Corsica – Napoleon's Island
The island of Corsica is not quite France. It is not even France at all. It lies in the Ligurian Sea, just 14 km from Sardinia, rising from the blue Mediterranean waters like a large mountain. The mountain here is indeed large: Mount Cinto reaches 2,706 m into the sky. For almost 500 years, Corsica was ruled by Genoa, and only 200 years ago did it become part of France. Unsurprisingly, Corsicans consider themselves a distinct people, have little affection for both the French and the Italians, speak their own dialect, and preserve ancient customs.
The total area of Corsica is 8,721 sq km. From the mainland, it is easily reachable by plane or ferry from Nice, Marseille, Toulon, or Genoa. The island got its name from the ancient Romans. The Greeks called it Kallista – "The Most Beautiful," and the Romans called it Corsica – "Mountain in the Sea." Now it is divided into two departments: Southern Corsica with its center in Ajaccio and Upper Corsica with its capital Bastia, which means "fortress."
Corsica resembles an entire continent in miniature: there are high mountains and blue lakes surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rivers full of trout, tiny coves called calanques, stunningly beautiful beaches and white coastal cliffs that look like layered cake, villages with ancient churches and massive stone houses, palm-lined promenades and yacht ports, delightful little restaurants and pleasant small hotels. Rocky shores are guarded by medieval Genoese towers, herds of goats and sheep graze beneath them, and the shepherd remains a symbol of Corsica. The mountain range called the Chestnut Range is overgrown with nut groves and tall pines, while in the southeast, gentle hills are covered with vineyards. One of the most beautiful places is the Gulf of Porto, surrounded by red granite cliffs. And the city of Bonifacio stands on a sheer cliff among whimsical snow-white rocks against which emerald sea waves crash.
Corsicans are not overly sociable, but they are very hospitable. They honor their great compatriot Napoleon, celebrating his birthday on August 15 with parades and fireworks. In Ajaccio, you can visit the house where he was born, see Napoleon's baptismal font at the town hall near the market. One of the most curious museums is the Fesch Palace, built by Napoleon's uncle. It houses one of the world's richest collections of Italian artists' paintings, including Botticelli.
Corsica also keeps its mysteries: ancient stone towers and stone statues, strange structures reminiscent of dolmens and menhirs. There are especially many of them in the prehistoric park at Filitosa.
Corsica is simply made for leisurely walks. Paths lead either to a shepherd's hut, an old mill, a Genoese bridge, or a small fortress. Many tourists travel from village to village.
The main Corsican resorts are Ajaccio, founded by the Genoese, near which islets jut out of the sea; luxurious Porticcio with wonderful beaches and restaurants; the Genoese town of Calvi, where according to local tradition Christopher Columbus was born. Another legend says that Odysseus stopped in Bonifacio. The coast from Ajaccio to Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful on Corsica.
Cyprus – Island of Love
Cyprus is Greece in miniature. The same faces, the same language, the same moussaka, bouzouki, and sirtaki, as well as amphitheaters and basilicas. The same eucalyptus, cypresses, olives, and vineyards, clear sea and sea of wine, beaches, hotels, and all other joys of life.
The most impressive ancient ruins can be seen in Paphos and in Kourion near Limassol. This ancient city is located on a high hill – above the sea, above Episkopi Bay, above the Cat's Cape of Akrotiri, above the gardens on the shore. Under the blue Cypriot sky stand Corinthian columns, and Doric ones too, and one column of black marble on which a falcon likes to sit.
The most picturesque part of Cyprus is its west: the wild west of the Akamas Peninsula, where only winds and goats roam. The paved road leads to Avakas Gorge, where a sandy beach is framed by white cliffs, and the only restaurant treats guests to fresh trout. Other roads also lead through the wild Cypriot west. There, at every turn, wonderful views open up, the fresh wind smells of herbs and pines, ancient villages cling to hills crowned with churches, and donkeys rest in the shade of olives, while cloud shadows glide over the mountain slopes.
One of the beautiful routes is the old road from Paphos to Polis, crossing Akamas from south to north, through the Paphian hills. First, you will encounter the Monastery of Saint Neophytos with caves carved into the rock by the hermit Neophytos himself and painted in the 12th century.
Near the town of Polis, turn left towards the village of Latchi, which consists entirely of fish taverns: the embankment is lined with tables, and colorful fishing boats are tied up right there. You can swim a bit further – at the "Bath of Aphrodite," simultaneously stocking up on eternal youth and luck in love.
Another beautiful road leads to the Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery. Here silence reigns, and the scent of cedars mixes with a hint of monastery honey. Chrysoroyiatissa was built on the site where in the 12th century an icon of the "Virgin of the Golden Pomegranate" was found, attributed to the Apostle Luke. It is better to have lunch in the village of Pano Panagia, and return to civilization via the old road – past the Ayia Moni Monastery, through the semi-abandoned villages of Ayia Marina, Exilou, Nata. The road runs above the wild valley of the Xeropotamos River, across old bridges and abandoned gardens – all the way to the highway, where the charm of Cypriot antiquity, monasteries, tidy villages, and green vineyards ends, and the tourism industry begins.
There are five main resorts on the island: Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, and Protaras. Limassol is a large port city from which cruise ships depart. There are a huge number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues: it is the tourist capital of the island. The farther from the center, the cleaner the sea. There are also hotels in the center, chosen by lovers of active recreation and vibrant resort life. In Larnaca, most hotels are located far from the city and close to the military base; it is quiet and calm there. Paphos is the greenest and coolest place in Cyprus, covered with bougainvillea and roses.
Ayia Napa is all about discos, clubs, and nightlife. There is a large water park, many restaurants, shops, and beach vendors. And for the soul, there is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa, meaning "Forest Valley." According to legend, in the 11th century, a hunter discovered a cave in which an icon of the Mother of God was shining. Some time later, pirates attacked the village, and the residents hid in this cave. They suffered from thirst, but the Mother of God showed them a place where there was water. In the depths of the cave, people dug a well and turned the cave into a church that still exists today, and the water from the well in the depths of the church is considered holy. It heals wounds and relieves pain. In the Middle Ages, a monastery grew around the cave church. Judging by the architecture, it was built by the Venetians, who owned these lands.
Sardinia – the island named after Sardus
Sardinia is considered one of the most prestigious and expensive summer resorts in Europe. But this applies only to Costa Smeralda, that is, the Emerald Coast. Here, between mountain spurs on coastal cliffs, there are charming villages of villas and villa-hotels built in the Sardinian style: yellow, pink, and terracotta walls, whimsical shapes, no straight lines. In the bays with turquoise water, white yachts rock, neat embankments are buried in flowers, boutiques offer the latest collections of leading fashion designers. Hollywood stars, Arab sheikhs, and European monarchs, rich and famous people, spend their summers here.
The Emerald Coast is indented with large and small bays of whimsical shapes - "calas." The first luxurious resort grew on the shores of the deepest bay. This is Porto Cervo - the Deer Port. Its yacht marina is considered one of the most elegant in the world. And the most beautiful golf course is called the Pevero Club, occupying a huge area on a high cape, above Cala di Volpe bay. Nearby are other prestigious resorts - Porto Rotondo and Portisco in the Gulf of Cugnana.
Opposite Costa Smeralda in the sea lies the La Maddalena archipelago, declared a national park. It consists of lovely islets: light and reddish weathered cliffs, grottoes, underwater caves, golden deserted beaches, huge eagles and seabirds, cries of seagulls, and emerald sea. This is an excellent place for yachting enthusiasts and divers.
Costa Smeralda is located in the north of the island. In the south, the most famous resort became "Forte Village," consisting of several hotels in a huge park. The southern shores of Sardinia are lower than the northern ones, and the areas around the capital city of Cagliari are even flat. But even there, the island does not lose its charm. Everywhere on the coastal hills and cliffs rise watchtowers, yellow broom blooms, junipers and tamarisk fragrance. One of the most interesting places is the Punic city of Nora near the village of Pula to the southwest of Cagliari. Several columns, remains of an amphitheater, and ruins of houses on streets that go into the sea. This place is very popular with divers: some specifically get a certificate to swim among fallen porticos and columns, over mosaics mysteriously glistening in the clear water.
Sailing Islands of Greece
Greece has many islands – over two thousand, and they are all very different. The most accessible in terms of transport and prices are the large islands: Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, and Corfu. Euboea is located in the Aegean Sea, very close to the coast of Attica, and seems like its mirror image. It is a large island with many resorts and good connections to the mainland (7 ferry lines and a bridge).
On Crete, the beaches are rocky; two sandy ones are considered local attractions. On this island, there are both hotel towns like Agios Nikolaos, and wonderful villages (for example, Bali), and ancient Venetian cities - Rethymno and Chania. Crete is the most mythological island of Greece. Here you can see the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, where the Minotaur lived in the labyrinth, and King Minos, Theseus and Ariadne, Daedalus and Icarus roamed the gardens. From those times, ruins of other palaces remain - at Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros, but they are not too impressive. On Crete, you can go to the Lassithi Plateau, where the blades of thousands of windmills spin, and visit the Diktaean Cave, where Zeus was born. The oracle of Crete is located in the Samaria Gorge - the deepest in Europe. Next to it stands a small chapel. And around, mountain forests have survived that grew on these mountains even in the time of King Minos.
The Ionian island of Corfu is covered with mountains and forests. Here you can find both lively towns and quiet coves with clear water. The best beaches are in Paleokastritsa.
The real Greek pearls are the Cyclades scattered in the sea. Their names sound like the whistling of wind in sails: Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini. In one trip, you can see several islands at once, moving from one to another and staying for a night or two in small cozy hotels. This is called a "Greek islands cruise."
You can go on a cruise around the islands by scheduled ferry or by yacht - your own or rented. This is a special kind of vacation. Yachtsmen roam the sea like land people roam forests. The wind inflates the sail, the yacht glides over the waves, curious dolphins pop up at the side, turtles swim nearby, jellyfish sway in the clear water. A yacht is silence and speed, wind and sea. And also pleasant coolness under the scorching sun, the splash of waves, and freedom. In Greece, traveling by yacht is very convenient: sail wherever you want, and you will still end up on some island, and very quickly. There is practically no open sea without islands here. Among the Greek archipelagos there are both uninhabited islands and wild coves. There you can enjoy untouched nature and silence. And an hour later, if you wish, you can find yourself in the noisy crowd of a resort town, have a snack in a tavern, drink young wine, and dance on broken dishes during the national Greek pastime - bouzouki.
In Greece, even a beginner can handle a yacht: there are few shoals, reefs, and underwater rocks. Near almost all islands you can go along the shore: the sea is deep, there is no surf. You can drop anchor even five meters from the shore! And then enjoy the beauties and sights: explore ancient ruins, butterfly valleys, fortresses from the wars of independence, walk through lemon groves and extinct volcanoes, visit Orthodox monasteries and churches.
Beginner yachtsmen can easily find bays that are always calm. But there are also places where strong wind always blows - for example, in the Cyclades. There is a paradise for experienced yachtsmen. On all inhabited Greek islands, harbors for yachts are equipped. In high season they are overcrowded, but each has special attendants who can help find a spot, moor or launch the yacht. Yachtsmen are a special breed of people, friendly and sociable. In yacht clubs there is always an atmosphere of a friendly party, everyone chats, tells stories. In Greece, no one is afraid to leave yachts unattended and go ashore. There is no theft or robbery on the islands, the locals are cheerful and hospitable, and also show respect for others' freedom.
Hainan - an island of volcanoes
A large tropical island located in the South China Sea, in Chinese it is called 'Island south of the sea'. It is the second largest after Taiwan and the only island in China with a tropical climate. It is also called the 'Eastern Hawaii': Hainan is at the same latitude as Hawaii and has the same climate and similar nature. As in Hawaii, there are many volcanoes here - though extinct. Tourist trails are laid to their craters, and anyone can look inside.
The most famous volcano is Ma-An. The road to it and the steps to the crater are paved with tuff, the edge of the crater is protected by railings and it has been turned into an observation deck. The top of the volcano, overgrown with incredible plants, looks more like a fantastic tropical garden. On the lower terrace, in a palm grove, there is a restaurant with a stage where folk performances are held in the evenings. All this is located just 15 km from the city of Haikou.
Since the island is volcanic, there are hot springs. Therefore, people go to Hainan for treatment. The climate here is tropical, so good weather lasts all year round. The hottest springs are Guantang near Qionghai city. The water temperature at their source reaches 90 degrees. You can come here by boat along the Wanquan River, whose name translates as 'River of Ten Thousand Springs'. Especially popular are the resorts 'Starfish' and 'Heavenly Dragon'.
Another popular resort is the Xinglong Hot Spring Valley. The radon springs treat rheumatism, sciatica, gynecological diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. The potassium-sodium springs heal the nervous system, cure skin diseases and cough. In Xinglong there is a garden of tropical plants and tea plantations. In total, Hainan has over 300 hotels and resorts. At the same time, the island maintains ecological cleanliness - the main attraction for European tourists. Here they protect rare animals and birds, create landscape parks, preserve the traditions of the island's aborigines - the Li, Miao, and Hui peoples, who live in the Limulinshan mountains.
The capital of Hainan Island is the city of Haikou. It is a very old city, over a thousand years old. Most often, people arrive there on their way to the resorts of the southern coast and Sanya. Sanya is the southernmost city in China. Most of Hainan's hotels are located on the coast and on nearby small islands. The most luxurious hotels are located in Yalong Bay (Dragon of Asia), a more lively and fun place is Dadonghai Bay (Big East Sea). Everywhere here is crystal clear water and excellent beaches.
At Mount Nanshan (South Mountain), 10 years ago, the largest Buddhist center in Asia, 'Nanshansi', was opened. An ancient Buddhist temple was restored here and a huge landscape park was laid out.