Italian Riviera or Corsica?
Nov 8th, 2004, 10:34 AM
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Italian Riviera or Corsica?
We have a couple of extra days in our itinerary for next June (other places we are spending time are Paris, Vienna, Salzburg, Venice, and French Riviera) and are trying to decide between visiting Santa Margherita Ligure on our way from Venice to Nice; OR using the extra couple days to take a ferry from Nice to Calvi (in Corsica). Any opinions?
Nov 8th, 2004, 01:20 PM
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That's a very long ferry ride from Nice to Calvi, as you probably know. You'll lose a lot of time for a short visit unless you can travel at night. But aside from the transportation, I believe you will find Corsica much more interesting. Your choice might simply come down to whether you want a few more days with the Italians or with the Corsicans (I hesitate to call them French because they are different.) Good luck.
Nov 8th, 2004, 04:14 PM
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I'm a big fan of the Italian Riviera, and spent a great Valentine's Day escape in Santa Margherita earlier this year (and we have the baby arriving any minute to prove it). IMO, that's the best town in a really charming stretch of coast -- a nice balance between over-the-top Portofino and maybe-too- authentic Camogli. Really charming area, amazing food, nice people. That said, the Italian Riviera is not hugely different from the French Riviera, so if you're already hitting Nice and the French Riviera ... I'm might be inclined to hop the ferry to something completely different (so long as the travel isn't prohibitive).
Nov 9th, 2004, 05:22 AM
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I had considered the Italian Riviera in late June, for a relaxing week at the beach after a busy week in Venice, but worried it might not be hot enough. I've looked at the usual weather databases but I don't think just the highs & lows give you a very good idea. Any idea if it will be hot enough for swimming & sunbathing ? I've been to northern Tuscany in late June & the weather was very variable - some days I needed a jumper - & the people who lived there said the weather there wasn't reliably good until July.
Nov 9th, 2004, 06:41 AM
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We were in Santa Margherita this August, and liked it very much, although we found the food mostly disappointing. However, if I had the option, I'd go to Corsica instead. It's more off the beaten path, and probably will feel more exotic than most of the Italian Riveria.
Nov 9th, 2004, 08:57 AM
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I've been to the French Riviera in late June before, and trust me, it's hot enough!!! I can almost guarantee you'll be wearing shorts the whole time, even if it's cooler than when we were there.
Nov 9th, 2004, 04:54 PM
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I visited Santa Margherita in July and wasn't overly impressed. Too crowded, too many scooters, noisy and so-so beaches. On the other hand, I really enjoyed Corsica. Stayed in a cliff side hotel (the corniche) near Bastia (San Martina di Lota to be exact) I guess much more "exotic" would be the word for it. Rugged cliffs, blue skies and very authentic regional food. We were the only Americans at our hotel (or anywhere it seemed) if getting off the beaten path is something that appeals to you. The choise between SM and Corsica woudn't even be close for me.
