Strikingly sculpted with sandy coves bitten from the coastline rising to snow-capped mountains painted purple with lavender, Corsica instantly has you wondering why Napoleon ever chose to leave. The reality is that while he might have done so in body, the number of statues, streets and public squares named after him in Ajaccio prove that he hasn't in spirit.
Like the capital's favourite son, Ajaccio may be small, but it packs quite a punch. With architecture borrowed from the Genoese, palm trees from North Africa and restaurant tables groaning under the weight of fresh seafood, the picturesque city on the west of the island certainly makes the most of its central Mediterranean location.
To get the full Napoleonic family saga, pay a visit to the vast Maison Bonaparte, (although simply wandering the winding streets of Ajaccio's Old Town will have you bumping into mementos of the diminutive despot in no time). Another cultural centrepiece, Musée Fesch, leans heavily on its Italian neighbours with canvases by Raphael, Titian, and Botticelli.
Ajaccio's artistic flair is matched by its culinary finesse and a passion for al fresco dining. Tables spill out over the waterside marina as fishermen haul in the day's catch, while farmers keep restaurant larders well stocked with local delicacies and an impressive cheese board.
From the marina, it's a serene boat trip to Îles Sanguinaires and pristine beaches that would give any in the Caribbean a run for their money.
Inland, Corsica has a raw beauty that implies Mother Nature hasn't quite finished her work here yet. The plunging gorges, forest trails and mountain pastures are a playground for outdoor types, offering everything from hiking, camping, canoeing and mountain biking, to skiing in the winter months.
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