This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
A friend of mine is asking herself whether she should visit Sicily, Corsica, or Sardinia. So, I thought I’d share her dilemma and get some recommendations – because I’m sure she’s not the only one pondering this question.
I must start with a confession: I haven’t been to Sicily. But many of our team members have, so they’ve been able to fill the gaps – and, of course, I’d very much like to go.
I can clearly remember looking at the same three islands in the mid-90s and Corsica coming out on top – but that was because my husband is interested in Napoleon Bonaparte.
When I was younger, my parents also took us to Sardinia – slightly out of season, of course, when you can find cheaper flights and accommodation. I remember the beaches from my childhood and still think they’re some of the world’s most glorious.
All three islands offer spectacular and diverse landscapes – with beautiful, clear-water coastlines and atmospheric port and hill towns. They also all have a reputation for memorable cuisine and strong local culture.
When it comes to their headline differences, as I mentioned, Corsica has Napoleon, Sicily has Mt. Etna and the mafia, and Sardinia has Bronze Age treasures. But they all have a lot going for them, as you’ll see.
I’m oversimplifying it, and I’m sorry for that. I could write many words on each island, but space is limited. And I’m sure you all have your own thoughts – especially if you’ve been to all three! My friend has a tough choice in front of her, but there’s no wrong answer to the question of which one to go to.
1. Sicily
Sicily is a place unlike any other. Sun-drenched and beautiful, the landscape is dramatically diverse, the food perennially good, and the culture and architecture truly unique.
If you’re here for a beach break, you have a choice of sand – from the black volcanic beaches of the Aeolian islands to the long, white ones of the south. Alternatively, you can escape the crowds by jumping on a ferry at Trapani, on Sicily’s west coast, and heading to Favignana or Marettimo. Italian natives like to holiday on these tiny, unspoilt islands.
The bright aquamarine coastline is just the start of Sicily’s natural assets. On this stunning island, you’ll also find the Parco Naturale Regionale Delle Madonie (a vast region of untamed wilderness) and Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.
If you’re here for Mt. Etna, you might want to head to the nearby port city of Catania. Or, if you’re more interested in delving into Sicily’s complicated and dramatic history (for example, the mafia originated here), then an excellent place to start is the island’s capital, Palermo.
Palermo is also a good spot if you’re looking to immerse yourself in art and culture, as there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore.
Practical details
Sicily has four airports: Palermo, Catania, Comiso, and Trapani. It has a Mediterranean climate, broadly meaning hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
As far as sunshine is concerned, in a good year, you can comfortably sunbathe and swim in the sea into November. So, an autumn break might be a good idea if you’re looking to take advantage of cheap flights, last-minute offers, and other travel deals.
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2. Corsica
Once Tuscan, now French, this little Mediterranean island’s geological diversity makes it a bit like a mini continent.
If you circuit Corsica – some 900kms on tiny and twisting but very scenic roads – you’ll see spiked peaks, rugged cliffs, smooth stretches of beach, and beautiful aquamarine bays. Alongside these bays – with their delicate, white sand – you’ll find glitzy towns with French Riviera flavour. And up in the hills, you’ll see tiny, picturesque villages.
You can’t visit Corsica without being reminded that this was Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace. So, if you’re a history lover looking to delve into the island’s past, why not visit Maison Bonaparte, his ancestral home, where there’s now a museum? The monolithic archaeological site at Filitosa is also worth a visit.
But if the outdoors is more your thing, you might want to head to the Scandola Nature Reserve – an often recommended hiking spot – that is, if you can tear yourself away from the idyllic beaches and glamorous cafes.
Practical details
Corsica also has four international airports: Bastia, Calvi, Figari Sud Corse, and Ajaccio.
The island’s mild Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect island destination for people who like things sunny but not too hot. The sun lasts between May and October, but there’s no bad time to visit Corsica.
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3. Sardinia
Sardinia’s beaches are spectacular: the sand is like sugar, and the water is a shade of aqua usually reserved for the tropics. But there’s much to be said about the island’s wild interior too. Lush forests open onto incredible limestone bays, and mountains loom over rolling fields dotted with grazing sheep and prehistoric ruins.
But it’s not just the landscape that’s remarkable. Visitors (from places like Spain, Austria, and the Middle East) have shaped Sardinia’s rich, colourful culture, yet it’s retained much of its individuality. Though it’s technically part of Italy, it feels like a tiny country.
If one of the reasons for your trip to Sardinia is the food, you’ll find much of the island’s culinary delights in the picturesque towns. Here, you can also witness the best examples of Sardinia’s famous Catalan-inspired architecture. Explore impressive mediaeval forts, hilltop citadels, and elegant piazzas – and take in the thousands of Bronze-age towers, tombs, and settlements.
Practical details
Sardinia has three airports: Olbia, Cagliari, and Alghero. Or you can arrive by sea as part of a cruise. The island’s weather is generally pleasant year-round. From the start of spring, you can expect six to nine hours of sunshine a day.
Like many Mediterranean locations, summer is the most popular time to visit – when the water is warm and temperatures are in the mid-twenties. But it typically averages 18°C in October, so if you prefer a cheaper, quieter holiday, you could try booking for the autumn.
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Are you thinking about a holiday to Sicily, Corsica, or Sardinia? If so, which one are you leaning towards? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.