Cruising Corsica

Just a 1.5-hour flight from Paris, Corsica has remained a largely unspoiled Mediterranean destination.

The island is best seen by boat due to its rapidly changing landscapes—the rugged peaks of the north, red granite mountains on the western coastline (pictured here), and powdery white-sand beaches of the south.

The lovely hamlet of Girolata is a great place to drop anchor for the night.

Located at the southernmost end of the majestic Scandola Nature Reserve, there are plenty of scenic hikes in and around Girolata.

The quaint town of Calvi boasts a variety of restaurants, a massive Genoese citadel and a five-mile beach.

No visit to Corsica is complete without a shopping stop at a terrific delicatessen specializing in Corsican produce.

The calling card of Corsican charcuterie is figatellu, a smoked liver sausage.

The stunning Domaine de Murtoli is home to one of Corsica's best beaches, a 5-mile expanse of white sand and turquoise water.

Murtoli's beachside restaurant, an artful assemblage of driftwood furniture, comfy violet cushions, and fresh fish and salads, is a must-do for a special meal ashore.

The harbor city of Bonifacio is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, which date back to 6570 BC.

There are established dolphin colonies throughout Corsica; these were spotted just south of Bonifacio.

Still gloriously untouched, it's not uncommon to share the beach with donkeys in Corsica; this is Capo di Feno, an open bay surrounded by nothing but rocks, maquis and mountains.

At their closest point, Corsica and Sardinia are less than 7 miles apart, and the Italian island is a great addition to any charter itinerary. The uninhabited Lavezzi Islands, pictured here, make for a striking stop en route.

A wonderland for sailing and snorkeling aficionados, the Lavezzi Islands are a classified nature reserve in the Strait of Bonifacio consisting of rocks wind-whipped into fantastic shapes.

Continuing into Sardinia, the Maddalena archipelago offers breathtaking seascapes such as these pink granite rocks and islets.

As one sails up Corsica's eastern coastline, the scenery becomes less hilly, but wonderful panoramas are in no short supply.

At Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa, Porto Vecchio's grande dame, the room to book is the Cabane Bambou, a treehouse on stilts with ocean views and a spa-like bathroom, pictured here.

Outside of Figari on the southern tip of Corsica, Clos Canarelli produces delicious organic wines that champion the restoration of native Corsican varietals.