An Insider's Guide on Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Sardinia and Corsica
IMAGE COURTESY OF ROMAZZINO, A BELMOND HOTEL, COSTA SMERALDA
Sardinia and Corsica are beautiful, laid-back Mediterranean neighbors. Sardinia is a little larger than Vermont; Corsica’s about twice the size of Rhode Island. Both destinations are an excellent way to round out a trip to France and Italy. Although, because of their proximity and resulting similarity, you likely won’t want to visit both in one trip. The main difference is that one is Italian (Sardinia), and the other is French (Corsica).
Both locations are known for fresh, satisfyingly simple cuisine, outstanding wines, idyllic beaches and beautiful natural landscapes. Craggy mountains brimming with fragrant shrubs and trees beg to be hiked. Local towns, perfect for leisurely meandering, beckon. The vibe is relaxed. The tradition is strong. An itinerary is not needed here.
Below is a sampling of where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Sardinia and Corsica, plus a few essential travel tips and logistics. But the moral of the story is that on both islands, spontaneity reigns. Nevertheless, connect with me to plan and book a trip tailored to your unique vibe and interests. Plus, I’ll handle all the logistics so you can truly relax. And if you’re traveling to these Mediterranean gems, that’s the whole point.
Need to know:
Currency: €, Euro (EUR)
Languages: Italian (Sardinia), French (Cosica), Corsu (Corsica)
Main airports: Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG, Sardinia) & Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA, Corsica)
Transportation: Sardinia and Corsica are relatively easy to get to from major European cities. To get to Sardinia, some people hop on a ferry in Rome. To get to Corsica, a ferry from Nice is a popular option. The ferries are a commitment — they take about six to eight hours — but they offer an approachable price point and a nice change of pace. On both islands, it’s best to rent a car. Doing so allows greater flexibility and freedom, and is more reliable than some of the public options available.
Best time to visit: Springtime (April to June) brings beautiful blooms and pleasant weather. Summertime is hot and crowd-heavy (but the water during this time of year is prime for swimming). Early fall sees mild weather and less crowds, while winter is also less crowded, but a bit too chilly if you’re looking to swim.
Ideal length of stay: Three nights is great for a short-term stay. Five to seven days is ideal for a more slow-paced trip, especially for families.
Signature dishes: In Sardinia — fregula (semolina pasta similar to couscous), porcetto arrosto (roasted pig), seadas (fired lemon-and-honey semolina pastries), pane carasau (paper-thin flatbread). In Corsica — civet de sanglier (wild boar stew), falculelle (sweet cheese cake), brocciu (creamy sheep’s-milk cheese similar to ricotta), fritelli castagnini (chestnut-flour fritters)
Key phrases (French / Italian): merci / grazie (thank you), bonjour / buon giorno (good morning), s’il vous plaît (see-voo-play) / per favore (please), plage / spiaggia (beach)
Dress code: Monochromatic linen ensembles, a hat and sunnies, sun dresses for al-fresco dinners and athletic wear for hiking.
Sardinia
Sardinia is the Italian gem of the Mediterranean. It’s the sea’s second-largest island, after Sicily, and is a favored vacation spot for Europeans. The island is not as built for tourism; as a result, it has a breezy local vibe. Sardinia is ideal for a go-at-your-own-pace vacation: lounge by the beach, wander around the charming villages (San Panataleo and Porto Cervo are particularly lovely), swim in the pristine water, hike its ancient mountains, savor exceptionally fresh seafood and pasta and luxuriate in the island’s pervasive laid-back atmosphere. Come here to relax and unwind.
IMAGES COURTESY OF FORTE VILLAGE RESORT
Where to stay in Sardinia
Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda (reopening May 2024): This magical, tasteful resort is the epitome of Belmond’s signature blend of chic elegance and immersive, personalized experiences. Book with me to receive exclusive Belmond Bellini partner perks, including $90 resort credit, welcome amenities, daily breakfast for two and an upgrade.
Forte Village Resort: A sprawling, luxury resort with ample activities and experiences for all ages. Book with me to unlock exclusive Rocco Forte Knights partner perks, including $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade, extended check-in/out and additional exclusive offers.
7Pines Resort Sardinia: Family-friendly luxury on a cove overlooking a protected marine area. Fora’s VIP Hyatt Privé perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in.
Baglioni Resort Sardinia: A five-star resort with access to Lu Impostu, one of the island’s best beaches. Book with me to snag exclusive partner perks.
Su Gologone Experience Hotel: A rustic, wellness-oriented retreat in the mountains.
What to do in Sardinia
Sardinia is blissfully laid-back; it’s especially well suited for a vacation that matches its breezy vibe. Beach days, long strolls, swimming and relaxing are all highly encouraged. Still, if adventure is calling, Sardinia delivers. There are hundreds of trails on the island, perfect for activities like hiking and mountain biking. If you’re into history, visit Su Nuraxi di Barumini and its ancient nuraghi, stone defensive compounds built during the Bronze Age. Su Nuraxi di Barumini’s nuraghi are extremely well preserved, and the destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to eat in Sardinia
Sardinia is home to one of the world’s few Blue Zones, places where people inhabit healthy lifestyles and live much longer than average. In other words, Sardinian cuisine is ultra-nourishing — and ultra-delicious. Along with plenty of trekking along the island’s hilly terrain, this diet (and a daily glass or two of wine, of course) may just be the key to longevity. For elevated Italian fare in a sleek, contemporary space, head to Josto. Sinnos is a beautiful cheese shop that produces its own cheese from pasture-raised sheep. Don’t miss one of their tastings, complete with wine and homemade accoutrements. Abbamele Osteria is cozy and casual, while the sustainably-minded Fradis Minoris is a bit more swanky. At Osteria De' Mercati, seasonal Italian seafood gets a refined touch. And at Belmond’s elegant Ristorante Romazzino, locally-sourced ingredients are masterfully prepared, and enjoyed with views of the bay.
Corsica
Corsica is essentially Sardinia’s French sister. It, too, boasts charming hilltop towns, amazing wine, delicious food and idyllic beaches. Corsica can be considered a bit more rugged than Sardinia, and that’s part of its allure: explore its craggy mountain ranges and sprawling chestnut groves. Some refer to it as the “scented isle,” courtesy of its fragrant maquis plants. It’s about a six-hour ferry from Nice and makes a perfect, off-the-beaten-path addition to a France vacation. (It’s also a quick ferry ride from Sardinia, but I recommend picking one or the other, as they’re quite similar. The islands are less than seven miles apart.)
IMAGE COURTESY OF HÔTEL AND SPA DES PÊCHEURS
Where to stay in Corsica
La Villa Calvi: A Relais & Châteaux hilltop retreat with beautiful views, a dreamy spa and its own beach club. Book with me to unlock complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers, welcome amenities, discounted spa treatments, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
La Signoria & Spa: Luxurious seclusion in an 18th-century manor amid a lush natural landscape. Fora’s VIP Relais & Châteaux partner perks include breakfast daily and a VIP welcome.
Hôtel and Spa des Pêcheurs: Five-star boutique luxury on Cavello, a small island between Corsica and Sardinia. Fora’s exclusive SLH withIN partner perks include $50 resort credit, breakfast daily, access to the hotel’s private beach, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Domaine de Murtoli: A locally owned escape comprised of restored 17th-century mansions and shepherd houses.
La Plage Casadelmar: A beachfront getaway with an understated nature-inspired style.
What to do in Corsica
Like Sardinia, Corsica’s coastline is stunning and serene. Explore its many beaches and swim in the crystal-clear water. Take a boat to the Scandola Natural Reserve, where you can witness the island’s rugged coastline and rock formations, as well as its diverse bird population. If you’re into diving, the reserve is also a great scuba site. Wander around the breezy local towns, pop into a few wineries and stop by the centuries-old Genoese towers and citadels that dot the island. History buffs will enjoy Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon’s former home, which is now a museum that focuses on his family history. Adventurers will delight in the island’s rugged natural terrain. For an especially challenging (and rewarding) trek, consider tackling the 112-mile Grande Randonnée No. 20, more commonly known as GR20, which generally takes about two weeks to complete.
Where to eat in Corsica
La Table by La Villa, at La Villa Calvi, serves a sophisticated menu inspired by Southern France, complete with sweeping views of the bay and the mountains. L’Aghjalle is as farm-to-table as it gets. All of the products on their Corsican menu come directly from their onsite farm. For fresh seafood and local produce right on the port de Saint Florent, head to La Gaffe, and for rustic, hyper-local, homestyle cooking in the mountains, La Ferme de Campo di Monte is a casual spot for delicious authenticity. At Domaine de Murtoli’s Table de la Ferme, expect additional farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy, rustic, elegant setting.
This may be information overload, but that's where I come in. Above is just a taste of all that Sardinia and Corsica offer. Connect with me for a tailored trip. I'll work to understand your vibe and what you're after, and design your dream Sardinia / Corsica getaway, complete with VIP perks and priority status at the islands' best hotels. The Mediterranean is calling, and I've got your back.