Of all the Mediterranean islands, Corsica – land of contrasts – is the most mountainous with about fifty peaks rising to more than 2,000 metres, and it also boasts the most diverse and the best-preserved coast. Truly enchanting to the eye, the island of beauty offers a diversity of landscapes: sheer cliffs rising up out of the sea, wild and unspoiled gorges, pine groves and bushes, chestnut forests, mountain ranges, mountain lakes, fine sand beaches bathing in crystal clear waters, multicoloured sea bottoms inviting deep-sea diving, etc. Southern Corsica features exceptional places to visit such as the Piana Calanches, the Porto Cape, the Scandola Nature Reserve, the peaks of the Bavella range, the high white cliffs of Bonifacio, the Filitosa prehistoric site, the Sanguinaire Islands, but also the old towns of Sartène and Ajaccio. Charming perched villages of the Balagne region, wild cliffs on Cape Corsica, mountain lakes and terrain, seaside resorts like Saint-Florent or Ile Rousse,the picturesque old port and quarters of Bastia, the Restonica gorges or Corte, the historic capital of the island – all are superb places to visit in High Corsica. Above all, Corsica is a region with a distinct temperament. The Corsicans will readily communicate their enthusiasm and pride for their island and their traditions.