Anyone been to Corsica?

[Austrian Gull]

What with the nights drawing in, it's time for me to start planning our next summer holiday.

Me and sie indoors have agreed on Corsica.

Have any of NSC's cosmopolitan finest set foot on said isle?

Any tips for us bearing in mind we have a two year old son?

 

[ROSM]

Yep went last summer. Stayed just south of port vecchio (so north of bonifacio). Loved it round there. Fab beaches (not too crowded) and Both big towns nearby are worth a visit.

This may sound a bit daft but they weren't as family oriented as their near neighbour sardinia so with tow young kids in tow it was a challenge to find restuarants with high chairs. However that is a minor picky concern - if you have a length of material you can always make your own sling and use a normal chair as a back up. Attempting to speak French seemed to get good Brownie points in most places although the Corsicans do have their own language which sounds more italian. Bonifacio does have a downer on brits who just shout english and some shops have signs and t shirts mocking those who try.

Overall it was a hit and we would go back.

 

[cannedheat]

Yep lots of middle class English there, same lot you see in Tuscany.

 

[Austrian Gull]

Yep lots of middle class English there, same lot you see in Tuscany.

I should fit in well, then

 

[cannedheat]

Sorry forgot to add this, tis very nice there.

 

[Seasider78]

Fantastic place and stunning scenary. make sure you hire a car as found the public transport a bit unreliable. When we went the place was full of hot Italian women on holiday! One tip never refer to locals as French as they are in denial and insist they are Corsican!!

Also a total Chav and scouser free zone!

 

[Tooting Gull]

Went on honeymoon to Sardinia and got the ferry over to Corsica. Bonifacio, where the ferry goes from in Corsica, is an amazing place, bit of a hike up the hill with the nipper.

I know people who have done a lot of walking there as well, it's a beautiful island, great beaches and scenery. I have to say, I think it's more of a couples place than a kids place. Very expensive of course, but if you've got the dosh to be in a nice villa or something than it should be fine.

Now with a two-year-old of our own, personally I wouldn't go there again for a bit. Croatia/Turkey would be cheaper and possibly more child-friendly.

 

[Spanish Seagulls]

Calvi is a wonderful place with safe calm waters for the kids. Unspoilt & relaxing port area with fantastic restaurants & bars. Chez Tao is a great night spot overlooking the sea. Good choice of destination with lots of small beaches you'll have to yourself should you wish to explore. Avoid going during the French main holidays otherwise it's too packed & they're a pain in the arse. Try the doughnuts (with mascapone cheese inside) which are a local delicacy.

You really do need to brush up on your French as they are picky about that.

This information was brought to you by my other half, it's her favourite place in the whole world, apparently.

 

[Tony Towner's Fridge]

Best value is to fly Easyjet to Nice, from Gatwick. Spend a couple of days in Nice, like Brighton only warmer and with a better transport system. Then get the Corsica ferry to Corsica. Have some time there then get the ferry over to Sardinia then return to Nice. Chill out on the beach. Enjoy the Promenade des Anglais. Try some Socca. Drink a fair gulp of Provencal Rose. Visit the Matisse museum. Enjoy and then fly home via Gatwick.
A great value holiday. Cheaper than flying direct to Corsica.

TNBA

TTF

 

[chimneys]

However that is a minor picky concern - if you have a length of material you can always make your own sling and use a normal chair as a back up.

Just use your belt. Simples!

 

[Ludensian Gull]

Been on a couple of criuses which have stopped off in corsica , can honestly say it was one of our favourite places , would love to go back for a few days . Great people with old fashioned values of family life . ie still care for their parents and grandparents at home , and stand no nonsence with the youngsters .

 

[ROSM]

Just use your belt. Simples!

That worked great for the 3 year old but the 14 month old needed something a bit more

 

[charlieoatway]

We had one our best holidays there, traveled on eurostar down to Nice and got the ferry across, then spend a week walking across the island.

Staying in a different hotel each night (they would send your bags on), then went on ferry across to Italy to spend a week in Florence and Rome, then the night train back to Paris and the eurostar.

Walking thorough amazing mountains and countryside and then a bit of culture in Italy fab holiday did it through sherpa expeditions

check it out: Sherpa Self-guided Walking Holidays: Corsica Mountains Sea

Would definitely do another holiday like it, but can not do with our young kids now.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Calvi is the place to stay ... things to do, places to eat, good beaches, a bit of history to scratch at, and a nice little railway to get you places.

Don't get stung by jellyfish, though.

 

[Dave the OAP]

we stopped off there on a cruise a couple of years ago...very mountainous especially in the hinterland. Some fabulous drives, especially near the big lake in the middle of the island.

100% recommended

 

[Austrian Gull]

Good old NSCers - it doesn't matter where, somebody will have been there!

Thanks to everyone for some great advice - booked the ferry today for a 2 week holiday end of Aug/beginning of Sep.

We're definitely going to base ourselves for one week near Calvi and maybe Porto-Vecchio/Bonifacio.

Anyone else with Corsican ideas, feel free to enlighten me.

Up the Albion!