We have no doubt about it: if we had the money, we’d holiday in Corsica every single year – preferably for four weeks at a time. But the truth is, France is not exactly a cheap country to travel in, and especially not the island of Corsica, which we love returning to again and again.
Our trip to Corsica in 2024 turned out to be the most expensive one we’ve ever had there. Prices were noticeably higher than on our previous visit. Since then, we’ve been thinking hard about how we can afford to go back – or perhaps even visit the island more often.
That’s why we decided to take a closer look at what we can actually do. Some of the things we’ve discovered are strategies we already use, while others are new shortcuts that make it easier for us to afford a holiday in Corsica. So if you’re feeling the same way as we are – or if you’re simply curious about keeping your own travel budget in check – read on. Here we’ll share our tips for a cheaper holiday in Corsica. But first…
Why is Corsica so expensive?
There are several reasons why Corsica is more expensive than mainland France.
First of all, Corsica is an island, which means that most goods have to be imported from the mainland. This includes food, fuel and building materials, all of which drive prices up compared to the rest of France. Of course, this isn’t exactly news – it’s the case for most islands around the world, including in Denmark.
On top of that, Corsica is a very popular summer destination, especially among French, Italian and German travellers. During high season (July–August), prices for hotels, holiday homes and restaurants skyrocket due to high demand. We notice this clearly when booking during the school holidays – July and August are really expensive. Corsica also has strict regulations to protect its nature, which means there aren’t an overwhelming number of hotels and resorts. This is a wonderful initiative to preserve the island’s authenticity, but it also keeps accommodation prices relatively high.
Food isn’t cheap either. Local specialities such as charcuterie (sausages and cured meats), cheese and wine are often expensive because they’re produced in small quantities. We also have the impression that restaurants in tourist areas raise their prices during high season.
Ouch… listing all of this does feel a bit discouraging, but that’s simply the reality. So here are our tips and tricks for enjoying a holiday in Corsica – even when you’re travelling on a budget.
Consider how you get to Corsica
(Read also: How to get to the island of Corsica)
- Cheap flights – Use price comparison sites and book well in advance. You can also consider flying to a nearby airport like Nice or Pisa and taking a ferry from there. Sometimes this results in a cheaper overall route (just remember to factor in ferry costs, possible accommodation, food, and car rental).
- Drive to Corsica in your own car and take the ferry from France or Italy – If you have a car, it can be cheaper to take a ferry from places like Nice, Marseille or Livorno (Italy) instead of renting a car on Corsica.
Based on our experience and calculations, the cheapest options for us have been either flying to Corsica and renting a car there, or driving all the way down in our own car and taking the ferry across (we’ve sailed from Genoa, Savona, Pisa and Nice). In recent years, we’ve mostly chosen to drive ourselves because we love the journey through Europe and enjoy the freedom of having our own car.
The first few times we visited Corsica, we flew to Alghero in Sardinia, rented a car there and then drove to Corsica (just remember to check the rules and insurance when renting a car in one country and driving it into another).
Consider where you stay
You can significantly reduce your travel budget by thinking carefully about where you stay overnight.
- Camping – Corsica has many great campsites, often offering small bungalows or mobile homes that are cheaper than hotels. Tent pitches in particular can shave a substantial amount off your budget.
- Airbnb – There are plenty of accommodation options on Airbnb. Prices vary widely, and if you’re lucky, you can find something that fits your budget nicely.
- Mountain huts – If you’re hiking in the mountains, you’ll find affordable guesthouses, huts and campsites along the way.
- Stay in smaller towns – Popular coastal towns such as Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio are expensive places to stay. Consider overnighting in more remote or lesser-known villages instead.
- Workaway or house sitting – If you’re open to alternative solutions, you may be able to stay for free in exchange for some work through Workaway or house sitting.
So far, our choice has mainly been cabins at the same campsite. However, prices had increased so much the last time we visited that we’re now considering other options for our next trip to the island.
Don’t miss out on Corsican food – enjoy it
Don’t miss out on Corsican food. It’s fantastic. It’s not exactly cheap either. Luckily, we do have a few tips on how to cut down your food budget when travelling in Corsica.
- Shop in supermarkets – Save money by buying food in supermarkets such as E.Leclerc. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, cabin or campsite where you can cook for yourself, this is a great way to keep costs down.
- Eat local and simple – Many small bakeries and deli shops sell delicious sandwiches and local specialities like charcuterie and cheeses. Make sure to shop outside the tourist areas. With a baguette, some Corsican cheese and a few grapes, you’ve got the perfect lunch.
- Bring a travel stove – If you’re camping, you can prepare simple meals yourself and save a lot of money.
- Eat out at lunchtime instead of dinner – Many restaurants offer a Menu du Midi, a lunch menu with cheaper dishes than those served in the evening.
- Choose accommodation with breakfast included – Some Airbnbs and B&Bs include a simple breakfast, which can help reduce food costs.
- Avoid eating in tourist hotspots – Restaurants and cafés in tourist areas are usually much more expensive.
We buy most of our food in supermarkets and prepare it ourselves at the campsite. That said, every time we visit the island, we choose a few special occasions where eating out becomes part of the experience – for example, when we visited the wonderful restaurant L’Ortu Di Rotani.
The warm weather and climate also affect our appetite: we’re simply not as hungry as we are back home in Denmark. As a result, we often make do with a good salad and perhaps some local Corsican sausages for dinner, along with lighter breakfasts and lunches.
We’ve also really enjoyed visiting local bakeries to bring Corsican cakes back with us.
Corsica is packed with free nature experiences and activities
- Enjoy Corsica’s free nature – Corsica boasts some of the most spectacular nature imaginable. In fact, around 66% of the island is covered by natural landscapes such as mountains, forests and wild terrain. Hiking, beach days and exploring mountain villages cost nothing at all, and there’s an endless number of experiences to be had. Think waterfalls, rivers, vineyards, chestnut forests and pine woods.
- Snorkelling and swimming – Instead of signing up for expensive water sports activities, bring your own snorkelling gear and explore the beautiful coves on your own. Corsica is bursting with stunning beaches and crystal-clear water.
- Free cultural experiences – In addition to the many charming historic villages, there are festivals, markets and churches throughout the year that are well worth experiencing.
- Drive the scenic coastal roads – and stop at the most beautiful spots along the way to soak it all in.
When we travel, we usually focus on free experiences. Corsica has given us an abundance of them, and that’s one of the many reasons we find the island so extraordinary. We swim and snorkel all day long, go paddleboarding, hike in the mountains, visit waterfalls and rivers, explore mountain villages and larger towns, browse local markets, and enjoy the peace and gentle breeze from a mountaintop somewhere on the island – a place we don’t even know the name of.
Extra tips for a cheaper holiday in Corsica
- Travel outside the high season – June and September are cheaper and far less crowded than July and August. Corsica is such a warm island that swimming is possible from April/May and well into September/October – depending, of course, on how much of a Viking you are 🙂 If you’re not tied to the peak summer season, this is a great way to save money.
- Use a local SIM card or offline maps – Avoid expensive roaming charges by using free offline maps or buying a French SIM card. Also check with your mobile provider to see whether they offer free roaming while travelling.
- Avoid tourist traps – Restaurants and shops in the most touristy areas often have inflated prices. Walk a little away from the busiest spots for better value – usually away from harbours, promenades, viewpoints and major attractions.
Unfortunately, we always travel during high season because it fits with Sebastian’s school holidays. That said, we did travel once in June, and the difference in prices was very noticeable.
As for mobile and internet access, we have a subscription that allows us to both call and use data without unpleasant price surprises when travelling.
The world is changing, prices go up and down, but adventures are always worth fighting for – no matter what circumstances we’re dealing with. We hope our tips inspire you to get out there. Whether it’s Corsica or somewhere else is less important; what truly matters is feeling that you get the chance to experience the world and its many adventures.
These were some of our tips… but what do you think – have we missed anything?
We’d love to hear from you! Write to us – or leave a comment below the post.
Have fun!
