20/06/2022
Corsica is a dream destination for holidays in family. Also known as the “Île de Beauté” in French, it offers an unparallelled diversity on only a few kilometres and benefits from an exceptional sunning throughout the year. Found between mountain and sea, it is perfect for relaxing and discoveries. Let’s head to Corsica for a colourful and tropical getaway, all while staying in Europe with baby.
From the île Rousse in Bonifacio, passing by Ajaccio and the Porto-Vecchio in Bastia, the coastline changes from delightful beaches with pristine waters to equally tantalising rock creeks and wild lowlands. At its centre, the island is crossed by a mountain chain where pine forests subtly merge with the sharp heights of the mountainous summits. From there, waters run to the ground and form natural lakes before flowing straight down again to the sea. Lovely villages blessed with a panoramic view over the azure-blue sea slowly appear as a fresco depicting picturesque local traditions. In this portion of land comprised between the mountains and the sea where the peacefulness of the waves join the calming sound of the flowing rivers from the steep rocky slopes, families discover simple joys. Nature is ubiquitous and procures quietness. Named as « île de Beauté » (Beauty Island), Corsica is the ideal destination to enjoy a restful stay for the younger children. Thanks to our practical guide, you will know when to go, where to stay and what to do on the island with your baby.
The weather in Corsica follows the reputation of the nickname the island was given: warm and sunny. Benefitting from a Mediterranean climate, Corsica offers travellers warm summers as the temperatures reach a 28 °C average. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 5 and 20°C. Influenced by the sea, the island knows rainy days here and there, especially during the months of January and February. At the centre of the island, in the mountainous lands, the climate feels much more alpine, and the summits even become snowy up until mid-June. Evening and nights in these mountainous parts are quite chilly, so a cardigan or a pullover would not be too much to bring. In the Haute-Corse, the northern region of the island, several winds blow: the Tramontane, the Mistral and the Libeccio.
The best period to go in Corsica then spans from the beginning of April to November, the warmer season. For relaxing holidays by the water, the months of July and August stand with the highest temperatures and a sea temperature ranging between 19 and 23°C. Yet, they are the months that attract the most tourists, so if you prefer calmer holidays with baby, plan your trip during spring time – you will witness the blossom of the scrublands – or choose autumn when the trees fade into ochre, crimson and mahogany colours, bringer of winter.
We selected among the most beautiful beaches of Corsica those that are most adapted to our loved young tots:
In Corsica, the weather is not something to worry much about. The island then is an ideal place for idleness holidays with a baby. However, be careful, as the sun can quickly turn from ally to enemy if our young tots are not properly protected from it. Make sure to bring a baby waterproof and hypoallergenic sunscreen produced with mineral filters originating from natural sources. Also protect your child from the sun with a hat, light clothes that both cover arms and legs and sunglasses. Little Guest made a comparison of a series of sunglasses and selected 8 trendy pairs of sunglasses that offer a great protection from the UV rays. In order not to forget anything with your young tot, here is a checklist of the most important items to bring while travelling with baby in Corsica:
The hotels recommended by Little Guest combine high-end standards and strict hosting norms to ensure to families a quality stay. The establishments listed in this article provide the equipment designed for children and offer personalised services alongside activities specifically dedicated to families. Then, no need for you to bring all your gear, as your hosts put at your disposal all that is needed for the youngest: bottle warmers, baby monitors, biological cosmetics, baby cots and beds, strollers, high chairs…
Some hotels are unique, authentic, which owners cannot be dissociated from their establishment, such as the Hôtel les Mouettes, a genuine institution all the way back from 1954. In this charming hotel, the Pieri family hosts their guests in the atmosphere of typical Corsican family houses. This hotel, that through the years gained ground and expanded nourished the Corsican art de vivre and hotel service. Located near the city centre, this prestigious establishment welcomes families for them to feel just like home.
Set just nearby the sea, it is found amidst a lavender garden, under the shades of tall palm trees. The rooms are spacious and luxurious. The white and sand colours decoration are an invitation to relaxation. Children always fall in love with the heated pool and bubble bath. At the end of the day, appreciate the large terrace under the shades of the stone pines to taste a Corsican wine while admiring the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Ajaccio, as baby rests, soothed by the singing birds.
On the beautiful, in a peaceful cove of the Porto-Vecchio Gulf hides a remarkable 5-star hotel. This establishment comprised of a typically Mediterranean atmosphere is loaded with family memories: those of the Canarelli family that loves to perpetuate traditions and that invites guests for singular experiences generation after generation. This mythical place benefits from an exceptional location right at the heart of a sumptuous private park, far from prying eyes. Between the tall pine trees, a wonderful private beach with a pontoon allows families to have a great time together, with feet in the water.
The rooms also call for relaxation; furnished with natural materials showing clear colours with whitewashed walls, travertine or oak floor, Sardinian tapestry, wool or linen textiles embellished with beautiful artifacts that the owners found during their own trips, and floral scents. They are spacious, bright and provide with great intimacy. The 39 rooms and suites of the hotel are thought and designed to bring the warm and hearty spirit of the charming dwellings of Southern France and all offer an outdoor green space with sunbeds.
Located at the foot of the Corsican mountain and near the beaches, this ancient Genovese building from the 18th century welcomes families in a lush setting. Nestled in a green bower filled with hundred-year-old pines, olive trees and orange trees giving off delicious scents, this domain boasts with a family pool and a bubble bath where children are allowed. Parents can also relax in the spa of the hotel. Operated by the granddaughter of a healer, Marie Ceccaldin, the Spa Casanera is prosperous. The cares provided are based upon wild Corsican plants, also with biological oils from the île de beauté.
The soothing sound of the water that runs from the stone fountains found here and there in the hotel accompanies you until your room that is furnished with traditional and relaxing decoration. This tranquillity haven is ideally set at 10 minutes from the centre of the historical city of Calvi. Its heritage offers wonderful visits. From the Genovese citadel, the grand ramparts of the city to the Saint-Jean Baptiste, you will discover charming alleyways filled with original boutiques and restaurants that serve a delicious local cuisine.
Corsica can be accessed by plane after a 1h45 flight from Brussels, just 1h30 away from Paris and 2h20 from London, which makes of Corsica the ideal destination for close holidays with a baby. The landing is done in Ajaccio, the capital of the island in which the main airport is located. By plane, babies up to 2 years old travel on their parents’ knees and no charge is required for them. Even if there is no contraindication to fly with a newborn, it is preferable to travel with them abroad at least after they turn 1 month old. Our piece of advice is to install the baby seat on the window seat so to take advantage of the support the windows side offers and to feel more at ease when holding your baby in your arms. Do not forget a baby carrier to board more easily since you will need to leave the stroller in the storage hold of the plane.
For children aged less than 2, you have the right to board with a 12 kg cabin luggage in which you should take with you: a meal for the flight (there is no restriction on baby food in the cabin), diapers, wet wipes, a small blanket to keep baby warm, changing clothes just in case, and toys and games to keep him entertained during the flight (rattle, teddy).
And if your child is already older, Little Guest wrote for you an article full of advice so to make your trip safe and easy.
Have a nice trip in Corsica!
Audrey, 25 years, journalist, from Brussels