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Corsica
BACKGROUND
Corsica is the most mountainous and geographically diverse of all the Mediterranean islands. With its 1,000 km long coastline, the island attracts increasing numbers of French and foreign travellers to enjoy diving holidays. Although part of France, it has a distinct personality of its own, both culturally and geographically.
THE DIVING
The sea around Corsica is warm and clear and is home to a wide variety of sealife. The island lies within the French Cetacea Sanctuary which boasts the highest concentrations of whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean. Marine life includes spiny lobster, bream, moray eel, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, octopus and grouper as well as larger creatures. Coral, tube worms, starfish, sea slugs and anemones will also be seen.
Corsica also has many diveable wrecks, one site dating back 200 years and a number from the Second World War. Off Calvi on the north west coast, the remains of a wrecked US B17 lies between 23 - 27 metres and has become home to a large colony of moray eels. Off Bastia on the north east coast, the remains of the forward part of a US P47 fighter lies on a sandy bottom at 40 metres. Further south along the east coast, an Italian ship Alcione C is in good condition and sits upright in 34 metres of water. In the bay of Porto-Vecchio in the south east lies a large cruiser, apparently sunk by a drunken crew. On the south wet coast off Sagone lies the wreck of a fire-fighting plane, sunk in 1971 while filling its water tank.
In general, the west coast is rocky with stunning offshore reefs and spectacular walls. Parts of the coast are best accessed by boat since the "coast road" is challenging. The east coast is lower-lying with more sandy beaches, but the area between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio has less to offer the diver. Bonifacio, in the south, gives access to the Lavezzi Islands and it's marine reserve, known for the friendly groupers, as well as other sites along its rocky coastline and that of the Sardinian coast just to the south, across the Straits of Bonifacio.
There are many diving centres around the island, offering similar facilities to those found on the French mainland, although some hotels have their own facilities. Main centres are found in the north at Calvi and L'ile Rousse; in the south-west around Ajaccio and Propriano; at Bonifacio in the south and Porto-Vecchio in the south-east.
DIVING CONDITIONS AND WEATHER
Corsica enjoys a mild winter and hot summer.
Average air temperature (°C) are:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 12.9 | 12.2 | 14.1 | 16.5 | 21.0 | 25.5 | 28.1 | 27.9 | 25.7 | 21.5 | 18.1 | 14.5 |
Water temperatures vary between 14°C in spring to 24°C in summer. Divers typically wear a 5 mm wet suit.
Underwater visibility can reach 25 metres on a good day, best conditions are found on the west coast.
FOR NON - DIVERS
Corsica has a fascinating history. Napoleon was born in Ajaccio and Nelson lost his eye at Calvi, Napoleon's life being somewhat better represented through the museums and statues dedicated to him in Ajaccio.
In addition to the historical interest and the island's rugged beauty, Corsica has many sandy beaches and offers a wide range of water sports.
Being part of France, eating out in Corsica is also a pleasure with many local specialities.
GETTING THERE
Bastia is France's 5th busiest airport and a number of airlines fly there from London Gatwick. There are also airports at Figari and Ajaccio in the south
Corsica is linked by ferry to France (Marseille and Nice) and Italy. The car ferries are fast and comfortable.
CURRENCY
The Euro.
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