Corsica

The island of Corsica lies in the Mediterranean Sea between France and Italy and was named by the Greeks 'Calliste', meaning 'the most beautiful'. The island has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The coastline of Corsica is 1000 kilometres long and has amazing cliffs, long sandy beaches and many hidden coves.

Although the Island is owned by the French, The Island is more influenced by neighbouring Italy in terms of culture, architecture, food and even the language. The Island has been graced by many country's that have ruled it over the past few centuries, from the Greeks, Vandals, Romans and others who have all left a bit of their history and culture behind. All these different cultures have blended into the Island over the years and give it its unique appeal.

A trip to a local village fair will provide an excellent showcase for the Corsican way of life with its winemaking tradition going back to antiquity and its gastronomy full of local flavours. Staples of the Corsican diet apart from fruit and vegetables are chestnuts and chestnut flour, olive oil, sheep and goat cheese, cured meat and game. Brocciu (a whey-based goat or sheep cheese produced from the autumn to the middle of summer) is the basis for many sweet and savoury dishes: doughnuts and pies, pasta fillings and sauces.