I first encountered Corsica in 2009, somewhat by chance. At that time, Sebastian was only a few weeks old, and we had embarked on a true backpacking adventure in Sardinia – which, in hindsight, was quite naive with such a young baby.
After staying at a pre-booked hotel in Alghero, Sardinia, we needed to find a new place to stay. We didn’t expect it to be difficult, but it was. Eventually, we decided to take the ferry to Corsica to see if luck would be on our side there, and fortunately, it was.
It was back in 2009 that I fell in love with Corsica… and when I visited the French island for my third time in 2015, I still found it absolutely fantastic. The scent of maquis, myrtle, and chestnut trees, the rugged nature, vineyards, spectacular beaches, and the turquoise blue sea are some of the reasons why I am drawn to the island once again.
Away from tourist hell
Every time we have spent our vacation in Corsica, we have stayed on the eastern side of the island. It has been fantastic because we have stayed outside the most touristy areas, which are typically located in the northern end of the island near Bastia and Ajaccio.
Every time we have been in Corsica, we have had a car to drive around. Having a car is not a must, but it’s highly recommended. It gives you the freedom to explore places that might otherwise be difficult to reach, and it allows you to stay outside the major cities.
Each time, we have stayed near Aleria, in a rented cottage at a campsite. It has been wonderful to be surrounded by nature, with the mountains in the background and the white sandy beach with its incredible blue water just 200 meters away.
The number of tourists in the area is also limited – of course, there are others staying at the campsite, but it’s not overrun by tourists like I have often experienced in places like Spain and Italy. There are no big hotels or noisy discos either. It’s more of a close-to-nature experience.
For me, it has provided a sense of peace of mind and allowed me to engage in what I love most when traveling – being an observer of everyday life in the places I visit.
Food
The food in Corsica is fantastic – a blend of French and Italian cuisine. Both Lise and I love food, so we have naturally enjoyed indulging in the delicious cuisine. One restaurant in Bastia stood out for us: Le Petit Zinc. The restaurant didn’t have a traditional menu; instead, they provided suggestions for what to order. We both ordered a salad and were presented with perhaps the best salad I have ever had to this day – made with fresh ingredients from the island and an absolutely fantastic homemade dressing.
In addition to dining out, we also enjoyed buying ingredients to cook our own meals. It was a true pleasure to explore the shops and markets in search of quality ingredients for our dinners. The supermarkets often source their produce from local farmers, which creates a wonderful local atmosphere and, most importantly, enhances the flavors.
The ingredients I remember most from our culinary experiences in Corsica are chestnuts, myrtle, honey, and goat cheese. There were types of honey I didn’t even know existed, and the use of chestnuts in delightful delicacies was remarkable.
An experience to cherish
In many ways, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly why I am so enamored with this raw gem, as it doesn’t boast any major famous attractions or a plethora of amusement parks. In reality, I believe that the love for this place lies precisely in the fact that the island lacks major tourist attractions and amusement parks. Corsica is itself, it is natural, and there are plenty of things to experience if you just take a look around.
There are spectacular hiking trails, delightful rivers where you can swim alongside the locals, unbelievably beautiful beaches, idyllic towns, good food, stunning nature, and above all, tranquility.
The three greatest experiences for me have been
- Experience the beautiful, old, and rustic cities hidden in the Corsican mountains.
- Swimming in the clear, warm, turquoise waters.
- Driving through the rugged, rugged mountains.
These experiences have left a lasting impression and have been highlights of my time on the island. Corsica truly offers a unique and authentic experience that captivates and leaves you longing to return.
