Corsica/Sardinia - opinions/suggestions?

[JohnM]

Hi peeps

I'm starting to think about a DONEx in early 2017. Basic plan is centered on S America in about Feb/Mar for Chilean fjords and Japan as last stop for cherry blossom in early April. Something in N/central America is easy to slot in on the way to utilise those all-important LOTFAP sectors .

For Europe, I'm getting a bit tired of mainland stuff, so I'm thinking Corsica and Sardinia (probably use the DONEx to get to somewhere like Rome or Nice and then fly Y- or ferry to the islands.)

From what I read, the scenery and vibe on both islands seems good. I would be aiming to rent a car and travel independently.

Anyone have experience/suggestions? Eg. Fly and rent a car there?; rent a car on the mainland and ferry there and back?; going between Corsica (French) and Sardinia (Italian) with/without car?; are both worth visiting?

Thanks.

 

[Pushka]

Cant help with actual independent travel within Corsica but it is a really nice area/island. Featured as a leg of Tour de France a couple of years ago.

Ajaccio is lovely. Check the cruise stops though as then it gets busy. Cruisett.com

Vive Le France.

 

[ontheaisle]

I did something similar a few years back. Flew into Olbia (Sardinia) from Gatwick and took the bus from the airport to Santa Teresa di Gallura, which is the northernmost tip of Sardinia. Spent a few days in the area then took the ferry across to Bonafacio (Corsica). While we ended up heading back to Olbia to fly back to the UK, you could just as easily fly out from Ajaccio or Bastia. From memory a lot of the flights in and out of Corsica originate from other parts of France - Paris, Nice, etc. I'm not a huge fan of boats (get very easily seasick) but found the ferry ride quite pleasant and calm and the scenery was lovely.

I really enjoyed Santa Teresa and Bonafacio and would love to go back again someday and see more of both islands. They were both charming and beautiful with gorgeous scenery. I definitely think it would be worth the trip, especially if you're looking to do something a bit different.

If you're planning to fly into Sardinia and out of Corsica or vice versa, it might be better to rent cars separately on each island because you might not be able to get a one way rental (not without exorbitant fees, at least). But from memory there was like only one or two car rental places in Santa Teresa itself, the rest were based at the airport and may expect you to return in there rather than at the port. Otherwise, if you're going to fly in and out of the same airport it would probably be better to rent the car at the airport and take it across on the ferry and back again. We ran into a few people who were taking that option. Traffic and parking on the island didn't seem to be a problem, although we weren't there in peak tourist season, but I think April/May should be ok.

Sounds like you're going to have a great trip whatever you end up planning

 

[JohnM]

Thanks, folks.

 

[Timtammi]

ooohh.. both Sardinia and Corsica are on my bucket list... A trip report please!!

 

[kermatu]

About 10 years ago my ex-ex-girlfriend was living in Rome and when visiting her as part of a European holiday she took me for a weekend to Sardinia. Drove to Civitavecchia then took overnight ferry to Olbia. Not a long trip so we didn't take a cabin - but I wouldn't do that again! Return was daytime and much more comfortable / pleasant.

Around Olbia itself didn't seem to be much or that nice an area but we drove to Alghero which was a nice seaside town. Scenery there and on NW coast was very nice - but I wouldn't say spectacular. Nice beaches and water - by European standards. Driving around was very easy. Prices were fine and it wasn't overly touristy. Might have helped that my friend was fluent in Italian.

We were mainly in that NW area, was only a couple of days, and sorry I can't remember exactly where we went.

I'd say a nice way to spend a handful of days - but not top of my list for a return.