Which is Nicer: Corsica or Sardinia?
Corsica and Sardinia are two beautiful islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Both destinations offer stunning landscapes, world-renowned beaches, and seaside towns filled with history and charm. Choosing between the two can be a challenge, as they both have something special to offer. In this in-depth travel article, we’ll review the best each island has to offer, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about each location.
Corsica:
Corsica is a French island located southeast of the French mainland and North of Sardinia. The island is known for its dramatic mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Corsica is also well-known for its cultural roots, with a rich history influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and French.
Best Places to Visit in Corsica:
1. Bastia: Bastia is a historic town that sits at the base of a towering mountain range. The town is decorated with old citadels, narrow streets, and beautiful churches. It’s also host to the annual Bastia Music Festival held in July.
2. Ajaccio: Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and the capital city of Corsica. The city offers stunning views of the sea, beautiful sandy beaches, and a lively nightlife scene.
3. Parc Naturel Regional de Corse: This picturesque mountainous park offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and over 200 km of hiking trails.
Sardinia:
Sardinia is an Italian island located west of the mainland and south of Corsica. Sardinia has long been recognized for its beautiful beaches, translucent water, and a rugged wilderness interior. It’s also the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, second only to Sicily.
Best Places to Visit in Sardinia:
1. Cagliari: Cagliari is the largest city in Sardinia and offers visitors beautiful medieval architecture, a lively nightlife, and exceptional restaurants.
2. Costa Smeralda: Costa Smeralda is a beautiful and fashionable holiday resort characterized by beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and luxurious accommodations.
3. Nuraghe Su Nuraxi: Su Nuraxi is a prehistoric Nuragic-age tower, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FAQs:
1. Which island is better for beachgoers?
Both islands have beautiful beaches, but Sardinia is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Cala Luna, La Pelosa, and Spiaggia del Principe. Corsica is less populated and offers more secluded beaches.
2. Which island is more affordable?
Sardinia, being part of Italy, has a higher cost of living and is more expensive. Corsica, on the other hand, is a French territory and can be costly, but there are budget options available.
3. Which island has better food?
Both islands have a rich culinary culture, but Sardinia is known for its pasta dishes, seafood, and local flavors, like bottarga, a delicacy made using salted, cured fish roe. Corsica, on the other hand, is known for its charcuterie, like Corsica ham and figatellu, a sausage made with liver and pork.
4. Which island offers better nightlife?
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, offers a vibrant nightlife scene with trendy bars, clubs, and pubs. Bastia in Corsica offers a more relaxed nightlife scene, with restaurants, bars, and live music available.
Conclusion:
Choosing between Corsica and Sardinia is not easy, as both destinations offer beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and wonderful cultural experiences. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and a more secluded beach vacation, Corsica may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if Italian food, luxury resorts, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are what you’re after, Sardinia may be the perfect option. Ultimately, both islands should be on any traveler’s bucket list.