Corsica, France

Part of France for more than 200 years, geographically Corsica is closest to the Italian island of Sardinia and was once an independent Italian-speaking republic. It was also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and you’ll find his family home museum in the city of Ajaccio. The landscape is diverse, from white-sand beaches, to mountain peaks, to rugged coastal cliffs.

While the south of the island is well-known to European tourists, the north remains relatively undeveloped, and you’ll find charming fishing villages and beautiful sandy bays.

Another great option for active travellers, Corsica’s attractions include hiking, canyoning and snorkelling, with plenty of time for lazing on the beach in-between. For a real challenge, take on the GR 20 long-distance footpath that runs north to south over 180km of mountainous terrain with hut accommodation available along the way. The walk is usually done in 15 days. If you want to get into the mountains without the gruelling hike, hire a car and head up to some of the pretty hilltop villages to explore the cobbled laneways and medieval architecture.

While the food is described as more “rustic” than in mainland France and Italy, you’ll still find great red wine, charcuterie and cheese. And make sure you try fiadone — a sweet cake made with Corsican cheese.

Getting there: Corsica has four small airports and Air Corsica flies there from 11 French destinations, as well as London Stansted. Other airline options include Easy Jet, Air France and Eurowings, or you can catch a ferry from mainland France and Italy.