Corsica or Sardinia on holiday - which island to choose?

Writer: Helena Bergström

Should you choose Corsica or Sardinia, or maybe both? This summer we have travelled several weeks in both Corsica and Sardinia, and here is a comparison!

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Corsica and Sardinia - two islands in the Mediterranean

Corsica and Sardinia are two islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, so close to each other that it only takes 50 minutes to travel between them by car ferry. Corsica belongs to France and Sardinia belongs to Italy. But which island should you choose, or should you choose both? We make a comparison based on our tour of the two islands, which we did by motorhome.

Nature

Both Corsica and Sardinia offer stunning scenery, with dramatic mountains, breathtaking viewpoints and beautiful bays. We experience Corsica as a bit wilder, perhaps because the roads and towns are smaller.

• Corsica: Dramatically beautiful - small winding roads between the beautiful places.
• Sardinia: Dramatically beautiful - often bigger roads and bigger cities between the beautiful places.

Beaches

The beaches are incredibly beautiful, both in Corsica and Sardinia, and we don't think there is much difference. What we like, on both islands, is that the beaches are often small and surrounded by nature, cliffs and rock formations. Sometimes you have to make a bit of an effort to get to an extra special beach, but the rewards can be all the greater!

• Corsica: Corsica's beaches are fantastic, such as Plage de Saleccia, Sperone and Plage de Palombaggia.
• Sardinia: Sardinia's beaches are also stunning, such as those at La Maddalena and Cala Gonone.

Cities

More people live in Sardinia than in Corsica, and thus there are more and bigger cities in Sardinia. However, both islands have nice towns, both large and small.

• Corsica: Generally a bit smaller and very cosy towns. We like Saint-Florence, Calvi, Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio.
• Sardinia: More big cities, but also small cosy towns. We like the main town Cagliari and charming little Bosa.

Attractions

Both islands have some historical sights, dating back to early civilisations. Both islands also have towns with forts, churches and buildings from different eras.

• Corsica: Prehistoric remains such as Filitosa and cities with historic forts and churches.
• Sardinia: Many Nuragher from the Nuraghic culture and towns with historic forts and churches.

Excursions

As Corsica and Sardinia are islands, there are of course many different boat excursions on offer, as well as boat or canoe hire. Other excursions can include hiking or caving. We think both islands have great excursion opportunities!

• Corsica: In Corsica, for example, you can take a boat trip to Lavezzi Islands or hire a canoe at Sperone.
• Sardinia: In Sardinia, for example, you can go on boat trip around La Maddalena or detect Caves of Neptune.

Food

When it comes to food culture, the differences between Corsica and Sardinia are quite big. Apart from the fact that the islands have their own local specialities to offer, it is very clear that there is a French food culture in Corsica and a Italian food culture in Sardinia. If you ask us, the food is better in Corsica, but of course it's a matter of taste.

• Corsica: French food culture with a focus on baguettes, cheese, moules frites and 3-course meals, combined with Corsican specialities.
• Sardinia: Italian food culture with a focus on pizza, pasta and Italian meal order (antipasto, primo, secondo, dolce), combined with Sardinian specialities.

Roads

Roads are generally much narrower, steeper and of poorer quality in Corsica, although they often offer spectacular views. The roads in Sardinia can also offer dramatic views from time to time, but are generally much wider and more modern, with higher speeds.

• Corsica: Many narrow and steep mountain roads, often with potholes and cavities. Low speed and beautiful views!
• Sardinia: Some narrow and steep mountain roads, but also many large, modern roads with higher speeds.

Campsites and pitches

In Corsica, you are almost entirely confined to campsites, as fricamping is prohibited and there are relatively few caravan parks. In Sardinia, you can alternate more between campsites, caravan parks and fricamping, although the rules on fricamping are relatively strict here too.

• Corsica: There are around 200 campsites and a few caravan parks/natural sites. Fricamping is prohibited.
• Sardinia: There are plenty of campsites and various types of caravan sites. There is also some free camping available.

Price mode

We found that prices are relatively similar on both islands, depending on what and where you shop. In some places in Corsica, it is difficult to find larger, cheaper shops, which can make food shopping more expensive.

• Corsica: Food prices are ok in larger supermarkets, but can be expensive in smaller and more upmarket shops. Prices in restaurants and campsites are relatively comparable to prices in Sweden.
• Sardinia: Food prices vary but are relatively low in the EuroSpin shop, which can be found all over the island. Prices in restaurants and campsites are relatively comparable to prices in Sweden.

Corsica or Sardinia on holiday - which island to choose?

Both Corsica and Sardinia are fantastic islands, and visiting both might be the best option! But if you have to choose ...

Corsica is a good choice if you like a bit more wild nature and narrow, steep roads with dramatic views, and if you appreciate French food culture. If you're travelling by motorhome, be prepared to stay in campsites.

Sardinia is a good choice if, in addition to beautiful scenery, you also appreciate slightly larger cities and wider roads, and if you like Italian food culture. If you're travelling by campervan, there's also the option of simple overnight stays.

Corsica or Sardinia on holiday - which island is our favourite?

If you're wondering which island is our favourite, it's Corsica. Why is that? Well, Corsica feels a bit wilder and a bit more dramatic, and we like the French food culture much more. But, having said that, we can also say that we think both islands are well worth a visit!