As schools break up for summer, the annual exodus of fractious parents is now in full swing. For those left behind to sweat or freeze amongst the office tumbleweed, July and August can sometimes feel like the longest months of the year. If you’re desperate for escape but despair of your already-stretched salary, depart a few weeks later and you’ll find a short break to Corsica could be within reach.

dantegiorgioguazzo Corsica

Corsica is one such premium-rate destination which becomes a little more affordable once September swings round. Deserted beaches, cheaper accommodation and bargain return flights are just a few of the benefits of visiting out-of-season. With a swash-buckling history of bandits, blood feuds and Barbary Pirates, what more persuasion do you need to book a short break to Corsica?

paul-in-london Corsican flag

Swooping in amidst the island’s perilous peaks, we arrive into Ajaccio in a blast of heat tempered by the relaxing herbal essence of the island’s Maquis – a bit like entering an aromatherapy spa. Mesmerised by a backdrop of towering mountains, lush vegetation and stunning hill-top villages, we’re suddenly jolted out of our reverie by a deafening roar.  In a cloud of fumes, our first bandits appear. Beware the quad-bike boy-racers.

JeanBaptisteM Ajaccio

Exploring Ajaccio’s old town, we encounter a maze of well-trodden back streets where sleepy cafes offer the perfect pit-stop for a chilled glass of Muscat.  Once revived, a short stroll takes us down to the sea front where we note that pirate ships have been replaced by procession of ferries from the French mainland.   While lacking the glitz and glam of jet-set Porto Vecchio, the harbour’s laid-back vibe offers plenty of people-watching opportunities and a chance to stroll to the nearby open-air food market.  Groaning with soft, creamy cheeses, spicy cooked meats and glossy fat olives, the market brings a whole new dimension to the term “farmer’s market.”

In keeping with local character, Corsican cuisine boasts a startling array of macho-meat dishes ranging from wild boar dragged down from the mountains, through to pork, veal and kid.  Giant prawns and spiny lobsters lead the super-charged sea food fair while more adventurous foodies may be tempted to try grilled pigeon. (Be aware that some restaurants in remoter areas of Corsica may close down at the end of August.)

Speculum mundi Corsican Cafe

Shunning Ajaccio’s spectacular walking routes, we sheepishly head for the nearby deserted beaches at Capo di Feno for some well-deserved R&R. Splayed out minutes later, we spot a dark figure peering at us from the cliff above. Stealthily clambering down the rocks like a sprightly Jack Sparrow, he makes a beeline towards us. Feeling slightly nervous by now, we wonder idly as to his motives.  With a mischievous gleam in his eye, we discover moments later that his fascination is with our milk-bottle complexions. Mortified, we make a mental note to venture out from the tumbleweed a bit sooner next summer.