Sardinia or Corsica? Which one to visit

Only 11 km apart, the French Corsica and the Italian Sardinia are similar in so many ways. They both have wildly beautiful nature, enormous coastlines with magnificent beaches, and a rich history. Moreover, both paradises attract thousands of tourists every year!

It’s no wonder if you find it super difficult to choose between the two. We understand you and we are here for you! In this post, we will help you trace the differences when it comes to vacation style, landscapes, food, and sights, that might help you make your decision. We will also let you know how to reach Corsica and Sardinia by ferry!

May the best one win!

1. Sardinia: classy and gorgeous
2. Corsica: wild and pristine

+ Sardinia vs Corsica: the Winner

The majestic lighthouse of Capo Testa in Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia

1. Sardinia: classy and gorgeous

Sardinia is one of Italy’s most developed islands and vacation there has more of a luxury vibe. If you want to feel spoiled during your vacation and relax at resort-style beaches with chic restaurants and bars, Sardinia is just the place for you! 

However, Sardinia is not only offered for posh holidays. There are also less touristy parts with a more virgin natural scenery on the south of the island, such as the dunes of the Piscinas or certain regions in Chia.

As for Sardinia’s landscapes, they are bewitching. An island full of greenery, cliffs, hiking trails, cave networks, and a 1850-km-long pristine coastline, it is a perfect destination for nature lovers. A day trip to the island of La Maddalena, with its pink-sand atolls, is also mandatory.

But it’s not just the exquisite beaches, such as Punta Molentis and Lido di Orrì. Sardinia has managed to keep its rich history intact, so you can explore it in countless medieval villages, archaeological sites, towers and churches. Among others, the cities of Cagliari and Nuoro are cultural treasures. You can also witness the island’s more rebellious side on the political street murals of Orgosolo, a former bandits' stronghold.

Foodies will not be disappointed from Sardinia. Its cuisine is a balance of seafood, pasta and meat, with the famous bottarga (mullet roe), culurgiones (shell-like malloreddus pasta) and fresh fish recipes (especially tuna) standing out. Wine is also a big deal in Sardinia! White and dry Vermentino di Gallura is one of the island's best.

Finally, if you are looking for fun, Sardinia is one of the best nightlife destinations in Italy. From busy bars to luxurious nightclubs, you will have the time of your life in Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, San Teodoro, and Santa Teresa di Gallura, among others.

The mesmerizing beach of Punta Molentis in southwestern Sardinia

How to get to Sardinia

You can get to Sardinia by ferry from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Piombino, Livorno, and Savona, with crossings running all year round. You can also reach Sardinia from the port of Barcelona (Spain), from France and Corsica. There are ferry routes from the ports of Nice, Toulon, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio.

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes to the ports of Sardinia from Italy and abroad:

• Ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia
• Ferry from Genoa to Porto Torres
• Ferry from Savona to Golfo Aranci
• Ferry from Livorno to Olbia
• Ferry from Naples to Cagliari
• Ferry from Toulon to Porto Torres

Alternatively, you can reach Sardinia by plane. Several companies offer flights to the island daily, from both Italy (Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero) and abroad.

Traveling to Sardinia: ferry or plane? Find all the answers to the big question!

Exceptional street murals in the town Orgosolo, Sardinia

2. Corsica: wild and pristine

One might say that Corsica looks like Sardinia 2 decades ago, before the big tourism boom. The French Corsica has definitely a more moderate tourism development and is more rural. The construction of buildings close to the island’s 1000-km-long coastline is prohibited by law, so its beaches remain wild and unspoiled. 

In fact, Corsica is a camper's paradise, with more than 150 campsites, with more than 25,000 places to pitch! Some of them are like little towns, offering all travel amenities necessary, and most of them have easy access to the beach. As for hotels and resorts, you will only find them inland!

Corsica is definitely a place for the adventurous and the fans of outdoor activities, such as hiking (at the GR 20 trail), cycling and canoeing. The island is full of incredible natural sights and extraordinary ecosystems, such as the UNESCO Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve, and the mini desert Désert des Agriates. As for Corsica’s white-sand beaches, like Saleccia or Palombaggia, they look like they came out of a postcard!

Apart from the lush green hills, waterfalls, and unique rock formations, Corsica also has some wonderful towns, such as the dramatically sited Bonifacio, built on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, Sartène (once an outlaw refuge and a reminiscence of Corsica’s criminal heritage), and the beautiful harbor of Bastia.

As for traditional Corsican food, dear vegetarian and vegan travelers, you might have a hard time. Corsica is a meaty place. The island’s renowned saucissons are literally everywhere, as well as other types of charcuterie and meat sandwiches. However, you can also enjoy the local Brocciu cheese, clams filled with Roquefort and fresh vegetables.

Camping tents and clear waters at Corsica’s picture-perfect Arone beach

How to get to Corsica

You can travel by ferry to the ports of Bastia, Porto-Vecchio, and Île-Rousse in Corsica from Nice, Toulon and Marseille in France.

Ferries to Corsica also depart from several ports in Italy: the most important ones are Piombino and Livorno (Tuscany), Genoa and Savona (Liguria), and Santa Teresa di Gallura (Sardinia), as well as Elba island. Here are some of the most popular ferry connections to Corsica from France and Italy:

• Marseille - Ajaccio ferry
• Livorno - Bastia ferry
• Genoa - Ajaccio ferry
• Elba - Bastia ferry

Another way to get to Corsica is by plane. There are 4 international airports on the island: Ajaccio, Figari, Bastia, and Calvi. However, there are not many direct flights to the island.

The rugged beauty of Sartène town, built among mountains

Sardinia vs Corsica: the Winner

Unfortunately, there is no real winner in this competition. Both islands are champions in terms of beauty and things to see and do. In the end, it’s all up to you! You can make your decision, mostly depending on the vacation style you prefer.

But why not call it a draw and visit both paradises on one vacation? This way you can relax and enjoy great beaches and amazing food at a Sardinia resort, and then have an adventure and connect with nature in Corsica’s rugged trails and coastal campsites, or vice versa.

Check out some of the most popular ferry routes between Sardinia and Corsica:

• Santa Teresa Gallura - Bonifacio ferry
• Porto Torres - Ajaccio ferry
• Golfo Aranci - Bastia ferry
• Porto Torres - Porto Vecchio ferry

A ferry connecting Corsica with Sardinia, anchored in Ajaccio port

From Corsica to Sardinia or from Sardinia to Corsica, wondering how to travel from one island to another? Read our guide on how to get from Sardinia to Corsica by ferry and find the answers to all your questions. Then, book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and sail off with no hidden fees!