Citron in Cap Corse and Bottarga in Bastia

The old Genoese towers make splendid photo stops and this one is no exception. Unlike some of the others, Albu tower has been renovated so you can climb to the top for far-reaching views across Cap Corse.

The Corsican ‘citron’ fruit looks like a giant lemon, with the Maxima variety weighing up to 8kg. Although related to the lemon, it doesn’t produce much juice and is prized instead for its skin, which is candied, or used to make jams and liqueurs.
In the 18th and 19th Century, Corsica was the world’s biggest producer of citron, exporting around 45,000 tonnes annually to Genoa. By the end of the century however, the industry had collapsed as the Genoans tastes changed to prefer the Greek citron.
In 2008, Xavier Calizi set out to revive this tradition and currently has a 50-tree orchard. The farm is open to visitors, and you can wander through the orchard, visit the small eco-museum, and taste a range of citron products in the shop. Make sure you try some of the wonderful jams and candied citron. The beer and liqueurs are also worth buying and there is even a citron-based skincare range.
The farm is open daily until 12 in July and August and on Monday-Friday during the rest of the year.

Port de Centuri is a small and extremely pretty village with a working harbour. Consequently, it’s one of the best places for a fish & seafood meal. For a decadent lunch, this restaurant offers a lobster-themed menu, as well as the catch of the day, and is situated right on the harbour front.
Note it closes for lunch at 2pm.

This winery offers an excellent tour and tasting experience which involves a walk around the vineyards and cellar, tasting a different wine at each scenic stop. You will taste a selection of their best reds, whites, sparkling and dessert wines while enjoying the scenery and learning about wine-making.
The experience lasts around 1:15 and needs to be booked in advance. Book online. There’s also a small shop selling locally-produced foods; the olive oil is especially good.

The town of Bastia was founded in 1378 by the Genoese governor Leonello Lomellini. There was already a port in existence which became known as Terra Vecchia (The Old Town) and a new settlement was built, Terra Nova (New Town), now the Citadel. The Citadel and its ramparts were completed in 1480 and the Palace of the Governors in 1530. Both are lovely historic areas with narrow streets and alleyways and gorgeous sea views.
One of the best ways of seeing the town’s highlights is on ‘le petit train’. It might seem tacky but it’s also fun and sometimes it’s great to just sit back and have someone show you the sights. Starting from the port, the train will take you along the seafront to Terra Vecchia and then up to the Citadel where the route takes you along the pedestrianized street to the former Palace of Governors and past St Mary’s Cathedral before returning to the seafront. Tickets can be purchased from the driver.
Note the train stops running at 6pm.

For a sundowner in an authentic local bar, with seafront tables, Le Petit Palace is hard to beat.

Maison de la Bottarga is famous for, you’ve guessed it, bottarga – a Corsican delicacy made from salted, dried and pressed mullet roe sacs. It is bright orange in colour with a polenta-type texture and is usually served grated over pasta or bread, although it can be thinly sliced and eaten on its own with just some oil and lemon. If you don’t fancy trying this, the restaurant does some great smoked fish, and locally caught oysters and mussels.
Note the restaurant is closed on Sundays, and Monday evenings.

Return to your car.

Patrimonio was the first wine region in Corsica to obtain the ‘designation of origin’ in 1968 and has been producing some of the island’s best wines since then. Hotel du Vignoble is a lovely small hotel in Patrimonio village with an adjoining wine cellar. After you check into your room, visit Jean-Luc Santini in the cellar to taste some of the gorgeous wines and liqueurs from the Montemagni estate.
Note the hotel room needs to be booked in advance. Book online.