Holidays in Corsica: how to get there? Cost, travel time, transfer. Blog by Elena Iskhakova How much does housing cost in Corsica

Considering that Corsica is an island, you can get to it in two ways - by air or by water.

The fastest of them, of course, will be a flight to airplane. There are four airports on the island, accepting flights from different parts of Europe. True, there are no direct flights from Russia as such (except for special summer flights, usually with tours under the auspices of a specific tour operator). So if you are going to fly to Corsica on your own, you will have to rely on a transfer in one of the major French cities such as Nice, Marseille, Paris and so on. True, you need to be careful with Paris. When booking a ticket, pay attention to which airport you are arriving at on a flight from Russia and from which airport there will be a plane to Corsica. Most likely, these will be two different airports and you will have to move from one to another. And this requires time and certain funds. You can choose a suitable flight and book tickets (and the most convenient way) via the Internet by going to the website of the airline you are interested in. Among airlines AIR FRANCE (www.airfrance.com), BRITISH AIRWAYS (London - Gatwick / Ajaccio & Bastia: www.ba.com), CCM AIRLINES (www.aircorsica.com) and LUXAIR ( www.luxair.ru).

A car is the most convenient transport in Corsica. Buses run rarely, the railway runs along a limited route, so you can’t get to many beautiful places and beaches without a car. Mountain roads on the island are often serpentine and sharp turns, but covered with good asphalt. And between the cities there are “national” roads that allow you to travel quickly. Renting a car in Corsica is easy; major brands are represented, for example Hertz, Europcar. You can compare prices on this website.

Day 1: Bastia – Cap Corse

To begin with, the goal is to get to the center, from the port (10 minutes) or from the airport (30 minutes along the T11 road). It’s easier to leave your car in the underground parking lot at Place d’arme. It's next to the citadel, you won't be confused. A leisurely walk through the citadel, the shady garden, the Old Port, Place San Nicolas and the double-domed church of San Jean Baptista will take at least two hours. There is only one road leading from the city, D80. On the map, the cape is shaped like a thumb. But in reality these are pebble and sandy beaches, picturesque villages, ancient Genoese towers and quiet fishing ports.
The most interesting places in Cap Corsica:

• Tower in Miomo,
• Stone village of Erbalunga,
• Pietra Corbara beach,
• Maginaggio beaches,
• Mills of Mattei,
• port of Centuri,
• Black beach in the ancient village of Nonza.

This is an approximate auto route through the most unforgettable places in Cap Corse. In essence, the road goes around the “finger”. You can drive it in a day, but for a good rest, break the route into parts. Miomo is famous for its 16th century stone tower, which is very well preserved. You will see the next tower in the village of Erbalunga. The Genoese built about 90 of these unique watchtowers, and most of them were on Cap Corse. If you love sandy beaches, stay in Pietra Corbara or Maginaggio. The latter is a very beautiful white sandy beach with a turquoise sea, a little away from the quiet port of Maginaggio. It's nice to go to one of the many cafes or glacerie serving delicious ice cream and sit right by the sea, looking at the boats. From this port it is 12 km to the Mattei mill. It has not been working for a long time, but only here you can see both sides of the cape from above. And in the port of Centuri, tourists feast on lobsters.

Day 2: Nonza – Saint Florent

The volcanic black (already gray) beach is known throughout France. Nonza is a very atmospheric medieval village with a Genoese tower. To get to the beach you need to go down a steep stone staircase. The road is still the same, D80, it will lead to “Corsican”. What to do in Saint-Florent, we already wrote.

Day 3. Ile Rousse-Algajola-Calvi-Porto Calanca Piana

Ile Rousse (“red island”) is a small village with sandy beaches. The clear turquoise sea invites you to swim and soak up the sun. one of the most beautiful on the way. It is about an hour's drive from Saint-Florent along the T30 and D81 roads. The attraction of Calvi is the citadel of the 15th century. If you are not afraid of serpentine roads, then go to the famous red rocks of Calanca Piana. The road goes through Porto, the distance from Calvi is 32 km along the D81 and D351. From Porto to the protected rocks it is another 60 km.

Day 4. Ajaccio – Propriano – Sartene

It’s faster to get to Bonaparte’s birthplace on the D81, about 1.5 hours from Calanque Piana. Sights include monuments to Bonaparte, Fache Palace and Napoleon's House. Near Ajaccio, Propriano and Sartene there is a “sea” of beautiful paradise beaches, choose any along the way, or better yet several.

Day 5. Lion Rocapino – Bonifacio – Porto-Vecchio

Day 6-7. Return to Ajaccio or Aleria – Corte – Bastia

If you decide to fly from Ajaccio, this will save you from having to cross the island again. Otherwise, you will find an ancient city, the only mountain fortress in Corsica, and perhaps hiking in the mountains to a waterfall and lakes. From Porto-Vecchio to ancient Aleria it is about 71 km. Ruins (older than the Colosseum!) are available for visiting. Aleria was founded by the Etruscans. After visiting the ancient times, go to the “heart” of the island, to the mountainous Corte. Brave hikers are attracted to the GR20 mountain trail. Other hikers take the easy route to English Falls. You can stay for one day in Corte or closer to the waterfall, in the town of Vizzavona. The two are just under an hour's T20 drive. If you do not go to Vizzavona, then from Corte to Bastia there will be another 70 km, which will take at least an hour and a half.

And it is famous for its clean beaches, historical sites, as well as a peaceful atmosphere. Tourists strive to get to Corsica at any time of the year, as the French island has a number of advantages compared to other resorts in the world.

How to get to Corsica by plane

There are four airports on the island (Bastia, Campo del Oro, Figari, Calvi), which receive flights from different countries all year round. There are no direct flights from major Russian cities. However, carriers offer a lot of options with connections in different cities. The most popular tickets are from the following airlines: Aeroflot; Air France; Air Corsica; British Airways; CCM Airlines; Luxair.

It is better to purchase tickets to Corsica several months before the trip due to the fact that this destination is especially popular among tourists. Each carrier tries to create optimal conditions for its customers, so you can buy a ticket at a promotion and save a little.

If you decide to go to the island with a transfer in, you will spend about 9-10 hours on the journey. At the same time, be sure to take into account the fact that upon arrival in the French capital you will need to change the airport. For these purposes, you can use a transfer or public transport that will take you to Orly airport.

Another way to get to Corsica is a flight with connections in, or. Despite transfers in several cities, the travel time will be from 5 to 7 hours, which is quite convenient, given the significant distance between and the French resort.

As for the cost of tickets, the cheapest option will cost you 23,000 rubles per person one way, and the highest price is 101,000 rubles.

To Corsica by ferry

There are excellent ferry connections between the port cities of France and Corsica. A ferry trip is suitable for those who are traveling to the island from France and are not afraid of long journeys. You should first decide on the starting point of departure, which could be Nice or.

Tickets are usually purchased on specialized websites. Convenient navigation in English will allow you to quickly find the route you are interested in. The cost of a ticket directly depends on the distance and duration of the trip. On average, the price varies from 35 to 60 euros.

If you are traveling around France with a rented car, keep in mind that the car can be transported by ferry without any problems. This service is widely practiced in Europe. Among the most famous carriers are: Moby Lines; CMN; Linee Lauro/Medmare; SAREMAR; Corsica Ferries.

It is also worth noting that almost all ferries plying to Corsica are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable trip.

Ground transportation on the island

Most tourists arrive at Bastia and Campo del Oro airports. The first one is located 20 kilometers from the city of Bastia, from which you can go anywhere on the island. There is a bus stop near this airport, from where spacious buses run 5-6 times a day. It is better to check the schedule with the airport staff, as bus operating times vary in different seasons. Tickets can be purchased either from vending machines or directly from the driver. For one ticket you will pay around 8-10 euros.

Some tourists prefer to get from Bastia airport to their holiday destination by taxi. Such a trip cannot be called cheap, since you will have to pay about 50-70 euros for one trip. To save money, you can call a taxi in advance and wait for the car at the airport entrance. Travel time will be approximately 20-30 minutes.

Public transport is poorly developed in Corsica. This is one of the reasons why visitors often rent a car to get to their final destination. There are car rental offices at all airports on the island. Keep in mind that you will be allowed to rent a car only if you have an international driver’s license. In addition, company employees will require a deposit from you, which is subsequently returned.

Have you chosen Corsica for your next holiday? You will not regret it! This is an island of beauty with magnificent and different landscapes. Brief overview of must-see places:

Magnificent landscapes of Corsica

Piana Bays (Les calanques (calanches) de Piana)

They are formed by rocks of volcanic origin and cliffs of pink granite. By the way, pink granite cliffs can be found only in three places on the planet: here, in Corsica; on and in China. The views are simply breathtaking! The reefs can be reached on foot, and adventure seekers can take photos on the peaks of Piana.

Forest of Vizzavona (La forêt de Vizzavona)

The forest is part of a nature reserve and is located between two mountain ranges - Mont d'Oro and du Renoso. There are places on the coast where you can swim.

Red Island (L’Ile rousse)

It is located in the north of the island and gets its name from its color. These are wonderful.

Corsican history and culture

Did you know that the history of Corsica began 10 thousand years BC? Details can be found at the Historical Museum of the Commune of Sartène. The history of Corsica is rich in events from antiquity through the Middle Ages until the time when it became part of France. You will find plenty of evidence of this on the coast. Ajaccio is an example of the culture of a Corsican city with its fortress and markets, various local crafts. Ancient quarters and fortresses can be found in other cities of the island. They are located both along the coast and in the interior of the island, for example, Cort - the former capital of Corsica.

Porto-Vecchio

Balneological in the east of the island with beaches of exceptional beauty, such as Santa Giulia or Cala Rossa. Numerous nightclubs will diversify your holiday.

Ajaccio

The capital of Corsica, the largest city on the island, is located in the south. Beaches, bars, discos await holiday lovers.

Calvi

Located in the north of the island, opposite the French Riviera. It has a very favorable climate, mountains and beaches.

Corsica

How to get to Corsica

The easiest way to get to Corsica from the continent is by ferry (Navire à Grande Vitesse): from 2 hours 45 minutes. up to 3 hours 30 minutes to Calvi, Russe Island, Ajaccio and Bastia. So, a round-trip ticket from Nice to Red Island costs about 82 euros. Website of one of the companies communicating with Corsica - https://www.corsica-ferries.fr/; You can buy an e-ticket here.

When to go to Corsica

The best time to visit is May-June and September-October. In July-August the weather is also good, but during this period there are the most tourists on the island, accommodation costs up to 5 times more, public transport, beaches and cafes are crowded (three quarters of tourists come to Corsica on vacation in mid-summer).

Corsica Hotels

a selection of useful services and sites for the traveler.