Pure Enchantment - your guide to Porticcio/Molini

Two Genoese towers stand sentinel over the three river valleys on the south-west bank of the Gulf of Ajaccio, and here stand the seaside resort of Porticcio and her quieter neighbour, Molini, set against the dramatic background of the mountains that are often snow-capped until the spring. A stone's throw away are the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean with their beaches of white powdery sand. The fragrance of the maquis lies heavy in the air and at night the stars shine brilliantly above. This is a magical destination.

For those who love the sea, all tastes are catered for. Porticcio itself is a centre for sea-kayaking, jet ski-ing, waterskiing harpoon fishing, diving, fun (body) boarding, surfing, and of course, swimming and sunbathing. If you crave solitude, even in summer's peak season you can find a deserted beach just south down the road and far from the madding crowd. Underwater, sea anemones, gorgonians and coral light up the sea bed with a myriad of colours. Sea urchins and fishes abound.

Sailing enthusiasts can book excursions in Porticcio and boat trips around the island are also available. For those who might not want to drive to Ajaccio, the island's capital, a ferry service runs across the bay from Porticcio (15mins). Here you can visit Napoleon's birthplace, the shops and the museums. Horse-riding can be organised from Porticcio and there are specially designed routes up into the mountains for walkers. The Tourist Office is on the beach and everything can be arranged from there.

Behind Porticcio, the mountains rise steeply and here you can find true solitude. There is great beauty and a cool stillness.

Porticcio is a great place to have fun. It has many shops and a large super-market. There are many restaurants, a cinema and night clubs. Molini is a quieter place but it too has shops and some good restaurants. Wherever you choose to eat, there is nothing more magical than to dine outdoors in the scented air with the stars and the twinkling lights across the bay. Of course a good wine adds to the pleasure and Corsica produces excellent wines like Patrimonio and many more.

The region has its own specialities. The trout is excellent. Corsican fish soup and shell-fish are delicious. Wild boar and all pork dishes including charcuterie are to be highly recommended because the animals run wild and the herbs of the maquis flavour the meat. Corsican cheeses are wonderful, especially "brocciu" and the sheep cheeses. Cakes made with chestnut flour are special to the region.

Last but not least, the people here are warm and have a special affection for the British dating from World War Two and even before that, but that's a story for another day.

Written by Margaret Wain - Owner of Property 96504 in Porticcio, Corsica