A Tale of Two Islands: A Family Road Trip Around Corsica and Sardinia

Your first full day in Corsica is dedicated to discovering the mountainous hinterland of Porto-Vecchio, as well as a handful of beautiful villages that reveal the untouched, authentic culture of this part of the island. Head up to the village of Zonza, the historic gateway to the Rizzanese valleys, just a 15-minute drive away. From here, the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu and the Alta Rocca museum are within easy reach. The entire region is peppered with villages renowned for their artisanal production and the quality of their olive oil. If you fancy spending today in the wilderness, our team can arrange a day’s hike to the Aiguilles de Bavella with a private guide.

It’s time to swap the countryside for the city. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, bundle the family back into your hire car and travel an hour and a half to Bonifacio, a medieval city perched on a rocky outcrop on Corsica’s southern coast. Settle in for three nights in a peaceful hotel overlooking the city. The rest of today is yours to play with. You can head out for a swim at one of the nearby beaches, or kick back and relax at the hotel.

The next two days are all about discovering Bonifacio and the wonderful southern coast. There is plenty to keep you busy in the city. Bonifacio is perhaps best-known for its dramatic white cliffs, which have been carved, hollowed and layered by centuries of erosion. The upper part of town is surrounded by imposing ramparts which house a number of medieval buildings. Below is the port and the Strait of Bonifacio, beyond which lies Sardinia. On one of these two days you’ll head out from the Gulf of Santa Manza on a RIB skippered by an enthusiastic local. This is a great opportunity to admire some beautiful sights along the southern coast, including the beaches of Canetto and Baslitra, the Genoese tower of Capicciolu, the beaches of Cala Longa, the Lavezzi islands, the Piantarella Lagoon, the Pointe de Sperone and Fazzio beach. You’ll also take plenty of breaks along the way to enjoy swims in the crystal-clear waters.

It’s time to bid farewell to Corsica and hop across the Strait of Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia. The ferry ride takes about one hour. Once you’re on dry land, drive to nearby Arzachena, a charming village overlooking an unspoilt coastline dotted with plenty of picturesque coves. Settle in for three nights in an elegant farmhouse surrounded by classic Mediterranean flora. For dinner this evening, tuck into a delicious meal based on Sicily’s specialties.

You have two options for your first full day in Sardinia: you can explore this pristine coastline independently or we can arrange for you to embark on a sailing cruise around the Maddalena Islands. If you choose to spend today discovering independently, then there is plenty to keep you busy. The hilly, agricultural Gallura region is home to numerous archaeological remains, including the famous Fungo, a mushroom-shaped rock. The Costa Smeralda, meanwhile, boasts superb beaches such as Spiaggia Capriccioli and Spiaggia del Principe. There is also Baja Sardinia, a 360° panoramic viewpoint popular among hikers.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning, hop into your hire car and travel west to the lovely village of Alghero, a two-hour drive away. The road there is beautiful, passing through the wild arid landscapes so characteristic of the Sardinian countryside. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to break up the journey and enjoy a stroll through the hinterland. On arrival in Alghero, check in for three nights in a characterful property surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the village.

Nicknamed the ‘Little Sardinian Barcelona’ because of its strong Catalan influence dating back to the 14th century, Alghero is a charming little town with a historic centre opening onto a peninsula surrounded by fortifications. Here you can discover a well-preserved medieval heritage, epitomised by the Alghero Cathedral and its Gothic bell tower. You can also admire the church of San Francesco, with its superb golden tufa cloister; the Church of San Michele, home to the Jesuits; and the Esperò Reial Tower, the Theatre Square and the Palazzo Machin. There are also plenty of sights worth visiting slightly further afield, including the craftsmen’s city of Castelsardo, Genoese towers, the Capo Caccia marine reserve, the Neptune Caves and the beaches of the Riviera del Corallo.

For your last full day in Sardinia, you’ll be heading out with a local guide for a walking tour of Alghero. The tour is relaxed, spontaneous and tailored to your interests, and it’s a great opportunity to learn a little more about everyday life in Sardinia. Round off your walk with a Sardinian aperitif in the historic centre.