It’s a stunningly beautiful place, I highly recommend going!
If you find yourself in the area, a few tips:
Where to stay: My friend and I roomed at Hotel Posta Vecchia (8 Rue Posta Vecchia, +33 (0) 4 95 32 32 38) in one of Corsica’s main cities, Bastia. Rooms range from 70 Euros per night for a standard room in low season to 120 Euros during the summer. Ask to stay on the top floor for great views. Pros: Great bathrooms. Cons: Weak Wifi. Posta Vecchia was adequate, but I wasn’t in love. Shop around.
Where to eat: Corsica is known for its fresh seafood, and I enjoyed delicious mussels, shrimp, and scallops! For true Corsican fare, visit Osterio U Tianu (4 Rue Rigo; 04 95 31 36 67) for a yummy prix fixe dinner of 5 courses plus wine and an aperatif for 23 Euros (around $30). The food was amazing and the service, simply lovely.
Leisure: When it’s warm enough, bring your bathing suit to enjoy one of Corsica’s many beaches. If it’s a bit chilly, rent a car and take a day trip–Corsica has beautiful mountains and ocean views. A friend and I visited the northern towns of Calvi, St. Florent, and Ile Rousse and ate at a must see restaurant called L’Auberge du Chat Qui Peche (04 95 37 81 52).
Language and Culture: Few people speak English, so bring your French phrase book! Know how to order food and ask a few simple questions in French. I didn’t see that many people of color, so expect stares. Just smile–people are very friendly.
Style Notes: Pack comfy shoes to walk around the cobblestone roads of Bastia. I brought my Tory Burch flats, but recommend bringing a cute pair of sneakers for a bit of cushion. Temps are high during the day and dip at night, so layer accordingly. A few J.Crew cashmere sweaters and a denim jacket should do the trick.
Bisous!
