The beaches I found on the island of Corsica were truly amazing. The waters were warm, the snorkeling incredible, and the French food was delicious. Corsica has much more to offer than just beaches, however that’s about all I was able to experience during my brief visit to the island. Corsica was a planned destination, but we decided to cut the time short and do a drive by (sail by) to St. Tropez on the way to our next destination. So I will briefly cover that stop here as well.
The beautiful colors in the sea surrounding Corsica are unquestionably some of the best. I could float here for hours.Amazing and not well frequented beaches abound.This is about as crowded as it gets. While the rocky beaches aren’t the most comfortable, there are also plenty of sandy areas as well.View to the south where there is some development. Corsica has not been over-developed, as many places in the Mediterranean have been.Monument to Napoleon. In the sculpture he looks much taller than his actual height of 5’6″.
Less than a day’s sail from Corsica we sailed to St. Tropez. This town has quite a reputation for opulence, excess, yacht competitions, and the like. While there I tried to experience some of what this place has to offer.
This is the coastline on my approach to St. Tropez.I ended up making friends with a few of the people on this craft which was moored near our vessel. I spent a great afternoon just talking and enjoying a fabulous white French burgundy with them before going into town.In town, this was the French restaurant I chose to dine in for a very late lunch. It’s name was Le Cafe’ and the wine cellar was quite impressive.The bread in France is some of the best on the planet, no matter where you choose to dine. I stopped here at Le Cafe’ for a light snack. Escargot anybody?Here’s a great spot for a cocktail or a coffee. Since it was getting late in the afternoon, I chose a cocktail. And this place served a great “Suze & Tonic.” This is the French twist on the classic British “Gin & Tonic.”A typical street for some shopping, if that’s your thing. Personally, when I shop it’s for food and beverages. They are most times very enjoyable and delicious, while being easy to transport when you travel.
At this time, I am not quite sure where the next destination will be, except that it will be somewhere in the Mediterranean. I will keep you posted, so to speak.
Perched way above the deep blue Ionian Sea is the town of Taormina. One of Sicily’s legendary resort towns because of its twisting medieval streets, and a second-century Greek theater which only add to its romantic air.
The winding road taking me up to Taormina. In the distance, the tip of the boot of mainland Italy is visible.Main Plaza in Taormina.As in Italy, there is no shortage of churches here. And in this one in particular, no shortage of marble and granite.Extensive use of granite and marble is apparent. This church outdoes the other for not only more use of granite and marble, but better sculptures and columns.Beautiful coastline looking to the north.Some of the amazing second-century ruins above the village. If you ever visit Taormina, this is a must see. For me it was way better than the town.The ancient theater above the village.Incredible ruins and views beyond. The ruins are extensive. Mount Etna in the distance was quiet the first day I was visiting.The next day, not so quiet. All walking tours on Mount Etna cancelled. Gotta find another activity.Check out the precarious positioning of this home, especially precarious when you consider the active tectonic conditions in this area.
Off to another part of the Mediterranean soon. I’m looking forward to where ever I end up. I’m thinking France, but time will tell.
Lifestyles of the rich and famous. I didn’t have a lot of time here so I decided to check out the scene at the Nikki Beach Club. Some say this club is past its prime. However, it didn’t disappoint for people watching. The open air concept is fully embraced with outdoor everything. If you are not familiar with Nikki Beach, it’s a luxury beach club concept that combines the elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art into one. It has several clubs in prime weather locations around the world.
Marbella coastline Local square on my walk to the club.This local shopper (who bears a slight resemblance to my housekeeper in Sicily back in 2014) seems to be locked out of her car. Maybe she should just head to the disco like her beach bag says.Oceanside at Nikki Beach Club. Of course there is full oceanside service. Many of these patrons were enjoying chilled bottles of Dom Perignon. What an entirely sybaritic scene.Poolside at Nikki Beach. No shortage of restylane and botox here. So much that in some cases it could serve as a floatation device. See if you can zoom in on this redheads lips.Poolside with more action. She won best swimsuit with this creative design. It was a swathy one-piece.Get that sunscreen on, you sure don’t want to burn.
So, Marbella has a lot more to offer than just a scene like Nikki Beach, however my time was limited here do to my own poor planning. More coming as I spend the autumn in the Mediterranean area. Hope to report soon.
