7 things to consider for an off season vacation to Corsica

It may have been back in April but it would be a shame to skip over our trip to Bonifacio. I’ve also compiled 7 things to consider for an off-season vacation to Corsica.

Where to go?

After hemming and hawing about where to go for a little weekend retreat/early birthday we settled on some inexpensive flights to Corsica. We soon found ourselves in Ajaccio renting a car and heading into the small capital to have a bite to eat before taking to the wild winding roads of this Southern beauty with it’s most fascinating and sometimes frightful history.

I’d been excited about visiting this little French Island in the sea since my time spent living in the Riviera. On the clearest of mornings you might find yourself fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it in the distance. I admit that at first I nearly missed the goodness of this trip because the original plan was to go to Malta, and somehow staying in France wasn’t quite as exciting, even if it had been on my list. Once over that hurdle, I was able to better appreciate the vacation and I could never have imagined it as rustic and lush, photos don’t do it justice. Every twist and turn along the drive seemed to offer another stunning view, endless green and old worn buildings that looked to have been abandoned for several lifetimes.

Bonifacio

When we finally arrived we were charmed by the village of Bonifacio. It sits perched up high, jutting out of the Mediterranean sea on frightful eroding limestone.  On a neighbouring hilltop that was directly across the bay ,offering a great view not only of Bonifacio but also of Sardinia, we found a little villa and the perfect setting for much needed rest. Being the off season we never had to battle traffic on the roads or towns brimming with tourists. Just locals and a few adventurers. Sometimes vacations are in and of themselves stressful or full of other roadblocks so we kept it lighthearted by uttering the phrase, “C’est la Corse!” a reminder that things are just a little different here.

If you do plan a trip to Corsica in the off-season, consider  the following:

1. Most restaurants and shops will either be closed or maintain the most irregular hours. Do try and find a rental with a kitchen if you can.
2. Pack a corkscrew and an Opinel for impromptu picnics (just be sure to put it in your checked bag.) There is great wine and charcuterie to be enjoyed!
3. Absolutely no online information can be truly relied upon. Always call ahead or talk to someone for any excursions you may want to take.
4. Old style French living is in full effect. IE: Smoking still happens indoors, shops close for 1-2 hours for lunch and Sunday is a day of rest.
5. Pack for all kinds of weather. It’s a little tropical and that means you might encounter unexpected rain and cold
6. When you hit an inevitable bump in the road you just have to remind yourself, “C’est la Corse!” or “It’s Corsica!” and roll with it.
7. Regardless of the season, bring a camera, you’ll be glad you did. It’s STUNNING.