Corsica

Boarding at Livorno bound for Porto Vecchio. We found a convenient ferry crossing that takes us to the southern part of the island, saving on the driving. In fact the other routes all go to Bastia, and with only one week and wanting to concentrate on the south towards the Strait of Bonifacio we would have had to do a very long round trip. Grimaldi Lines (in summer actually offers this option at interesting prices if booked online (car or motorbike passage for 1 euro). We then found online a motorhome for hire for a week at a good price, which lets us be freer than staying in a hotel. From Porto Vecchio to Bonifacio there are splendid beaches (La Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara,...) not to mention the island of Lavezzi, where it's a must to spend a whole day taking the ferry from Bonifacio.

Remember to bring a hat and provisions, since on the island there is (fortunately) nothing but beach, sea, nature and, unfortunately for us, too many tourists:-( The town of Bonifacio is very beautiful, a natural harbour where it's customary to take an evening stroll, perhaps after a good fish dinner in one of the countless restaurants (I should say they're all pricey). Wonderful weather, always breezy, and that's a good thing, otherwise the sun gets too annoying. The return trip with the daytime ferry was beautiful too. Leaving Porto Vecchio we skirted almost all the "Tuscan" islands (Montecristo, Pianosa, Gorgona, Elba, Capraia), even spotting a pod of dolphins on our way into Livorno harbour. To be done again...:-)