My wife and I (mid-50's) along with our 27 year old daughter are planning a trip to Corsica and Sardinia the first week of June, 2014. A few things are already in place : We will ferry into Bastia from Livorno on Monday morning. We HAVE to be in Olbia, Sardinia by Saturday afternoon, through all night Sunday. And Monday morning we will travel to Ajeccio to fly back to Rome. Otherwise, we have nothing scheduled. So our question is this - given those parameters, how much time should we schedule for Corsica, and how much for Sardinia. We love nature, scenery, hiking, photography, and eating. We're not really beach people, though one day sitting at the pool or a beautiful beach would not be out of the question. I'm assuming that we'll ferry from Bonaficio to Sardinia, but that's all we have now. Any suggestions? Thanks
Posted by
Marseille
150 posts
I can't really help you that much (I have only been once, to Corsica (Ajaccio), for a weekend and that was to watch a soccer match). However as you mention that you love nature, scenery and hiking, Corsica has a hiking trail known as the GR20 which is generally considered by French people as being the most impressive hiking trail in France. I googled it just now and unfortunately it doesn't seem to correspond with the two towns that you will be calling at, but I thought I'd let you know as it is apparently quite something. The nearest part to Bastia where you can reach it would be Calvi, or, if you want to find yourself closer to Sardinia from the beginning, directly down south at Porto Vecchio. I don't know about Sardinia but Corsica is famed for its unspoilt coastline, so as a nature lover that is something to consider (although like I said I can't speak for Sardinia). There are very strict laws in Corsica about coastal development.
Posted by
Marseille
150 posts
By the way, and you may be aware of this, but if you go hiking in Corsica be prepared for a lot of uphill walking - it's basically a mountain jutting out of the sea. In the winter people ski up there with the Mediterranean as their view as they go down the slopes.