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Everything you need to know before setting off on your holiday to Corsica, France's stunning Isle of Beauty: with information on how to get there, the weather in Corsica, and some of the key dates in the calendar.
For Europeans, medical treatment is free with the European Health Insurance Card. UK: it is advisable to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before your departure.
UK: you can travel to countries in the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
If you are travelling by car, there are no petrol stations in the small mountain villages, so you need to be prepared beforehand!
Plan ahead: in Corsica distances are not calculated in kilometres but in hours! For example, to go to Bastia from Ajaccio (180 km) it will take 2h45
Getting to Corsica by plane is the fastest, but you will need to rent a car once there. Most airports offer a wide range of flights to Corsica, both regular and low cost. Moreover, the 4 airports of arrival in Corsica are Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari (Bonifacio) and Calvi.
Meanwhile, the ferry is a great solution for those who want to travel to Corsica with their own vehicle. Companies such as SNCM, Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale and Moby Lines provide ferry crossings all year round from Toulon and Nice in France, as well as from Savona and Livorno in Italy.
The car is the ideal means of transport once there, as it will allow you to discover the island of beauty at your own pace, as well as access places not served by public transport. If you wish to rent a car on the island, most international agencies are present such as: Sixt, Europcar and Hertz.
The Corsican climate is characterised by hot summers and rather mild and humid winters. Thanks to its geographical position, Corsica enjoys a Mediterranean climate all year round. Generally, the best weather extends from April to October. Note: the south of Corsica is slightly cooler than the north.
When to go to Corsica depends on your program and whether you will be relaxing by the sea, visiting picturesque villages or hiking in the mountains. To enjoy the beaches and bathing, the ideal period is from June to September. If you are more interested in hiking and exploring typical villages, it is advisable to go in spring and autumn: the weather is fine, and you will avoid crowds of tourists!
Calvi on the Rocks
Every year at the beginning of July, the Calvi on the Rocks festival takes place between the beaches and the citadel of Calvi and offers six days of cultural and festive encounters. This festival brings together electronic music, artistic performances and Corsican traditions.
Holy Week processions
Holy Week is celebrated from the end of March to the beginning of April in many Corsican towns. The most famous processions take place in Bonifacio and Sartène, but you can attend others in towns such as Calvi, Corte or Bastia.
Napoleonic days
Parades, shows and fireworks, build up a festive atmosphere during the Napoleonic Days. These celebrations reach their peak on the 15th of August, the day in which the famous emperor was born.
Lumi Light Festival
Discover the Lumi light festival which takes place in Bonifacio and highlights the city's cultural heritage. Come and see how the transformation of the Bonifacian nights takes place, combining new technologies and traditional imagination. What's more, access is free! This event is ideal for the whole family.
