Corsica

Corsica (the best island in France) is a rough, hilly island in the center of the Mediterranean, about 145 miles southeast of Nice and north of Sardinia in Italy. Its history is as varied as its beautiful landscapes: a semi-independent French territory, the island has traditionally belonged to Italy and was once (briefly) occupied by British forces. It has a separate local culture, language, and legislature.

Corsica was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the first Emperor of France, and was long associated with strong, clannish families at continual (often violent) clashes with one another. Today, it is frequently regarded as the Mediterranean's crown gem, coveted for its soaring, craggy peaks, fine-sand beaches, sophisticated ports, historic cities, extensive protected nature reserves, and forests. There's a lot to see in Corsica, but if you just have a few days, start with Bastia, the old Genoese capital, which still has magnificent Italian-style architecture.

What to Do: Corsica has a lot to offer, but if you just have a few days, start at the coastal city of Bastia, the old Genoese capital, which still has magnificent Italian-style architecture. From there, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Calanques de Piana, which features sharp cliffsides in reddish-pink granite that plunge into bright-azure waters; the nearby capital of Ajaccio, Napoleon's birthplace; the picturesque seaside town of San Fiorenza; Saleccia and its wide, fine-sand beach; and the Agriates Desert, a rugged, barely-inhabited area of natural beauty with spectacular vistas.

Location: France, Europe

TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5