Corsica Travel Guide: Everything to Know About This Magical Mediterranean Island

Corsica is a pure and utter delight.

While there is a part of me that wants to keep this Mediterranean gem a secret, I reckon this beauty is about to have her moment in the spotlight. Known as the rugged kid sister to the polished yet oversaturated Côte d'Azur, Corsica boasts charming coastal towns, jagged mountain ranges, and crystal-clear beaches rivalling the shimmer from Lizzie Taylor’s jewellery box.

I’ve been dreaming of celebrating my birthday in Corsica for eons. I can’t recall exactly how I first stumbled upon this island, but something about it resonated with me. So, in January 2020, I made the decision—this would be the year! I would welcome my 36th birthday on the coast near Calvi at the end of June. Well, you know what they say about best-laid plans…  Lady Rona had another agenda.

It took a few more years than I wished for, but there was something so magical about ringing in 40, a new decade with a handful of my closest mates in the world. Finally getting to Corsica was dreamier than I could have ever imagined. Every day was a treat for the eyes, and the locals left a lasting impression that made me smile so much my cheeks hurt. And we haven’t even spoken about the food, regional wine, and water sports for the taking.

Corsica, you left quite the impression and if I must, I’ll share you with the rest of the world.

Can I Fly Direct to Corsica from the UK?

Part of France, this mountainous Mediterranean island lies just south of the Côte d'Azur and is easily accessible from London with non-stop flights from Gatwick on EasyJet. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from French ports such as Nice, Marseille, and Toulon, or from its southern island neighbour, Sardinia or in Liguria and Tuscany on mainland Italy.

First Steps in Corsica After The 3 am Wake-Up at Gatwick

Where Are The Airports in Corsica?

Corsica is deceptively big and takes the title as the fourth biggest island in the Mediterranean. So, while it’s easy enough to do day trips, I wouldn’t recommend going to opposite ends of the island during your time here unless you are visiting for over a week.

Corsica has a few airports, but if you’re flying from the UK, you will likely fly into Figari on the southern tip of the island, which is near Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. There is also the Bastia airport closer to the north with a steady stream of flights during the day.

Something to note: If you are returning a car rental, make sure you stop for gas about 10-15 minutes before the airport exit, as we couldn’t find a station on the same road. Additionally, vegetarian food options at the airport are quite limited.

Full of Sunshine, Love, and Lots of Aperol in Porto-Vecchio

Street Art in Porto-Vecchio

Is Corsica Full of Tourists?

When so many sunny European hotspots are shunning tourists this summer, it was beyond refreshing to go to an island that welcomed travellers with such open arms. We visited in late June to early July—often considered the slow season by locals—and we always found a spot for lunch or dinner. However, the beach clubs filled up early on the weekend, especially in the beauty hotspot that is Santa Giulia (below).

What Language Do They Speak in Corsica?

The official language of Corsica is French. However, given the island’s proximity to Italy, many locals also speak Italian and the native Corsican language, Corsu. Our crew of six spoke a combined seven languages, but sadly, French wasn’t one of them. Despite our frequent clumsy attempts at Français — like asking for "plus de vin rosé, s'il vous plaît?" — we were never made to feel like fools. In fact, English was widely spoken across the island, and none of us felt we were treated any differently for not speaking the language.

One of Our Pool Floats Taking Up Residence at Our Airbnb. Pic Taken by The Bestest Sabi

What I Can Only Assume Is Flamingo in Corsu But My Google Results Don’t Instil Me With Confidence

Where Was Loot Filmed in Corsica?

Goodness, if ever there was a show I could relate to, it was Loot. Minus the super small detail of the multi-billion divorce settlement, but the sentiment of starting over after an epic breakup is the same. Loot stars the comical godsend, Maya Rudolph, and it quickly became one of my favourite shows.

As I watched the final episode of the first season, it felt like pure kismet that her character, Molly, was faced with a choice that would either anchor her to the past or propel her into the future—set, of all places, in Corsica.

Like most production decisions, the Loot episode in Corsica was shot in southern California. However, if you’re looking for an equally star-studded location in Corsica, I heard through the grapevine that George and Amal Clooney were rather fond of the Pinarellu, Zonza region.

Follow me on Instagram as I galavant around the globe in lots of sparkles, being a silly goose wherever I go.