More than three million people visit Corsica each year, drawn by the mild climate and some of the most diverse landscapes in all Europe. Nowhere in the Mediterranean has beaches finer than the island’s perfect half-moon bays of white sand and transparent water, or seascapes more dramatic than the red porphyry Calanches of the west coast.

Even though the annual visitor influx now exceeds the island’s population nearly ten times over, tourism hasn’t spoilt the place: there are a few resorts, but overdevelopment is rare and high-rise blocks are confined to the main towns.

There is certainly something for everyone whether a novice or enthusiast and in many instances the facilities are world-class: the 170km GR20 trail is challenging but stunning and a must for all serious hikers and Golf of Sperone on the Bonifacio Strait is one of Europe’s best golf courses.

The dramatic landscape takes your breath away when simply driving around the island but to get out and about on foot, bike or horse enables you to discover the island more intimately.