Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and crisscrossed by a widespread community of trails, Corsica is a bit piece of paradise! Each for individuals who get pleasure from enjoyable by the ocean and sightseeing; and for exercise fanatics, with mountaineering, climbing and mountain biking alternatives which can be out of this world.
A land with a posh and troubled historical past, the “Island of Magnificence” is positioned some 7 hours by ferry off the south coast of France, simply north of the bigger Italian island of Sardinia. Because of this distance from the mainland, it has a robust, distinctive persona and outlined, indigenous gastronomic and cultural traditions, a pleasure to find, in addition to its beautiful geography.
On this article, we’ll offer you all the sensible info, from ferries to campsites, to what to anticipate by way of prices, and a variety of itineraries to finest plan your vacation on this enchanting island.
A vacation in Corsica: right here’s why
Corsica could have all the time aroused your curiosity however by no means sufficient to decide on it as a vacation spot to your subsequent vacation. Perhaps you reckon “it’s in all probability identical to the remainder of France however tougher to get to”? Nicely it’s time to suppose once more.
Listed below are some good causes to vacation in Corsica:
- It has each sea and mountains, very shut to one another, so that you don’t have to decide on between the 2.
- It has each pristine pure magnificence spots and cities with vibrant nightlife for these evenings while you really feel like partying.
- It has a distinctive tradition, neither Italian nor precisely French, for a novel expertise.
- It’s THE good vacation spot for a highway journey, both with a campervan or together with your tent and automotive or bikes.
- It’s accessible with or with out your personal car.
Principally, it’s a vacation spot that has tons to supply everybody and particularly those that need to refill on new experiences through the holidays. Have we satisfied you? Observe our recommendation and begin your preparations!
Ferries to Corsica
Corsica is well accessible by ferry from Toulon and Good in France, Livorno, Savona and Genoa in Italy and a number of other different locations, taking between 4.5 and 10 hours, relying on departure and arrival factors.
Costs range by route, variety of passengers, sort and measurement of car. Indicatively, a pedestrian pays round 50-100 euros for the standard round-trip ticket with none additional companies or cabins, whereas for 2 folks in a medium-sized motorhome the fare ranges between 230-300 euros. As a basic rule, reserving prematurely, particularly in case you plan to journey within the excessive season, not solely helps you keep away from the chance of working out of seats, but additionally generally means that you can discover particular provides and thus save one thing to place in the direction of an additional dinner out!
To search out the finest fare to your dates, we suggest that you simply use our ferry reserving device, which lets you examine the routes and costs of various ferry corporations. You’ll discover all obtainable schedules and fares conveniently on one web page, and the choice and reserving course of can be quick and simple. Even in case you’re not 100% certain of your journey dates at this level, it might be value reserving one thing now – do not forget that corporations provide ‘Flex’ tickets which, for a further payment, assist you to change your departure dates freed from cost.
One other essential observe: Even for shorter routes, carriers typically provide cabin lodging, Wi-Fi and different choices. Based mostly on expertise of lengthy ferry journeys with babies, we will verify that forking out on a cabin, even for a day-time crusing, as a base to calm down and play in, is commonly properly definitely worth the funding! And also you’ll see that including any extras like this on the time of reserving can prevent cash.
Corsica coastal holidays: the most effective places
Between secret coves, white sand and water so clear you possibly can see your personal reflection, being upset by Corsica’s seashores is nearly not possible. Nonetheless, we will recommend just a few significantly charming gems.
The south-eastern coast
Corsica’s south-eastern coast, between the cities of Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, boasts the island’s most picturesque and best-equipped seashores.
- The well-known Santa Giulia seaside, positioned on the foot of a mountain just a few kilometres from Porto Vecchio, provides breath-taking views, varied eating places, and amenities outfitted for water sports activities.
- Rondinara, nestled between two rocky headlands, has calm, shallow waters, making it a perfect vacation spot for kids. It doesn’t have many companies apart from the rental of deck chairs and umbrellas, so be sure you come properly provisioned for the day, with a lot of water, snacks, and many others.
- Lastly, the seaside at Palombaggia, a UNESCO World Heritage web site, is taken into account probably the most trendy on the island, with a number of trendy bars and eating places and a postcard-perfect panorama that could be a must-see.
Cargese and the west coast
The west coast is a bit wilder and extra unspoilt than the east, so you possibly can count on fewer folks, however consequently additionally fewer companies.
- The seaside at Cargese, very non-public and well-known for its clear water, is especially standard with those that have a ship throughout their vacation.
- La Girolata seaside and the adjoining Scandola and Calanchi di Piana Nature Reserve provide a number of the most poetic, rugged surroundings in Corsica. Characterised by a slender, sandy shoreline, the world is barely accessible on foot and by boat and is subsequently not significantly simple with small children.
North and South: the variations
The northern a part of Corsica is the wildest, most unspoilt and least crowded and touristy. For that reason, the north is especially suited to those that love nature, strolling and mountaineering, those that desire peace and quiet and people who need to go to the island on a price range. The southern half is extra ‘picture-postcard’, so to talk, with crystal-clear seashores and charming cities, but additionally extra touristy, which is mirrored within the costs of all the pieces from meals to lodging.
The east and south coasts are additionally simpler to achieve with massive autos, corresponding to campervans or motorhomes, because of the wider roads. This shouldn’t be underestimated if you’re planning a vacation with a big car, as many roads in Corsica may be fairly small, steep and windy.
The very best excursions to your vacation in Corsica
Though Corsica is considered a predominantly seaside vacation spot, the island really boasts a big mountain vary and numerous mountaineering alternatives.
- The mountaineering route par excellence is the GR20. It is extremely tough and solely appropriate for seasoned hikers. It crosses the island from north to south, from Calenzana to Conca. In whole, it’s about 200 km and may be coated in a fortnight of strenuous strolling.
- Eager walkers preferring one thing much less strenuous can go for the sea-to-sea itinerary, which crosses the island horizontally from Porto Vecchio to Propriano, traversing the Mediterranean maquis, passing perched villages and centuries-old forests of oak and chestnut bushes.
- As for shorter hikes, within the northern space, we suggest the stroll to the Seneca Tower, a path of about 1h30 that begins on the Colle di Santa Lucia and provides a panoramic view so far as the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Within the Piana space, there may be additionally the Capo Rosso hike, which results in the Turghio Tower overlooking the cliff between the gulfs of Porto and Sagone.
- Lastly, round Bonifacio, it’s value exploring the Bonifacio cliff path to the Pertusato lighthouse: a loop of about 3 hours in which you’ll be able to admire the limestone cliffs on the outward journey and the enchanting city of Bonifacio within the distance on the return.
It’s all the time a good suggestion to take into consideration the warmth and the generally uneven terrain: begin early within the morning if attainable and produce sufficient water, particularly in case you’re planning to stroll with youngsters in tow.
How a lot does it price to go on vacation to Corsica?
Going to Corsica is now not the low-cost vacation it might have been just a few years in the past. However you received’t must go bankrupt after ten days discovering this fascinating island.
As now we have already seen, you possibly can maintain the price of the ferry down by organising to journey low season, by evaluating all the costs and maybe choosing much less standard routes, and by reserving prematurely. As for lodging, one of the best ways to maintain prices down is to go for a campsite as a substitute of a lodge. Most of them provide on-site lodging in addition to pitches for tents and vans. Per week in a campsite for 2 adults and two youngsters can, actually, price lower than €500, typically with companies corresponding to a swimming pool included. The potential of making ready your personal meals, when the temper takes you, saves much more, as you received’t be obliged to eat each meal at a restaurant.
For issues to do and sights to see: in case you organise your self with your personal seaside tools, seashores are free, and mountaineering and mountain walks are doable independently. Petrol is perhaps the one unavoidable expense, however usually it’s attainable to organise a 7-10 day vacation in Corsica for the entire household with out breaking the financial institution.
Holidays in Corsica: must-see cities
Ajaccio
Corsica’s capital and Napoleon Bonaparte’s metropolis, Ajaccio is value a go to for its markets, its pastel structure and its cultural and historic richness.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is Corsica’s hottest city and its distinctive structure provides completely extraordinary views of the cliffs. Go to the citadel for the most effective views of the ocean and take a ship journey for even higher ones of the city!
Calvi
Much less crowded than the earlier two, Calvi is an ideal mixture of the authenticity of its wild facet and the worldliness of its touristy facet. Combinea go to to Calvi with a stroll by means of the intricate and picturesque alleyways of close by Ile Rousse, for a quiet day trip.
Bastia
A typical port city, Bastia can be your first level of contact with Corsica, in case you arrive by ferry. Discover its charming previous metropolis perched on the hill, earlier than transferring on to the decrease half the place you will see all of the companies you may have to organise the remainder of your vacation.
Campsites in Corsica
Corsica boasts a variety of campsites all alongside the coast, with a selected focus close to the preferred seashores. Gone are the times of spartan campsites with solely essentially the most important companies. These days, most of them are outfitted not solely with pitches, but additionally with bungalows and mini-apartments and infrequently provide companies corresponding to a swimming pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi and mini-club – permitting you to have some adults-only time on vacation.
Because of the seasonal nature of tourism on the island, most campsites are solely open through the summer season season, between April and September. They normally have particular provides for the much less crowded intervals at first and finish of summer season, so you’ll want to e book early if you wish to save as much as 20% on charges.
Take a look at our campsites in Corsica and e book your vacation now at nice costs.
A 7 day road-trip in Corsica
Day 1: Bastia and Cap Corse
The ferry arrival level, Bastia is the logical place to start out an itinerary. Spend just a few hours touring its previous metropolis on foot, previous alleyways and little church buildings, earlier than getting again behind the wheel within the path of the ‘finger of Corsica’. Cap Corse is dotted with charming villages, amongst which we significantly suggest Erbalunga with its vibrant little port and the black seaside of Nonza. The day ends in Saint Florent, on the north-western facet of the island, the place a night stroll alongside the seafront is a should.
Day 2: Saint Florent – Ile Rousse
Between Saint Florent and Ile Rousse lies the unimaginable Agriates desert, which is unquestionably value a go to. Passing a number of seashores, you then arrive at Ile Rousse, a fairly, vibrant village the place you possibly can cease for the night time. An alternative choice is to proceed additional to Calvi, a port city with an fascinating fortified citadel.
Day 3: Calanques de Piana and surrounding seashores
The Calanques de Piana, alongside the coast between Calvi and Ajaccio, are spectacular pink granite formations that may be visited from varied viewpoints alongside the highway or by planning a hike. The world additionally boasts distant and breath-taking seashores corresponding to La Girolata, which might solely be reached on foot or by boat. Depend on spending the entire day on this stretch of highway, to reach in Ajaccio within the night.
Day 4: Ajaccio
After a lot wandering, a cease in Ajaccio will assist you to decelerate a bit, refill on tradition and take a look at the tasty Corsican meals at a number of the metropolis’s nice eating places. When you’ve got the time, a ship journey to go to the Sanguinaires Islands, reverse town, is worth it.
Day 5: Bonifacio
Drive the 200 km to Bonifacio within the morning and commit the day to visiting this enchanting city of white cliffs. Immerse your self within the timeless ambiance of the citadel, uncover the fortress, the partitions, the small church buildings and the market sq., to crown all of it with the majestic King of Aragon’s Staircase.
Day 6: Porto Vecchio or Corte
Those that need to get their fill of the ocean can commit the day to the magnificent seashores round Porto Vecchio: Rondinara, Santa Giulia and Palombaggia are simply a number of the numerous prospects provided by the south-east coast. Those that desire to incorporate a little bit of trekking of their itinerary can head straight to Corte, which can be utilized as a base for just a few excursions, as an illustration to close by Lake Capitello. In Corte don’t miss the normal mountain meals: breathe within the contemporary air whereas having fun with a scrumptious charcuterie board.
Day 7: Return to Bastia
After a final dip within the sea or a final stroll, take the day to return to Bastia, the place you’ll board the ferry once more for the mainland.
Corsica’s culinary specialities
Whenever you consider Corsica, delicacies is probably not the very first thing that involves thoughts, however the richness of Corsican gastronomy will go away you actually speechless!
Let’s begin with the appetisers and nibbles. On a platter of typical chilly meats and cheeses, you can’t miss: figatellu, a sausage constructed from pig’s liver, prisuttu, a lean uncooked ham, lonzu (pork loin), coppa with peppermint, and brocciu, a mushy goat’s cheese that may accompany nearly any dish, breakfast included.
It’s no shock that Corsica’s conventional and most scrumptious predominant dishes are fish-based: therefore now we have bouillabaisse, a soup made with redfish, mullet, conger and gurnard accompanied by a sauce made with breadcrumbs, olive oil, saffron and chilli pepper, known as rouille. One other typical fish soup is aziminu, ready with lobster and shellfish. For individuals who desire meat, conventional dishes are veau aux olives and civet de sanglier, wild boar casserole accompanied by chestnuts, carrots, garlic, onion and fennel.
Lastly, as typical desserts, we suggest the dried fruit tortas and the fiadone, made with brocciu and lemon. And since gastronomy is as liquid as it’s strong, now we have to finish with a tasty conventional digéstif primarily based on myrtle or chestnut: rappu.
Corsica by camper van: an island to find
The motorhome is undoubtedly the technique of transport that means that you can discover the island with best freedom, particularly contemplating the poor public transport community between the totally different elements of the island. The huge presence of well-equipped campsites, in the midst of nature, overlooking the seaside or close to the cities, makes organising an in a single day keep extraordinarily simple: the one tough factor would be the alternative!
You may examine campervan rental costs and e book instantly on Campsited!
Visitors guidelines
With the appearance of tourism, Corsica’s highway community has been expanded and improved, however the roads are nonetheless fairly slender and winding, particularly inland. So don’t anticipate finding motorways (there are none), which no less than saves on tolls.
Pace limits on the island are 80 km/h exterior built-up areas and 50 km/h in city areas. It’s good observe to respect these strictly for security causes, but additionally to keep away from fines throughout frequent police checks within the busiest months.
Helpful ideas for holidays in Corsica in a motorhome
The attainable itineraries for exploring Corsica are many and, as now we have mentioned, very totally different, relying on the world chosen. In a motorhome, we suggest driving down from Bastia alongside the japanese facet, the place the roads are wider and straighter. The west coast alongside the calanques is wilder and extra scenic, however has slender roads and blind bends that would pose some difficulties for bigger autos.
One other essential facet to keep in mind is the ban on wild tenting in Corsica. To keep away from fines or disagreeable inconveniences, organise in a single day stays in regulated campsites, which you’ll have no hassle discovering.
Have we satisfied you that wild and great Corsica is properly definitely worth the journey? Get out the French phrase e book and begin planning an journey with mates or household!
