MEDI 9 19/5/09 14:47 Page 49
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mediterranean islands knowledge
Expert advice
Myth-busting
Corsica and Sardinia
Do clients turn their
noses up at Corsica
and Sardinia? Holiday
Options’ Rupert
Diggins has the ammunition for
you to help change their minds
MYTH.
Corsica will be overrun by the French,
and Sardinia by the Italians. We will
be outnumbered!
Rupert says: And that’s a bad thing?! Each
island attracts discerning French or Italian
holidaymakers accordingly – and they are
k
.
u
co
looking for exactly the same thing that es.
tur
discerning British travellers are: great
weather, stunning beaches, good food,
orldpic
W
fine wine and spectacular scenery. Left: Cala del Faro, Sardinia. Right: Bonifacio, Corsica
MYTH. MYTH. MYTH.
Both islands sound pricey to me, so They sound boring. I like a lively town The islands might be OK for couples,
they are not within our budget with good restaurants and a few bars but they don’t sound family-friendly
Rupert: The exchange rate is not what it Rupert: These are big islands with their Rupert: Corsica is ideal for couples, but also
was two or three years ago, but Corsica and own infrastructure – they don’t simply exist good for families with babies and toddlers
Sardinia are no more expensive than the rest for seasonal tourists, so the main towns have who are content with the idyllic beaches but
of the eurozone and standards are high. plenty going on: street markets, festivals, don’t need much entertaining. For families
Both islands still deliver real value in terms fishing ports, restaurants and bars galore – with older children and teenagers, I would
of meal plans at hotels, or eating out. and Sardinia in particular has a fair amount recommend Sardinia, where the Forte
of sophisticated nightlife in Alghero. Village is a great family-friendly resort.
MYTH.
The islands are difficult to get to – no MYTH. MYTH.
direct flights and getting there would We’ve been to Sardinia, and Corsica Both islands are just summer
take ages will be just the same. So what’s the destinations, though, aren’t they?
Rupert: Not true! There are at least seven point in going? Rupert: Most UK flights operate from early
direct flights to Corsica every week – a mix Rupert: The islands could not be more May to October and there is plenty to enjoy
of charter and no-frills airlines – departing different. Corsica is passionate about its in the shoulder seasons when it’s not baking
from Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol and unique heritage and culture, it is scenically hot, so sightseeing is more enjoyable. For
Manchester into Calvi and other Corsican very different with mountains so high they instance, Sardinia is a much greener island
airports. Sardinia does even better with 17 stay snow-capped in summer – although the in the spring, and with fields full of wild
route combinations. As to flight time, it’s beaches are “the same” in that they are among flowers, it is a great time to discover the
130-175 minutes depending on the choice the best in the Med. The food and wine island on foot. Corsica is also a good spring
of the airport – so closer than Greece and couldn’t be more different either, reflecting destination but autumn is a good time to
Turkey. modern Italian and French allegiances. tour by car, when the coast roads are quieter.
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