A charming seaside town in northern Corsica, L’Île-Rousse takes its name from the red hue of the rocky islets just offshore, one of many features in the landscape contributing to this destination’s natural beauty. Perched on the headland, the Lighthouse of Pietra offers sweeping views of the scenery. The town also boasts beautiful sandy beaches with crystalline waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming or snorkeling. The heart of L’Île-Rousse is the main square of Place Paoli, where a statue dedicated to the town’s founder stands in the shade of plane and palm trees. Here you can dine alfresco at restaurants serving the region’s fresh seafood and excellent wines, and the market housed beneath a 19th-century portico offers any number of Corsican specialties. Set off to explore the charming streets of the Old Town and discover 19th-century churches, local shops and lively cafés. Not far from L’Île Rousse, you can also visit the resort town of Calvi, where yachts fill the harbor, beaches blanket the coastline, and an imposing 15th-century citadel overlooks the scene.