24 Jun 2017

The 50 km between Corse and Sardinian Costa Smeralda seem to melt the two islands in one. But are they very different? Do you really feel crossing a Country to get from one to other?

A common stereotype presents Corsica as the wilder isle opposed to the snobbish Sardinia, but marking labels are worthless.


Corse is 90 kilometers (56 mi) from Tuscany in Italy and 170 kilometers (110 mi) from the Côte d'Azur in France. The Strait of Bonifacio with its sparkling Mediterranean waters separate them, at their closest point, the two islands are only 11 kilometers apart, (6.8 mi) wide.
France vs Italy, but the two Mediterranean Islands look like to be much more closer.


Historically they do have many things in common: in 238 BC together, they became a province of Rome and adopted the Latin language and culture; however, the densely forested interior areas of both islandsresisted the Romans, in fact Corse and Sardinia were united(not literally) on defending their land! Therefore, Romans avoided them and set them aside as the “land of the barbarians”. From that moment on they both fight for independency, (they both still have separatist movements) from Mother Land. Maybe this common feeling of revenge make this two people feel so close to each other also on present days.
Italian was the official language of Corsica until May 9th 1859. Since the annexation of the island by France Corsican- Corsu has been under heavy pressure from French. But it kept its original characteristics which make it much more similar to Sardu the Sardinian language.
Corsicans & Sardinians have gotten used to live inland and their food is mostly inspired by this inland influence. Both have never been a population of fishermen.The wild boar (Cingale, Singhjari) is very popular in both islands. The casgiumerzu ("rotten cheese")is the Corsican counterpart of the Sardinian casumarzu, made from goat or sheep milk.


Today, much has changed and now seafood has been embraced by Corsicans & Sardinians: lobsters, crabs, anchovies, squid, clams and fresh sardines conquered the Islands menus. Spaghetti con Bottarga made with dried gray mullet roe shaved on top are one of the favorite Sardinian pasta dishes.
Corse and Sardinia surely offer a charming backdrop to any luxury yacht! Both islands East coast is well protected from prevailing winds.
Sardinia, surely is better known as a popular yachting destination, after Prince Aga Khan has built the entire Costa Smeralda concept, making the North East coast of Sardinia one of the most luxurious and famous in the world, perfect stop for yachts and mega-yachts with more than five amazing Marinas for luxurious mega yachts from POltu Quatu to Olbia, Corsica has not had the same level of intensive development, (also due to the 1986 Coast Law, which prohibits the construction of new buildings within 100 meters of the coast outside urban areas) is thus mainly unspoiled, but little recently built marinas and dockage facilities all along the east and south coast of the island like Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio; allowing yachts to sail from one isle to the other easily. Bonifacio remains one of the most amazing and breathtaking port of the whole Med.


The rocky and mountainous landscapes of Corsica’senriched by little ports and towns, has become the darling of the yachting community. Consider that many lovely spots of the island are more reachable by the sea and nothing is worth a boat trip to admire the scenery and the breathtaking panoramas discovering some secret coves. The area among the main islands comprising a myriad of small islands in a protected area bedecked by hundreds of tiny, white, perfectly formed natural beaches. Entrance to and anchoring in this area is restricted and vessels have to anchor 300 meters off the coast of the main island and tender in. Permits are needed for scuba diving from the National Park Authority. Sardinia & itss beaches is a dogma! Costa Smeralda: 20-kilometer-long strip where the bay in Porto Cervo is, as we all very well know, home to mega-yachts.


Afterall written and seen is it really a reason to choose one of them?We truly believe it is a unique destination in Mediterranean sea, enriched by the Sardinian & Corsican culture and the hospitality of the people.

Surely there is one thing that is close to identical for both: the climate SUNNY!!!!

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