I’ve been lucky enough to visit the island of Corsica multiple times over the past fifteen years. The island holds so many beautiful memories for me, including my first holiday with Jamie, as well as our first trip as a family of four once our two children, Alfred and Elsie, arrived.
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call Corsica one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean—if not the world. Unlike many other Mediterranean islands, the Corsicans have worked hard to protect their land, especially the coastline, from overdevelopment. In fact, there are strict restrictions on how close construction can occur near the shoreline. Unlike in many other European destinations, none of Corsica’s coastline is private. You’re free to access all of it without charge—except for protected areas like dunes and nature reserves.
Whether you arrive by plane or boat, you’re immediately struck by the island’s dramatic silhouette. Its many peaks—some still snow-capped well into June—rise sharply from the surrounding turquoise sea. As soon as you step onto the island, you’re greeted by the heady scent of the maquis (scrubland). A mix of wildflowers, fruits, herbs, and native pine trees creates an aroma unique to Corsica.
Much of the island is covered in pine forests and Mediterranean oaks, with many old villages and buildings nestled into the mountainsides—largely untouched by modern construction and tourism. The coastline boasts white sandy beaches and hidden coves, where small pop-up restaurants serve local dishes and fresh seafood during the summer season. It’s easy to understand why locals refer to it as l’Île de Beauté (the Island of Beauty).
Corsica isn’t just naturally stunning—it’s also rich in history. Archaeological sites like the cave paintings in the Grotta Scritta date back to the second millennium BC. One summer, I became absorbed in Granite Island by Dorothy Carrington, a fascinating book that documents Corsica’s complex history, customs, and folklore. It’s a must-read for anyone intrigued by the island’s past.
Corsica has changed noticeably in the fifteen years I’ve been visiting. Tourism has increased, bringing with it traffic congestion in high season and crowded main towns. However, for those willing to venture just a few miles off the beaten path, quiet beaches can still be found. And if you’re up for a bit of hiking, you can discover one of the island’s famous piscines naturelles—natural rock pools hidden in the mountain forests, perfect for a picnic and a refreshing swim.
One of the true joys is visiting outside of peak season, when the sea is still warm enough for swimming, but the summer chaos has faded. The island regains its calm, slow rhythm.
This illustration has been a long project—something I’ve worked on intermittently for the past two years. In the last couple of months, I finally found the time and focus to complete it. It’s inspired by some of my favourite places on the island, as well as key archaeological sites, towns, and the many coastal tours and inland churches that define Corsica’s landscape. I could have gone on adding to it forever, I’m sure—but for now, this is my illustrative ode to an island that has held a piece of my heart for the past decade and a half.
I'm planning on getting these printed as Postcards and A2 Posters - for anyone interested in purchasing the illustration please contact emikiddy@googlemail.com
