Corsica calling...

the site. The medieval town of Bonifacio, on the southern tip of the island, is a must-see, with a breathtaking view from the restaurant-lined harbour of the Bastion d’Etendard.

This formed the most important part of fortifications which date back to 1195, and were built to defend the city.

Walk up the steep hill for a closer look or, like me, take the Petit Train de Bonifacio (€5/£4.50) and save your legs for the walk back down. Sardinia, its Italian neighbour which is just eight miles away.

We have a picnic lunch on Lavezzu, an unspoilt island of granite rocks where there is little but an abandoned shepherd’s hut and a cemetery housing the remains of 700 sailors who died in a shipwreck in 1855.

On the hour-long journey back, it’s fascinating to see the sheer white cliffs and caves, one of which locals say is the shape of Napoleon’s hat.

The boat even goes inside one cave to see a hole to the sky, which is said to be shaped like Corsica. It’s an impressive feat when they turn the boat around to get it out again! There is also a fantastic view of the King of Aragon’s Stairway, 187 steps which were said to have been cut into the cliff by invading soldiers in 1420, although the less dramatic truth is that it was created by locals in a natural rift in the cliff to access drinking water. For those staying longer, Delphine – who has been a tour guide for nine years – recommends a trip to see the spectacular rocky red granite needleshaped peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella in the south of the island.

WHILE we don’t manage that, we do squeeze in a visit to the Aleria Museum (€2/£1.70) where fascinating objects from the history of Corsica include fertility symbols and drinking vessels in the shape of animals’ heads.

The ticket price includes a look around the remains of the ancient town of Aleria, built between the first and second century BC, with parts of the forum, shops, temples and baths visible following excavation.