Corsica or Sardinia: which island to choose?

Close and yet distinct, Corsica and Sardinia have many equally attractive assets. While they share strong traditions and extraordinary scenery, they also have their own character.

To help you make your choice, we reveal every facet of Sardinia and Corsica.

If you want to discover both the Corsican soul and the Sardinian charm, Corsicatours invites you to both islands.

Corsica and Sardinia: two sister islands...

From Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio, just 12 kilometers separate Corsica from its Sardinian neighbor. And while this thin, windy strait forms a border between the two island territories, Corsica and Sardinia share much more than just an arm of the sea.

Deep-rooted traditions and myths

Whether you meet a shepherd from Corsica's Alta Rocca or a Sardinian fisherman from Stintino, you'll notice the same love for their islands and their customs. Whether you choose to travel to Corsica or Sardinia, you'll be immersed in picturesque scenery and preserved traditions. In the villages of both islands, life is still governed by numerous myths and legends. From Cagliari to Ajaccio, supernatural beliefs, superstitions and ancestral rituals are part of everyday life.

• The Corsican fata di l'Ulmetu and the Sardinian janas are fairies believed to lurk in the forests of both islands.

• The Testa Mora*(Moor's head) is the emblem found on the flags of both regions. Many legends surround the identity of this mysterious character.

Traditions of Corsica and Sardinia

Corsica and Sardinia landscapes

Between fine sand and pretty stones

For you, does travel rhyme with relaxation on the beach or the Middle Ages? In Corsica, as in Sardinia, you'll find both options along the way. On some of the islands' beaches, the Genoese towers overlooking the coastline will even offer you a compendium of cultural and natural heritage.

You can then continue along the coastline from Cap Corse to the cliffs of Bonifacio and from the Emerald Coast to the Gulf of Cagliari, to bask on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. History buffs, meanwhile, will be delighted to explore the medieval villages, citadels and castles of Corsica and Sardinia.

The most beautiful beaches in Corsica and Sardinia:

3 medieval villages to see in Corsica and Sardinia:

... Character differences

Although geographically and culturally close, Corsica and Sardinia have their own character traits. One larger, the other more mountainous, one in Italy, the other in France: the two islands have a few differences.

Discover the Corsican soul: Benvenuti in Corsica !

Looking for a thrill? Then you're making the right choice by coming to Corsica. With its high mountains and a mix of ski resorts and legendary hiking trails such as the Gr20, the island of beauty has plenty to offer in both summer and winter. If you like to take to the water, you can also enjoy a wide range of water sports on the coast or in the rivers.

Mountains of Corsica and Sardinia

Diving into Corsican culture and traversing the authentic villages in the heart of the island also promises to be a thrilling experience. Here, the locals make a point of preserving their traditions and are always willing to share some of their customs. Whether you meet a broccio maker in Balagne, a polyphonic singer in Ajaccio or an urchin fisherman in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica shines not only for its scenery, but also for the warm soul of its locals.

The best things about Corsica?

• High mountain landscapes such as the Aiguilles de Bavella
• Sensational adventures
• The unspoilt charm of the villages
• The Calanques of Piana

Beaches in Corsica and Sardinia

A larger area

Sardinia, with its larger surface area and less rugged terrain than its Corsican neighbor, offers a landscape of great diversity that charms all who visit. Although often compared to Corsica, Sardinia certainly has nothing to envy its "pretty sister". On the famous Emerald Coast, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, visitors can enjoy an absolutely heavenly setting. The islands of the Gulf of Asinara, another of the island's treasures, offer tranquil spots where it's pleasant to relax under the Mediterranean sun while bathing in sparkling turquoise waters. With its enchanting coastline and hidden coves, Sardinia is a haven of peace for nature lovers.

Dive into Sardinian history: Benénnidu in Sardigna!

In central Sardinia, you'll find authentic little villages and green plains dotted with archaeological sites that the Sardinians call nuraghe. From the coasts to the heart of the island, Sardinia offers ideal adventures for a trip with friends, a couple or a family.

Although primarily Sardinian, the local gastronomy takes some influences from the culinary traditions of Italy. If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, Coghina sarda*(Sardinian cuisine) is sure to please! You'll find culurgiones (Sardinia's version of ravioli) and malloreddus (the island's typical gnocchi) served with pecorino sardo.

The best sensations in Sardinia?

• Italian" specialties
• Prehistoric and ancient remains
• The Mamoiada carnival
• Ideal walks for families

Where to go on vacation?

What if the best solution was not to make a choice? Corsicatours offers you the chance to travel from one island to another and discover all the wonders of Corsica and Sardinia.

Start your journey on the Isle of Beauty, follow the coastline from Bastia to Ajaccio, via Porto-Vecchio, and end your exploration in Bonifacio. From Corsica's southernmost town, you can take the ferry to Santa Teresa di Gallura, in northern Sardinia.

After this crossing, wild landscapes and ancient ruins, superb beaches and prehistoric sites await you on a trip to Sardinia. From the north of the island and the Gallura region, head down to the Catalan town of Alghero, before skirting the coastline to Cagliari.

In Corsica and Sardinia, Corsicatours offers tailor-made holidays across the two Mediterranean islands. Whether it's a tour, a self-drive or an all-inclusive holiday, we'll help you create the trip of your dreams to suit your tastes and desires.

By boat to the 2 islands

Why not make your vacation unforgettable by exploring both Corsica and Sardinia? With convenient departures from Toulon to Porto Torres in Sardinia, and frequent connections between Bonifacio in Corsica and Santa Teresa in northern Sardinia, adventure is just around the corner. The Bonifacio-Santa Teresa route, served by two companies, offers a fast crossing of just 50 minutes, enabling numerous daily rotations.

These two majestic islands offer much more than just sandy beaches. They are famous for their world heritage, their breathtaking natural areas such as the Gulf of Orosei, and their local culinary traditions, including an exquisite variety of cheeses appreciated the world over. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast in search of picturesque trails or simply looking to relax on pristine beaches, Corsica and Sardinia promise unforgettable moments.