The island of Corsica is a small island situated in the Mediterranean Sea, with an approximate population of about 240,000 people. Governed by France the island has an area of 8,680 Km2. The island is well known for its mountainous forests and spectacular scenery, and for this reason a major part of the island's economy is based upon tourism, with its hiking trails, beaches, scenery and downhill skiing all adding to its attraction. In a hot climate the island can be an ideal place to spend a relaxing week.
Traveling around Corsica can often be a challenge, even for the most gifted of drivers. Travel within Corsica is by road or rail, though there are air taxis, and biking is always an option, but can be extremely tiring. The rail network is pretty basic, with connections between the three main towns, Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi. The roads, with the exception of the main north-south road on the east coast, can be scary to those not used to mountain driving, and the travel times are marked in measures of time rather than distance.
Corsica is a country where cultural festivals and country fairs are commonplace. The festivals are mostly organized by the elder villagers and many have attained international notoriety. However, these festivals are still of a manageable scale. The biggest of these is, of course, Napoleon's birthday. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio in 1765. His birthday is celebrated every year on the 15 August with fireworks and parades and lots of people visit Napoleon's birthplace to pay homage. |
