Corsica or Sardinia - How to choose?

Corsica or Sardinia - the endless question! We sum up our favourite things about each island and try and pick the best one for you.
Corsica or Sardinia - How to choose?
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Best of both worlds

The islands of Corsica and Sardinia are holiday hotspots for many European travellers, but have both managed to stay relatively unchanged by mass tourism. The question we that we keep hearing is, which is better - Corsica or Sardinia? So, we have done our research and made our decision, read on to find out what we think!

corsica bay beach

Corsica

  • A French island nestled between France and Italy in the Mediterranean Sea
  • French is the language most commonly spoken, although Corsican is taught in some schools as well
  • A third of the whole 1000km coastline is made up of beaches, so you'll be able to discover a new spot everyday
  • The rocky terrain makes for a fantastic hiking and trekking holiday, with hundreds of walks to discover

Corsica rocky hike

Sardinia

  • The Italian neighbour of Corsica is located directly below, Sardinia is the bigger version of its French counterpart
  • Sardinia's coastline is studded with pristine beaches and viewpoints over the sea
  • The island is rich in history and has many fascinating landmarks to visit and learn from

Best swimming: Corsica or Sardinia?

The Corsican spots

Corsica is known for its rustic landscape and rocky terrains, but the beaches that bejewel the coast are second to none. They stretch around over a third of the coastline and are pristinely beautiful. Some of our favourites include Palombaggia, Rondinara and Sperona. The south of the island is particularly special, as it links to some even smaller, more exclusive islands.

Palombaggia

corsica beach

Shaded by tall pine trees, this beach offers recluse and serenity on its 3km of shoreline. The lagoon bay joins with the turquoise, shining water and creates a restful atmosphere. It is a well-known beach, but for good reason, its beauty stretches as far as the eye can see, and the water stays shallow so you can wade into the crystal clear water.

Asco

natural swimming corsica

It is not only the beaches in Corsica that are magnificent for swimming. There are rivers and natural pools that you can take advantage of on hot summer's days. Asco is a perfect example of this; a natural pool in the North of the island. It is the perfect day trip if you are staying in the South.

Sperone

This beach is harder to reach, but the journey is all worth it when you arrive at Petit or Grand Sperone beach. The rocky hills form a path that winds down to the beach, and it is a 15 minute walk from the carpark. You will see for yourself when you arrive, that it is one of the best hidden beaches you will ever find. Just be sure to buy your provisions before you get to the beach as there are no shops around to buy your lunch.

The Sardinian beaches

The beaches of Sardinia are equally as beautiful as those in Corsica, with similarly turquoise waters and sandy stretches of beach. You can't beat a seaside holiday here.

La Pelosa

pelosa sardinia

The sea at La Pelosa glistens all day long, as the sun bounces off the gentle waves. The sugary soft white sand is perfect for a day of sunbathing. In the distance, at one end of the beach you can visit a small 17th century tower to add some history to your day. What more could you ask for?

Cala Brandinchi

sardinia beaches

A paradisiacal wonder. It will come as no surprise that this beach gets referred to as little Tahiti. Surrounded by blowing pine trees and with private beach clubs dotted along the coast, this is one of the best beaches in Sardinia.

Ambiance & Activities

Corsica

The general vibe of Corsica is more rugged and rustic. With exciting hikes and trails to take part in and delicious food along the way, this island is perfect for an active family. There are so many dynamic activities to take part in on your Corsica holiday, from jet-skiing to hiking, horse-riding and more. You can make the most of the unspoilt landscape and partake in this plethora of pastimes. If you're looking for a more low-key, down to earth holiday, then Corsica is the one.

horse riding corsica

Sardinia

Sardinia, itself is a bit more polished. For a sophisticated and exclusive trip, we recommend Northern Sardinia. Sardinia is fabulously chic with beach clubs that rival the best in the world as well as glamorous yachting clubs. As famed writer DH Lawrence once said, "this land is unlike any other place. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel - nothing finished, nothing definitive. It's like freedom itself. " If the beach clubs don't take your fancy, then you can hire a private boat trip to peruse along the coast and admire the breathtaking view.

boat trip sardinia

Gastronomy

Corsica

The food scene here is fantastic, especially for meat-lovers. Some of the boucheries and fromageries of Corsica are world renowned and for good reason. The charcuterie in Corsica is known as some of the best in the world, thanks to their special breeding of their pigs. There are French influences apparent in the regional dishes - think delicious stews and roasted meats!

cafe terrace corsica

Sardinia

With Italian style piazzas and Italian influences on the cuisine, this should appeal to fans of the dolce vita lifestyle. Fresh seafood is always in abundance here, especially lobster and fish roe. What is fantastic about the expansive coastline, is that you can visit any beachside restaurant and expect high-quality food every time.

piazza Sardinia

The Verdict

After deliberating over our favourite island, we have decided - why choose? Why not visit both?

Nestled in between Corsica and Sardinia, are the Lavezzi Islands, the perfect distance between the two islands for a magical daytrip. The wildness of these islands makes a perfect escape from the busier, larger islands. Pack yourself a picnic and lots of water and spend the day exploring the savage landscape of the Lavezzi islands.

corsica beach

Equally, if you are longing for an island holiday and can't decide between Corsica and Sardinia, then why not do both? You can have the best of both worlds; from the sporty side of Corsica to the sleek side of Sardinia, make it a perfect trip by doing both! Sardinia has the quintessential Italian farniente attitude and Corsica has the French joie de vivre, and you can travel between the South of Corsica and North of Sardinia very easily. A quick boat trip will allow you to hop between the islands - only 50 minutes on the ferry from Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura!

corsica wild landscape

For even more inspiration for a magical Corsican holiday, read our article of our top tips from North to South in Corsica.

With Le Collectionist, renting luxury Corsica and Sardinia villas has never been easier. If you are tempted by Corsica, explore our luxury houses on the island of beauty. If Sardinia is more for you, then check out our Sardinian luxury hideaways.

 

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