Looking for a holiday home in France with a difference? That's right, Corsica may be an island, but it is French! Whether you want to soak up the sun by the beach in a villa in Corsica or see the sights from the comfort and luxury of a hotel, Corsica will provide a beautiful setting for your summer getaway and Likibu can find you whatever type of accommodation suits you.
Explore the rich landscape and culture of the island of Corsica!
Corsica's rich history, as part of both Italy and now France, means it is the perfect location for a relaxing but still interesting beach holiday in the summer time. There are plenty of luxury hotels in resorts alongside the coast, all with pools, but there are also holiday villas and apartments to rent if you would rather self-cater, or if you're looking for cheaper accommodation in Corsica.
Best time to visit Corsica
The summer months are when Corsica really shines; as a beach resort it makes sense to go when the weather is best in July and August. Any time from April to October will offer lovely temperatures and a lovely trip, but July and August are the high season when flights will be easier to find (although also more expensive).
How to get to Corsica
Although Corsica is part of France, it is an island in the Mediterranean, so it is slightly more remote than mainland Europe. However, there are 4 airports and 7 ports on the island and it is getting easy to travel to Corsica all the time. During the summer holiday season, flights from the UK go to Corsica with EasyJet a few times a week from both London Gatwick and Manchester airports, landing in Bastia or Ajaccio. From elsewhere in Europe, there are regular ferries from both France and Italy to all of Corsica's 7 ports, making Corsica a great option if you want to take a trip within your holiday on the Riviera. If you are already holidaying in a luxury villa in Cannes, you can hop aboard a 45 minute flight across the Ligurian Sea before enjoying some of the most unspoilt beaches in the country.
Corsica is only 8 miles north of Sardinia, meaning you can visit the island in only 50 minutes from a holiday villa in Sardinia, if you are looking to go island hopping, or you just want to indulge in some French culture.
How to get around in Corsica
It's really useful to hire a car to get around in Corsica and it means that wherever you book your holiday home or villa, you can see the whole island. An interesting alternative is to travel by train, known as the "U Trinighellu" (little train). This is an old and rural train journey, but it offers beautiful scenery around the island.
Where to stay in Corsica
Porto Vecchio
As Corsica's oldest resort, Porto Vecchio is a well-established, popular location for holiday makers. It is located along eight miles of the sandy beach and in the centre, there is a marina, alongside lots of shopping and bars. There are several villas with pools in Porto Vecchio, so you can enjoy your holiday whilst being catered to. If you really want to push the boat out, you could luxury villa at Cala Rossa beach.
Bonifacio
This is one of Corsica's ports and therefore enjoys lots of luxury tourism, especially on yachts. Like Porto Vecchio, there are several beachside apartmetns where you can enjoy living in the lap of luxury. However, Bonifacio also offers a great location to explore the old town and the cultural side of Corsica, with beautiful medieval architecture and rustic independent shops. This could make it the ideal location to book a holiday rental or villa with a pool if you prefer self-catering, or you want to take advantage of the area's many beautiful local restaurants.
Ajaccio
Stay in a holiday rental in Ajaccio here if you are interested in the history and culture of Corsica as it is the birthplace of Napoleon. In keeping with the rest of the island, here you'll see beautiful landscapes and quaint cobbled streets out the window of your holiday rental. However, there is arguably more to do in Ajaccio than in the beachside resorts, especially if you are interested in Corsica's cultural life. The Musée Fesch here has a great collection of Renaissance art and you can also visit Maison Bonaparte, the birthplace of Napoleon.
What activities to do
Swimming
Corsica is surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and in the warm summer holiday season, a dip in the ocean is the perfect way to cool off after a day relaxing on the sand. The island has several idyllic sandy beaches with clear, turquoise water, such as Calvi and Palombaggia. The island also has several rivers where you can go for a more unusual swim amongst the mountains.
Snorkelling and diving
The crystal-clear waters also mean the sea around Corsica is ideal for budding divers or snorkellers. This offers a unique perspective into the island's fascinating geography and is the perfect activity for anyone wanting a more active, adventurous break in Corsica. The island has several diving centres so you can be sure you're receiving expert advice.
Wine tasting
France has always been known for its delicious wine, and Corsica's Italian roots only enrich this tradition. Even more so than mainland France, Corsica's fertile land and particularly warm weather make it perfect for producing wine. There are several vineyards open to visitors across the island, where you can see the production process and taste the wine. Several of these are in La Balagne, a region of Corsica which also has several quaint villages you can visit on your way.