In this blog I will give you tips and my experience on a roadtrip to Corsica. Things you have to think about, and all other tips and inspirations on a trip to the French Corsica!
Drive and Boat or Fly to Corsica?
I drove all the way from the Netherland to the South of France and took the Corsica Ferries ferry from Nice to Basita, Corsica. I preferred to take my own car for several reasons:
- No need to hire a car, that will save me rental costs and a whole flight to Corsica.
- I’m used to my own car and it is already insurance. Don’t forget to get insurance when your car breaks down during your trip!
- Going by car you can take all the luggage with you and also on your way back!
- Flexibility on departure and when you like to go home, it’s all up to you.
- I love to drive; the feeling of freedom is so good!
- The ferry is a whole adventure on its own, sleeping on the ferry felt like I was on a cruise!
Take the night ferry that will save a day on the ferry. I think the night boats will take longer but in the end you sleep and save time during the day.
On the other hand a flight and car rental:
- Could save you time, the plane is only 4-5 hours from Amsterdam to Corsica, while driving will take you 14-15 hours (depending on traffic) to Toulon or Nice from Amsterdam
- Save toll roads cost; by car you need to pay the toll roads of the famous ‘Route de Soleil,’ that is about 65 EUR per way.
- Gas or electric charge for the car. The price of gas are not cheap in Europe, so take that into account with your decision.
- If you don’t like to drive go by plane, much more comfortable, but you need to love to drive on Corsica.
- Driving is only a possibility if you start in Europe of course. If you come from US flying is probably the better way.
- With the ferry you can easily book different departure ports, I booked Nice-Bastia and back Bastia to Toulon. This way I didn’t have to drive the distance Nice – Toulon!
Fuel up your car in Luxembourg, the fuel is much cheaper in that country than in France, Belgium or Netherlands.
Tips for the Ferry
Taking the ferry is a whole adventure on its own. Like a tour, loved the whole overnight experience! Here my tips what makes it more comfortable and easier to travel:
- Book an overnight ferry with DirectFerries, it saves time
- Its fun, good restaurants on board and other entertainment including tax free shopping
- Pack a small night pack out of your car to your room. Otherwise you will carry your full luggage through the enter ferry to your room. And all could be very narrow. Especially the space between the cars…….. this is centimeter work
- Take picture of your cabin number and one of the location where you have parked the car
- You will receive a sticker with you room number, I sticked it to my phone case
- Bring your ear plugs, the noise of the engine of the ferry could be annoying
- Bring a book or games to kill the time on board
- Bring some food and snacks of your choice, for dinner of early breakfast. You can get everything on board but still I preferred my own food
- Rooms are better than expected and compared to hotel rooms in Corsica relatively cheap
Driving could be a challenge
The roads on Corsica are winding and it takes time to get from A to B. The main roads are well paved and the signs are clear. Almost all the roads are only two lanes, so one for each direction, this makes it difficult to pass a slow truck on the road. My average speed was about 40-50 km per hour, so take your time. The scenery is so beautiful and stunning that driving is pleasure. You want to stop at every corner for a picture of the breathtaking view over the mountains to the sea. Be careful and enjoy your ride!!
Let your car check before you leave on a longer trip for; tires, oil, breaks and so forth. This will give you more confidence while driving!
Corsica is not cheap
The hotels and food are not cheap at all. I bought a peach at the market in Ajaccio, that cost me 1 EUR! The grow here, or at least in France. Most of the products have to come with the boat from the mainland. That is way it is more expensive I guess. The hotels are above average, I paid for a normal hotel room about 120-170 EUR per night, that is more than I wanted to be honest. For example an IBIS hotel, not in the city center of Porto-Vecchio, cost me 165 EUR per night this was including breakfast. I booked all last minute, because I didn’t know where I would arrive that day, but still. So take this into account and perhaps consider camping. See blog Why visit Corsica?
What is the Weather like on Corsica?
The weather in Corsica is Mediterranean, hot and dry summers. I went in September, where the temperature dropped and had some clouds and a bit of rain. In the mountains it is colder due to the height and that the clouds could not dissolve. At the coast it is often clearer and sunnier. So bring a sweater and raincoat for the colder and rainy days.
What Language do they speak?
I don’t speak French and that is the main language in Corsica. The real Corsican speak their own language that is a mix between French and Italian. Most of the touristic place they speak English, but at the market don’t try hahah. The French are not the best English-speaking country in Europe…
Money and Credit Card
The money in Corsica is of course the same as in France, and that is the EURO. All my cards American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. I barely used any cash, but is it wise to bring some with your, for the markets or small restaurants where no card were accepted. I even made a bank transfer because I didn’t bring cash with me!
Check her for a route suggestion for the Northeast side of Corsica highlighting all the hot spots in between!
