Friday
20th April 2001, 1645 BST
Napoleon's
birthplace, Corsica |
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The historic
citadel overhangs medieval Bonifacio's marina |
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The
French island of Corsica remains one of the less popular holiday destinations
with British travellers.
Although it lies somewhat further north in the Mediterranean Sea than
the Balearics, the main town on the island, Ajaccio, is on the same
latitude as Rome.
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| Palm
trees line the resort of Calvi |
Not surprisingly
there is a good deal of fine weather to be had on this island which
is barely half the distance from the UK of more traditional sunspots
such as the Canaries and Greece.
The island is perhaps not best suited to a winter break or spring
break.
The waters of the Ligurian Sea which surround the island are fairly
cool and they keep temperatures relatively low.
Sub-zero temperatures, whilst unusual, are not unknown during winter
and spring. And cold mistral winds can bring unseasonably cold weather
during these months.
 |
| Locals
play petanque in the shade of the trees |
With inland altitudes
in excess of 2000 metres, snowfall can be heavy, persisting well into
spring. But from May to October daytime temperatures usually exceed
21 Celsius (70F). During the summer months temperatures in excess
of 35 Celsius (95F) are not unknown.
The island’s sunshine record is very good, although even in the middle
of summer thunderstorms remain a threat.
But it is not until September and October that the thunderstorm risk
really begins to increase.
From October through until April the visitor can expect almost one
wet day in three. So for sun worshippers the best time to visit the
island is from late May until the end of June when temperatures are
warm, but not too hot, and sunshine is more or less guaranteed. |
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