Wild scenery, stunning views and steeped in history, Corsica is one of Europe’s best kept secrets.

But new direct flights have made it easier then ever to visit the Mediterranean island.

Its capital, the port city of Ajaccio, is one of the destinations for Air Corsica’s new direct flights from London Stansted and costs £49 one way.

A two-and-a-half hour drive along the twists and turn of the island’s mountainous terrain takes you from Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, to the camping village Sunelia Perla di Mare.

The village is situated on the sprawling Vignale beach in Ghisonaccia on the Costa Serena.

Nestled within a 32-acre forest of pine and eucalyptus trees are a mixture of self-catering one to three-bedroom cabins.

My lodge was an immaculate and well-presented cabin with two bedrooms, one with bunk beds, a bathroom and a kitchen/dining area complete with all mod-cons. I had my own private terrace, the perfect place to find some much-needed shade and take in the sights and sounds of the nature which surrounded me.

While the lodges are self-catering, a supermarket stocking the essentials is just a short stroll away. But, should you fancy an evening out, at the heart of the resort is a beautiful restaurant overlooking the sea which offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes, and a bar with an exciting cocktail menu.

Site manager, Stephane Bertrand, was the perfect host throughout the trip, proudly sharing with us his local knowledge – and wide selection of Corsican wines.

It’s worth noting for those with dietary requirements, things can be a little tricky in Corsica. Fresh and locally-sourced fish, meat and cheeses are prominent on every menu, and rightly so, but as someone who doesn’t eat any of these it was, at times, a struggle. Stephane and the team were happy to accommodate this - and I appreciated the effort they went to.

There’s something for everyone at the holiday park, as we found the next day, with activities ranging from yoga, aqua-gym and cycling for the health-conscious and a pool and spa with a wide range or treatments for those seeking a more relaxing break. I had a 50-minute massage for a cost of ‎€60.

After a relaxing day at the beach -where pedalos, catamarans and sunbeds are available for hire - we were more adventurous on day three.

An hour-and-a-half drive to the southern tip of the island is the medieval town of Bonifacio, home to a vibrant and bustling marina lined with restaurant and bars overlooked by the Bastion de l’Etendard, a 13th Century fortress.

We clambered to the top of a steep hill to explore the narrow streets of the beautiful cliff-top village – but it you want to save your legs the trouble, you can hop on the Petit Train de Bonifacio which leaves the marina every 30 minutes.

We took a boat to Lavezzi archipelago, a nature reserve and island all of its own which separates Corsica from its Italian neighbour, Sardinia. Rugged and unspoilt, the island boasts secluded beaches and crystal clear waters. Interestingly, close to the boat drop-off point, is a cemetery at which you can find the graves of more than 770 sailors, victims of the worst shipwreck in Mediterranean history in 1855.

The boat journey back took a while longer, enabling us to take in the views of the sheer white cliffs and gaping caves, passing the private island of Cavello, home to the mega-rich, and the spectacular King of Aragon’s Stairway, a steep cliff-side stairway of 187 steps leading to incredible views of the sea.

On our last day, we squeezed in a visit to the ancient town of Aleria to explore an archaeological site and explore its neighbouring museum before stopping by a lovely lakeside beauty spot to take in more of the island’s views.

Cosica’s mix of French and Italian influences make it a unique place of its own and the resort of Perla di Mare gives you everything you need to do as much – or as little – as you like. The resort is now taking books for spring - so what are you waiting for?

GETTING THERE:

Air Corsica offers five flights per week from Stansted to Corsica (Ajaccio and Bastia airports) from May to November and nine per week (Ajaccio, Bastia and Figari) between June and September. Prices are from £49 one way from London and from €72 one way from Corsica. For reservations: www.aircorsica.com Drive from Bastia to Perla di Mare (1 ¼-hours), from Ajaccio (2 ½-hours) or from Figari (1 ½-hours). A car is recommended to explore the island.

ACCOMMODATION

Sunelia Perla di Mare - a two-room/one bathroom lodge with terrace (sleeps five) is priced from €58 per night/€399 per week (rising to €189/€1323 per week in high season, July 14 to August 24.

The park is open between April and October every year.

To book, visit sunelia.com/en