Corsica vs Sardinia: which one is for you?

09/18/2023

Both are picture-perfect destinations, offering crystal-clear waters, long stretches of sandy beaches, charming coastal towns and villages, and a wealth of history and culture to discover.

But beyond the similarities, there are several key differences between those two islands that make each unique.

Corsica & Sardinia: Two islands, two countries

Corsica : the French island “Kalliste”

Corsica is a Mediterranean island that has been attracting tourists from around the world for decades due to its unmatched beauty. Known for its rugged mountains, sprawling vineyards and crystal-clear waters, this French island is a must-visit for any avid traveller. Corsica is also home to some of the best beaches in Europe, such as the Palombaggia beach in Porto Vecchio offering soft white sand and turquoise waters.

The island also boasts a rich history, with numerous ancient Genoese towers, Roman and Greek ruins and prehistoric rock formations. Visitors can take a tour of the medieval city of Bonifacio, with its walled city and stunning cliff-top location.

Sardinia: The Italian mediterannean island

Sardinia is an Italian island known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and is home to a diverse landscape ranging from rugged mountains to rolling hills and plains. with a rich history, some of the oldest ruins dating back to 1500 BC. The island is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the sea. Sardinian specialties include seafood, pasta, and meat dishes.

The Gastronomic Wonders of Corsica

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Corsica’s cuisine! The island boasts a rich gastronomic heritage, influenced by French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. Corsican cuisine is famous for its use of local ingredients, such as honey, cheese (particularly the Brocciu), hams, sausages, olives, chestnuts, and herbs. Meat dishes are particularly popular, with lamb and wild boar being two of the most common types. One must-try dish is the Corsican stew, known as “civet”, which is often made with wild boar or deer and flavored with herbs and wine. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed either, as Corsica is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea offering fresh seafood dishes such as bouillabaisse and stuffed squid. Corsica is also famous for its wine, particularly the reds made from the Nielluccio and Sciacarello grapes.

The Delights of Sardinian Cuisine

Sardinia’s cuisine is not only delicious but also steeped in history and culture. The island’s cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients such as seafood, meat, vegetables and cheese. Some of the most popular dishes in Sardinia include Culurgiones, a type of ravioli with a potato and mint filling served with a tomato sauce, and Porceddu, a succulent roasted suckling pig seasoned with aromatic herbs. The island also boasts a unique cheese-making tradition, with the famous Pecorino Sardo, made from sheep’s milk and aged for up to 12 months, being considered one of the best in the world. Wash down your meal with a glass of Cannonau, a full-bodied red wine made from the Grenache grape, that owes its characteristic flavour to the hot and dry climate of the island.

The Vibrant Culture of Corsica

Corsica is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its vibrant and rich culture. The island’s unique blend of Italian and French influences is evident throughout its history and traditions. Corsican culture is deeply rooted in its language, music, and cuisine. The Corsican language, which is a dialect of Italian, is still widely spoken on the island. Traditional Corsican music, which features instruments like the cetera and the diatonic accordion, has a distinct sound that is recognised worldwide. Corsican cuisine is also a must-try for visitors to the island, with its unique blend of Mediterranean and French flavours. Corsica is also home to several festivals and events that celebrate its culture, including the Carnaval de Venise, the Fiera di l’Alivu, and the Festival du Film.

The Unique Culture of Sardinia

Sardinia’s culture is a rich blend of history, tradition, and uniqueness. Situated in the Mediterranean sea, the island’s culture has been influenced by several civilizations that have ruled over the region throughout history. The Sardinian language, known as Sardo, is a Romance language spoken by locals and is one of the unique aspects of the island’s culture. The island is renowned for traditional festivals like the “Corsa degli Scalzi,” a barefoot race held every May to commemorate a religious event. Sardinian cuisine is also noteworthy, with its peculiar flavors and dishes such as “porceddu,” roasted suckling pig, and “culurgiones,” a ravioli stuffed with potatoes and cheese, which has earned international recognition.

Corsica vs Sardinia which islands has the best beaches

Sardinia has great anchorages options

Sardinia, also known as the “Emerald Coast,” is a popular destination for yachting enthusiasts due to its crystal clear waters and beautiful coves. One of the reasons to choose Sardinia for anchorage is its proximity to the Maddalena Archipelago, a protected marine park featuring stunning scenery and some of the most idyllic anchorages in the Mediterranean. Sardinia is also home to the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, a world-renowned club and a must-visit spot for sailing enthusiasts. The island is rich in culture and history, with many ancient ruins and museums to explore. Additionally, Sardinia boasts excellent cuisine, including seafood and wine, making it the perfect spot to indulge after a long day of sailing. Anchoring in Sardinia will provide unforgettable memories of beautiful landscapes, traditional cuisine, and friendly people.

Corsica and Sardinia are both great for snorkeling

When it comes to snorkeling in the Mediterranean, Corsica and Sardinia are top picks for many sailors. Sardinia is home to a vast expanse of coastline that is teeming with vibrant marine life, making it the perfect spot for those who love to explore the underwater world. Meanwhile, Corsica’s crystal clear waters offer an abundance of beautiful coral formations and schools of colorful fish that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or just starting out, these two destinations offer an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with the wonders of the sea.

Water sports in Corsica and Sardinia

If you’re a water sports enthusiast looking for adventure and excitement, Corsica and Sardinia are the best places to be. These two glamorous Mediterranean islands are a paradise for jet ski and paddle sports lovers, thanks to their crystal-clear waters, stunning landscapes, and sunny climate. Whether you prefer riding the waves on a high-speed jet ski or taking a more leisurely approach with a paddleboard, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself in these locations. Corsica boasts of scenic cliffs, beautiful beaches and quaint coves, and Sardinia has a mix of rocky crags, shallow bays and long sandy beaches that are just waiting to be explored. Both destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience for water sport enthusiasts, making them perfect for thrill-seekers, couples or families alike.

Must do activities in Corsica and Sardinia

The to do list in Corsica

Visit the Calanques de Piana – this stunning rock formation is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sample the local cuisine – from fresh seafood to traditional Corsican charcuterie, there’s plenty of delicious food to try in Corsica.

Visit the Citadel of Calvi – this historic fortress is perched on a hill overlooking the sea and offers stunning views.

Explore the town of Bonifacio – located at the southern tip of Corsica, this picturesque town is full of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and beautiful views.

Go scuba diving – Corsica has some of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean, so don’t miss your chance to explore the underwater world.

Visit the island of Lavezzi – located just a short boat ride from Corsica, this beautiful island is a nature reserve and home to some incredible wildlife.

The to do list in Sardinia

Visit the Maddalena Archipelago – This group of islands is a natural paradise consisting of seven main islands and several islets. You can take a boat tour from Palau and explore the islands’ stunning beaches, hidden coves, and turquoise waters.

Explore the archaeological sites – Sardinia is known for its well-preserved ancient ruins, including the Nuraghe, perhaps the most impressive. They are stone towers built during the Bronze Age, and it’s estimated that there are thousands of them on the island. Don’t miss the Nuragic village of Santu Antine, the Su Nuraxi site in Barumini, or the Roman Amphitheatre in Cagliari.

Enjoy the local cuisine – Sardinian cuisine is renowned for its simple yet delicious dishes, including roasted suckling pig (porceddu), handmade pasta (malloreddus), pecorino cheese, and the local myrtle-flavored liqueur.

Enjoy the beaches – With over 1,800 km of coastline, Sardinia has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from. Some of the best ones include Cala Mariolu, La Pelosa, Cala Goloritzé, and Porto Giunco.

Explore the cities – Sardinia has several cities with vibrant atmospheres and fascinating history. Cagliari, the capital, has a charming old town, a stunning cathedral, and several impressive museums. Alghero is another beautiful city worth visiting, known for its Catalan influence and well-preserved medieval center.

Yachting in Sardinia vs in Corsica : what are the differences

Nightlife in Sardinia & Corsica

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant nightlife scene in Sardinia and Corsica, you’re in for a treat! Both islands boast an excellent selection of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, perfect for a night out with friends, a romantic evening or just to enjoy the local music and dance. In Sardinia, the party scene is centred around the coastal cities, such as Cagliari and Alghero, where you can dance the night away in open-air clubs with breathtaking sea views. Corsica, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and chilled-out atmosphere with plenty of trendy bars and lively restaurants, particularly in the main town of Ajaccio. With a variety of venues to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to suit your vibe. Whether you’re into cocktails, live music or dancing until dawn, Sardinia and Corsica have got it covered!

Corsica is better for yachties who wants quietness

If you’re a yachtie and looking for some peace and quiet, then both Sardinia and Corsica are excellent choices. However, when it comes to quieter beaches and bays, Corsica takes the cake. Its rocky coastline features many secluded coves where yachts can anchor and enjoy the picturesque views in solitude. Sardinia, on the other hand, is better known for its bustling marinas and glamorous hotspots. While there are still many secluded spots to anchor your yacht, they may be slightly harder to come by. With crystal-clear waters, rugged terrain and stunning beaches, both Sardinia and Corsica have plenty to offer.

So, Corsica or Sardinia?

Corsica for her geography

One of the prime reasons to choose Corsica for yacht charter is its geography. The island is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas, with around 1,000 km of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs, secluded bays, and rugged coves. The Corsican coastline is perfect for cruising and exploring, and offers ample opportunities for water sports, diving, and fishing.

Sardinia for her coastline

Sardinia is a prime destination for yacht charter enthusiasts seeking a luxurious and unforgettable experience on the open waters. Sardinia boasts a coastline that stretches for over 1,800 kilometers, showcasing stunning beaches, majestic headlands, and turquoise waters that shimmer in the sun.

The crystal clear waters around Sardinia’s coast are a haven for marine wildlife, making the area perfect for diving, snorkeling and swimming. The island’s interior, graced with mountains, forests, and ancient rock formations, provides a spectacular backdrop to the Mediterranean sailing experience.

If you want to experience both while chartering your yacht, do not worry your captain can take you South Corsica and North Sardinia weather permitting, and you will be able to experience those two wonderful islands!