A Cup of Sunshine

A Cup of Sunshine 🇨🇦 Follow for Midlife Adventures in: Travel (37 Countries) • Gardening-5B • Outdoors • Yoga (YTT 200hr, Chair 30hr) • Fitness • Food • Books 🦋 Hi !

I am Maureen, the face behind ‘A Cup of Sunshine’. I love to share travel, outdoor, yoga, fitness, food and creative experiences in midlife 🦋🌿

10/02/2025

Give in to slow travel, with the Sentiers du Douaniers coastal hike in Cap Corse, Corsica 🇫🇷

Cap Corse in Northern Corsica is one of its most untouched corners — no big resorts, just beauty, heritage, and nature. Perfect for slow travel and scenic hikes like the Sentier des Douaniers.

This coastal trail runs along the northern tip of the cape, from Macinaggio to Centuri (26 km total). A popular section is Macinaggio → Barcaggio (12 km), with the option to return by boat (19€/person, last boat at 3 PM in Sept). We hiked a shorter section: Macinaggio → Plage de Cala Genovese — and it was stunning!

Expect:
🔹 Wild beaches & rocky coves
🔹 Mediterranean shrubland & birdlife
🔹 Genoese towers & the Santa Maria chapel
🔹 Views of Giraglia, Finocchiarola & distant Tuscan islands
🔹 Distance: ~12 km (out & back)
🔹 Elevation gain: ~185 m
🔹 Duration: ~3.5 hrs
🔹 Difficulty: Moderate – rocky paths, climbs, limited shade

This trail is all about untamed coastal beauty — a must if you’re in Cap Corse. Save this hike for your Corsica trip 💙

09/29/2025

Discover the wild beauty of Cap Corse 🇫🇷

Cap Corse, Corsica offers an incredible variety of landscapes — from rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, to olive-dotted hillsides, hidden coves, and dramatic mountains rising straight from the sea. The coastal drive around the cape is one of the most scenic in all of Corsica — and often surprisingly quiet.

We explored its hidden gems, from the iconic black-sand beach of Nonza to our base in the peaceful, rugged valley of Sisco, and finally to the charming harbor village of Erbalunga.

Nonza — Perched high on a cliff offers sweeping views over the Mediterranean and its rare black pebble beach below. A centuries-old Genoese tower stands watch over the vibrant houses built into volcanic rock. We paused here to soak in the view and sip the local “Limunata” — a refreshing moment of calm.

Sisco Valley — Tucked away in an untouched valley on the eastern side of Cap Corse, Sisco is a cluster of 12 small hamlets scattered through the hills. This area offers a glimpse into traditional Corsican life: terraced hillsides, chestnut groves, crowing roosters, stone houses, and ancient mule tracks perfect for hiking between villages. We stayed in a lovely Airbnb in Barrigioni, with stunning views of both the mountains and the sea — and the island of Elba shimmering in the distance.

Erbalunga — A postcard-perfect coastal village of narrow cobbled lanes and a timeless harbor. Artists and poets have long been drawn to its quiet charm. We were lucky to witness a local fishing beside ancient stone ruins — a scene of true Corsican tranquility.

Have you been to Cap Corse? Which village stole your heart?

09/25/2025

Take a stroll through L’Île-Rousse, Corsica 🇫🇷

L’Île-Rousse is a picturesque seaside town located in the Balagne region of northwest Corsica. It is a favorite destination for beach lovers due to its beautiful white sand, turquoise waters and relaxed charm.

The town is a mix of French and Mediterranean character, with a lively central square, surrounded by cafes, narrow streets and local markets. The covered market (marché couvert) is a highlight for fresh produce and local goods. We took an easy walk up to the old lighthouse on the Île de la Pietra for panoramic views of the coastline.

L’Île-Rousse, despite its name, which means “Red Island,” is actually connected to the mainland. It is named after the reddish porphyry rocks that color its nearby islets.

While our base to explore the Balagne was Calvi, we really enjoyed the vibe of L’Île-Rousse and would consider staying here instead should we to visit again.

09/23/2025

We took a trek along the Pointe de la Revellata trail in Calvi, Corsica — a stunning coastal hike just outside the town in the Haute-Corse region.

This scenic route combines panoramic sea views, wild landscapes, hidden beaches, and a historic lighthouse. The Lighthouse of La Revellata, built in 1844, marks the trail’s most iconic point. While there’s no public access or amenities at the lighthouse itself, the views from the surrounding cliffs are breathtaking — offering dramatic sights of the open sea and rugged coastline.

The trail winds through the maquis — Corsica’s native aromatic shrubland — and passes serene coves and small beaches perfect for a swim or a picnic break. Along the way, you’ll spot impressive viewpoints over the Golfe de la Revellata, the cliffs, and even the citadel of Calvi in the distance. You’ll also pass the ruins of a former residence belonging to Prince Pierre‑Napoléon Bonaparte.

Trail Info:
🔹 Distance: 9–14 km depending on route
🔹 Elevation gain: ±280–320 m
🔹 Duration: ~3 to 3.5 hours (standard loop)
🔹 Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some narrow, cliffside sections

09/22/2025

Discover Calvi, Corsica 🇫🇷
Tucked between the mountains and the sea on Corsica’s northwest coast, Calvi is a coastal gem full of history, flavor, and Mediterranean charm.

We explored the ancient Genoese citadel, perched above the town with panoramic views across the bay. Wandered through the cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Down below, we relaxed on the golden beach, where a little seaside train hugs the turquoise shoreline — a postcard-perfect scene.

Our Corsican feast included hearty soup, local charcuterie, creamy brocciu cheese, and flavorful sanglier (wild boar) — rustic and unforgettable.

We climbed to Notre Dame de la Serra in the morning and at sunset hiked the Oci loop above Lumio, where the island opened up beneath a glowing sky.

Calvi is known for:
🔹 Its historic citadel & white-sand beach
🔹 Crystal-clear waters of the Balagne region
🔹 A legend claiming Christopher Columbus was born here
🔹 GR20 trail hikers, yacht travelers & those chasing an authentic Mediterranean experience

A perfect base to explore Haute-Corse / Northwest Corsica !


09/21/2025

Only have time for one coastal trail in Piana, Corsica? You must hike Capo Rosso.

Capo Rosso is a breathtaking hike where every step opens up to stunning views of turquoise waters, hidden coves, and boats gliding below rugged cliffs.

We climbed up the iconic Genoese tower for sweeping panoramas that made the effort so worth it. Nature, history, and Mediterranean view — all in one hike.

🔹 Distance: ~6.4 km round trip
🔹 Elevation gain: ~450–500m
🔹 Duration: 2.5–3.5 hrs
🔹 Difficulty: Moderate – some exposed sections + a short scramble near the tower

Did you spot one of the boats heading into a cave?

09/20/2025

We combined two stunning trails: the Roches Bleues loop (4.3 km) and the Château Fort de Piana (1.4 km) — and the views did not disappoint.

🔹Red rock cliffs
🔹 Sea panoramas
🔹 Shaded forest paths
🔹Fortress-like rock formations

Moderate challenge, major reward!!! Add these to your Corsica itinerary.

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