St. Florent and the Hill Towns above Bastia, Corsica


Two thirds of Corsica is mountains, and it’s fascinating to travel on the windy roads of the interior. You’ll spot a tiny village across the valley and minutes later will be driving through it. Continue driving and you’ll see it again below you.



Far, far below is Bastia, the commercial centre of Corsica.


The most recognizable feature of every village is its church and tower. Some small towns will have two churches.


We had lunch in St. Florent, a popular tourist spot with a sheltered harbour.


The citadel was built by the Genoese in 1440.



The Corsican flag features a black Moor's head with a white bandana. I find it intriguing that they represent their country by an image of a historical enemy as the many Genoese towers were built to defend Corsica against Moorish pirates.


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