YOU really don't want to spill a local's pint in Corsica - it could cost you a lot more than another trip to the bar.

That's because this Mediterranean paradise is home to the original Vendetta. For years the isle was notorious for bloody feuds that would span generations and erupt into violence at the drop of a farmer's hat.

Petty rows could trigger a chain of murders - or even wars - that could, and often did, last for decades. Luckily things are a lot more peaceful today and that's why the island is so popular with Brits.

Most visit for the great beaches and near-perfect high-season temperatures - on average 27C (80F). But they rarely explore the ancient towns of Ajaccio or Bonifacio, or the rugged northern coastline.

Worst of all, they often never venture inland. They stay for two weeks and leave with absolutely no idea what they've been missing.

Tucked away are towns and villages untouched by the centuries. Here you will find restaurants and bars knocking out meals and bottles of excellent Corsican wine for a fiver.

And there really is no excuse, with a host of hire car companies on hand, including www.europcar.co.uk to "give you the keys" to the island.

We stayed in a self-catering apartment at the excellent Castell Verde Hotel, thanks to thomson and you couldn't get a better location for a relaxing holiday base.

The hotel enjoys a picturesque setting just 500m from the glorious pale sands and translucent waters of Santa Giulia. The beaches here have been rightly compared to the finest in the Caribbean.

Watersports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice during July and August. But it's not all about relaxation. The island is packed with history.

The Corsicans are a proud bunch, many of whom believe it's high time they got their independence from the French.

Actually, the island is considerably closer to Italy, which is just 50 miles away, and it does feel a bit like Tuscany-on-Sea.

That feisty Frenchman Napoleon Bonaparte is by far the island's most famous export. He was born and raised in Ajaccio, where you can still visit his family home.

Corsica's legendary bandits may have been tamed but its mountains most definitely have not. They are one of the last truly wild corners of the Mediterranean.

The massive ridge of grey, windy peaks dominate the wooded interior and rise at some points above 9,000ft, forming a fearsome backbone that runs the length of the isle.

On the map, the roads up here look like a fast heartbeat on a monitor, which is pretty much how you end up feeling after driving.

But the scares are worth it because the views down to the coast and out to sea are magnificent. Corsica is a bilingual region and all road signs are written in Corsican and French.

The Corsican language is similar to Italian and is still spoken and written everywhere. But whatever language you speak you will find a friendly face more than happy to make your holiday unforgettable.

We visited in October and enjoyed seven days of fantastic sunshine - although the nights could be chilly. The true holiday season ends in September so finding a local bar and restaurant was a bit of struggle.

But when you do track one down the hunt is worth it with fish dishes well worth a mention.

FACT FILE

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Book early for 2008 and cross from only £19.5 each way for car + 2 passengers with LD Lines and Transmanche Ferries. Depart from Portsmouth

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Lyon Sewn Slings, 120 centimetres
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THOMSON offers seven and 14-night breaks at the 4T Castell Verde Hotel from £774 per person.

This is based on two adults sharing a twin/double room on a half-board basis, with return flights from Gatwick, all taxes and charges and resort transfers.

Flights and hotels can also be booked separately. For bookings visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0870 165 0079. Car hire: www.europcar.co.uk.