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Corsica or Sardinia: Which one do you prefer?

Posted by (Seattle, WA, USA ☔️) on

I've always been intrigued by these two large Mediterranean islands. I know they don't get a lot of American tourists (which is actually a plus, for me) although parts of both are obviously popular vacation destinations for Europeans. With interesting histories, mixes of cultures, food and other ties to either France or Italy, I figure they're worth a visit. But I'm torn between the two. I have about 2.5 weeks, looking to go just after high season (September), hoping to catch the sweet spot when the weather's still nice and warm (not oppressively hot) but after the worst of the summer tourist crowds have gone home.

Have you been to both Corsica and Sardinia? Which would you say is "better" (I know, highly subjective).
(We like history, scenery, culture, food...the usual Ricknic stuff.)

If you had to pick one, which would it be - and why?

Thanks!

Posted by
15098 posts

Hi,

I have not been to either one but given the choice which to see first...Corsica. You can take the ferry from Toulon, where I've been to twice during peak season, very hot in the summer, oppressive heat. Why? To see, visit, take in all the sights connected with Napoleon, plus how he is marketed for tourist appeal, even though the local population drove Napoleon and his family out of Corsica. Both times I didn't see any Americans in Toulon either, not even at the train station but saw the fort in Toulon connected with Napoleonic history.

Posted by
1078 posts

Just did a day trip to Corsica, however, we and our super good friends spent a week touring Sardinia, and it pushed Sicily out of my "first place" island. We basically toured the Western coast form Cagliari up to Oblia, and then went through the center of the Island. The people, the places, the winerys(many close for Siesta from 2 to 4) especially Algera,were absolutely wonderful. We took the ferry from the north of Sardinia to the South of Corsica for the day, and will probably go to Corsica some day. I urge you to do Sardinia! Suggest you get DK's Italy book and check it out.

Posted by
6849 posts

Thanks for the input so far, please keep it coming. I expect we will be flying in (too short a vacation already to spend time on a leisurely ferry), so getting there (to either) isn't really an issue. We will be going in September - presumably when the oppressive summer heat has passed.

I am pretty confident that both are worth visiting, but alas we only have time for one (and not enough to see all of one). So I'm trying to figure out which one we would enjoy more. Would love to hear from anyone who has been to both who can share opinions on which they thought was more interesting (and why).

Thanks again in advance!

Posted by
5 posts

never been to corsica but have spent time in sardinia.beautiful if you go try the small area around La Magdalena.Stay there and use it as a base to explore

Posted by
3299 posts

Having been to Italy and seen the "major" attractions, I'm planning a late September visit to Sardinia. Years ago a maitre d' at a favorite restaurant said I must visit because of its unique beauty. Earlier this year I read a great report on the island in the NY Times that reinforced my decision. I'm fortunate enough to also be able to visit Corsica before the ferry service ends for the season on September 30th. I think with 2 1/2 weeks, you could also adequately visit both islands.
EDIT: I forgot there were 2 articles about the island. Here's a link for the second one.

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