11 March 2007 - The Sunday Mirror - Sarah Turner
CONSUMER homes & holidays SPECIAL
Sarah Turner
CALVI, CORSICA
The Med island which the French have kept to themselves. But now charter flights from Britain mean it's well worth going to. Corsica mixes mountains with wonderful beaches, history and good food. No theme parks, but horse-riding, canoeing and rock-climbing. Calvi is the best base - an ancient town with a multitude of shops and restaurants, meaning a car isn't essential.
HOTEL
Cyrnea is a 40-room hotel with a pool. It's a short walk through a forest to the beach and and a half-hour walk into Calvi. French hotels don't really do excursions, but the friendly owners will give advice on things to do (children will love the Scimia Calvaise - the tree-top walk in the Pinede pine forest). Best for families with older children.
HOW MUCH? £2,408 for a family of four in July, with flights transfers and B&B, for one double bedroom and one twin. Budget extra for lunches and dinners every day.
VILLA
ONE of just six terraced houses with a shared pool, Maisons Bervily is situated in a large, mature garden. Each property has its own private terrace for guests to enjoy. A path from the garden leads down into central Calvi, a walk of around five minutes. The villa has one double bedroom and one twin bedroom. Best for younger families.
HOW MUCH? £2,353.20, including flights, transfers and a welcome hamper. Save money by shopping for fresh produce and baguettes in local markets.
VERDICT: Self-catering's cheaper. Who'd pay £50 for breakfast?
BOOK WITH Both through Corsican Places (0845 330 2113, www.corsica.co.uk).
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