Climb the King of Aragon's Steps

Escaliers du Roy d' Aragon (King of Aragon's Steps) - the 187 stairs that lead from the city level down to the ocean level - is an enjoyable self-guided tour. This a a definite must see when you visit Bonifacio. I would recommend this for early in the day because if you wait until the end of the day, you may be too tired to think about the 187 stairs. For 2.50 Euro, you will gain entrance to King of Aragon's Steps - or if you prefer, there is a pass for 6 Euros that gains you entrance to: Bastion de l' Etendard - Memorial, Palauzzu Publicu, Escaliers du Roy d' Aragon, Eglise St Domininque. If you visit the website I listed there is a link labeled 'Booklets' that will allow you to download free travel guides. They are very helpful full-color booklets.

Algajola

(Balagne - NW) - Algajola is one of few seaside villages; it had animportant past under the Genoese and has an ancient small citadel. The beach, orrather beaches, are mainly coarse sand, but at the far northerly end (actually in thecommune of Aregno) is finer. It has water sports and some beach restaurants andsnack bars, as well as a few hotels with direct beach access. The climaticconditions are such that it's popular with fun boarders (short boards with whichstunts can be performed with a strong wind).

Corsican Beaches

Almost everyone asks about beaches. Of course, it depends what you like: whatkind of sand, pebbles or rocks, beach restaurants (many or few) or not,accessibility, popularity, waves or not, life guards or not, shelving quickly orgently sloping, availability of water sports... So I have been resistant in the past tomake any comments. But now I have given in and so here's this list.Don't forget, though, that Corsica has 1000 kms of coast, hence this listing ishardly a gazetteer. Bear in mind that in the summer, only 25% of recognisedbeaches have life guards. This may be a factor for your choice. The SundayTimes list of Europe's Top 20 beaches includes three in Corsica, which may giveyou an indication of what's in store for you.

Corsica's beaches come in all shapes and sizes, and since there is such a hugedistance of coast accessible on foot, the walking is great too! A superb book hasrecently appeared – called Par les Chemins du Littoral Corse, by Alain Gautierand published by Albiana, a Corsican publisher. Though beautifully illustrated,this book is not very portable. However, the book gives 60 walks, detailled bytheir flora, fauna, access, architecture (Genoese towers for example) and itinerarywith exellent maps. Some of the walks are for serious walkers, but you can justpick section; you'll also get a good idea of the beaches.

If you want naturist beaches, try naturisme.com. There is a UK naturist holidayspecialist – Chalfont – they do holidays in Corsica. If you are interested in thework of the Conservatoire du Littoral in Corsica, then you can visit their website.