Planes, trains and an electric car!

Our Administration Manager recently flew to Corsica and reviews the different ways of getting out and about to explore the Balagne region and some of its more popular towns and lesser-known villages.

A holiday in Corsica can be as energetic or relaxing as you want it to be. Some people love the thought of hiring their own car to get out and about to explore the interior of this magical island, whilst others are quite happy to let someone else transfer them from the airport to their accommodation and then spend a week soaking up the sun by the pool or relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches.

 

 

On a recent work trip to the Balagne area in Corsica, we were lucky enough to spend a few days exploring the larger resorts of Calvi and L’Ile Rousse as well as some of the smaller, hidden gems in-between. Although we were there to visit some of the many hotels, apartments, and villas that we feature in our programme and we had the luxury of a new, air-conditioned, electric car to get about in, we found that one of the best ways to view and appreciate the many sights in and around the towns was to go walkabout. It meant we could take in everything at a slower pace and the designated driver got to see everything properly too! Both resorts are so easy to explore on foot and you can easily combine sightseeing, shopping, a lovely lunch and a spot of sunbathing.

 

 

If you can tear yourself away from your sunbed and want to get out and see a little more of what Corsica has to offer but don’t want to wander too far, a great way to explore the coast further is to use the little train that runs between Calvi and L’Ile Rousse. Affectionately known as ‘u trinichellu’ and made up of just a couple of simple, airy carriages, the train rattles its way along at a leisurely pace, with the tracks hugging the beaches and crossing some of the stunning headlands along the coast. The large picture windows allow for a cool breeze in the carriages and are great for those numerous picture opportunities along the way.

 

 

You can use the train simply to get between the two towns or to reach some of the quieter resorts and more secluded beaches in-between such as Lumio, Davia, Bodri or Algajola; each one looks more idyllic than the previous, so you could be spoilt for choice! If you buy a return ticket between Calvi and L’Ile Rousse, you can also hop on and hop off along the way; an ideal way to stop off for a cool drink and choose which beach you are going to return to the next day…!

 

 

A return ticket between Calvi and L'Ile Rousse cost us €12 and the journey took about 45 minutes. A shorter journey between Calvi and some of the beaches can be between €4 and €8 return with the trains departing approximately every hour from first thing in the morning to early evening.

 

 

View our Balagne collection of villas, apartments and hotels.