you'll find Oasis Beach Hotel, whose 52 rooms and suites all have private verandas or balconies, some of which offer sea for otherworldly landscapesThe exquisite Venus de Milo (the ancient statue discovered here, now on display at the Louvre) is not the only thing of legendary beauty to have greeted visitors to this Cycladic outpost over the centuries. Volcanic origins created a landscape of elemental colours which mixes sulphur-yellow cliffs with ash-white and obsidian-black rock formations. Such rawness comes into its own at Sarakiniko beach, where smoothly sculpted, lunar-like shores contrast magnificently with the dazzling waters of the Aegean. The water looks just as inviting when gazed upon from Skinopi Lodge, whose seven extraordinary villas blend into their rocky backdrop for the most luxurious of self-catering for divine beachesThe Dodecanese island of Patmos has a fascinating past. 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Equally respectful of the island's heritage is Sigma Residences, a collection of villas and cottages on the edge of Apollonia whose names are a nod to local villages and traditional farming practices. • Best Greek islands for families• Best Greek island hotels
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Why you should follow the locals and discover the laid-back charm of the Athens Riviera this summer
After more than 15 years writing about Greece, I've learned that some of the best experiences happen when you veer away from the obvious choices. While most travellers landing in Athens rush toward the islands, I turn my attention to the Athens Riviera – a shimmering stretch of coastline just south of the city. Here, sandy beaches, lazy taverna lunches and sunsets to rival Santorini unfold with the ease of staying on the mainland. For decades, Athenians have sought seaside respite here. Now the Riviera is enjoying a renaissance, drawing international visitors who've discovered they can enjoy a stylish, culture-rich escape – no ferry required. Vouliagmeni quickly emerges as the Riviera's crown jewel. Its palm-lined boulevards and waterfront cafés emit a casual elegance reminiscent of France 's Côte d'Azur, only with a distinctly Greek flair. Hours disappear, relaxing over coffee and seaside strolls, highlighting a life lived outdoors. 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The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Porthminster Beach Cafe crowned one of the UK's best
Porthminster Beach Cafe featured on the list from OpenTable, along with a few other Cornwall eateries. The restaurant reservation site compiled a list of its top 100 spots around the country. In a statement, they said: "If you're looking for the perfect place to dine outdoors this summer, this list has it all. "Visit diner favourites in your area and enjoy a shared experience in the sun with friends, family, and even your dog!" The full list of the UK's best outdoor dining spots for 2025 can be found on the OpenTable website here. Why is Porthminster Beach Cafe among the UK's best for outdoor dining? The list by OpenTable is generated from more than 800,000 reviews from verified OpenTable diners and dining metrics from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated through various factors. These included: Diner ratings Percentage of five-star reviews Number of alerts set Percentage of reservations made in advance Percentage of capacity and direct searches Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score, with restaurants then filtered by having outdoor dining. According to its website, the "iconic whitewashed restaurant" enjoys "spectacular panoramic views" of the surrounding area. It adds: "In the summer, providing a retreat from the sun-scorched sands below; it is the ideal spot to indulge in vibrant dishes infused with flavour, accompanied by bottles of crisp, refreshing wine pulled dripping from their coolers. "A glass enclosed, heated terrace makes year round outdoor dining a pleasure." Much of the menu has Asian and Mediterranean influences which showcase the "freshest seafood, garden-grown produce, and foraged coastal ingredients". What do visitors think of Porthminster Beach Cafe? Porthminster Beach Cafe has been well-received by visitors, earning a 4.4/5 rating on Tripadvisor from 3,846 reviews. Best Beaches in the UK One person shared: "This was an incredible culinary experience for the entire family! "The food was practically gourmet, even the kids menu was not only delicious but on par with the adults menu. Very reasonable prices for the exquisite quality of food." Recommended reading: Another said: "We came here for a Sunday Roast and it was delicious. Really generous portion size, lovely view and the service was quick and friendly. Will definitely go back." A third wrote: "This cafe/restaurant was amazing - the food, looked, smelt and tasted superb! "I had scallops and skate - both super fresh and delicious! Excellent value, great service and ambiance! Highly recommended!"
