Sustainable Tourism in Corsica
I’ve always loved history and I’m particularly fascinated by old photographs depicting vivid details of daily life in earlier times.
Timeless Corsica
There’s been a lot of new construction on the island in recent years, particularly in some areas near Ajaccio, Calvi, Bastia and Porto-Vecchio, but the change in Corsica’s landscape has been rather slow compared to the rate of growth in other parts of the world.
Driving through Cap Corse, on the west coast
In Corsica, small hotels, restaurants, groceries, bakeries, wineries and other family owned businesses are often passed down from one generation to the next. For this reason, travel information tends to remain current, for the most part, and you can be sure to receive the same or similar quality of service at a hotel or restaurant for years.
Recently, I came across these images of downtown Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, which clearly show not much has changed in the past 100 years. The old postcard dates from November 2, 1906. (Click the photo below to enlarge).
Credit: www.American-in-Corsica.com
Mountain villages and hamlets, like Sant’Antonino below, have managed to maintain their authentic old world feel.
Corsica offers sustainable and responsible tourism, with roughly two-thirds of the island occupied by a natural park, a green oasis where hikers, rock climbers, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy active sports in all seasons. Corsicans proudly protect their traditions, their language and their island.
Above is the entrance to the fortified Haute Ville (upper town) of Bonifacio.
Despite attracting an international yacht crowd, Bonifacio has managed to preserve its authentic character with very little modern development.
Corsica offers an authentic travel experience, unspoilt beauty and superb cuisine, at a price most travelers can afford.
Photo credits: Unless otherwise indicated, all ancient photos above belong to: www.cpa-corse.com
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Beautiful pictures. What a lovely place.
Liz, I love ruins and this post clearly shows such a nice connection with it’s history. I will definitely put this on my “places to see soon” list!
Yes, it’s great to be able to step back in time to a place filled with fortresses, stone huts and ancient villages lined with cobblestone streets. Thanks for stopping by!
Liz, I don’t dare show this to my wife – she will clean out the savings account and go there, leaving me stuck at home with the kids.
Seriously, what a beautiful place. As I discovered when visiting my wife’s home in the Philippines, Americans just haven’t experienced places where people haven’t moved and buildings have been the same for hundreds of years. It’s very different from what we are accustomed to, and very fascinating and enjoyable.
Yes, Corsica is an amazing place if you love history. Fortunately, there are a few places in the U.S. that have managed to retain a bit of their history like the French Quarters in New Orleans, downtown Philadelphia, the Spanish missions in CA and the monuments in DC. (I’m sure I’ve left something out).
Thanks for your comment!
True, but you have to admit, that stuff has only been around here in the US for a couple hundred years at most. Whereas in Europe and elsewhere you can find intact structures from over 1000 years ago. (or sometimes even more!)
I’d love to make it to Corsica someday. I love small villages and hill towns, I’m sure I’d love Corsica.
I loved looking at the comparisons. And I especially love how it is still so similar.
@jforest, Yes, we can’t really catch up with Europe. On top of that, in the US, houses are built out of pine wood and sheet rock, though we have most of the tornadoes occurring in the world. Not a good strategy unless, you’re a Home Builder.
@kelly, I have a lot more photos like those, enough to make a book.
There’s one of Bonifacio’s harbor, about 100 years ago which shows it hasn’t changed at all. Maybe I’ll include it on a future post.
Thank you both for your comments!