For the freedom to explore the island, we strongly advise you to rent a car, which is what a majority of visitors to Corsica choose to get around. This is the best way to learn as much as possible about the area because public transportation is very poor. You can rent a car at all Corsican airports, but it makes the trip more expensive.

Main roads (there are no motorways) are generally very good. However, many country roads, especially mountain roads, are likely to be narrow and winding with very little room to maneuver. Driving in busy towns can sometimes be a little challenging, but not particularly dangerous. Most visitors quickly get used to the Corsicans` liberal interpretation of the Highway Code and find the whole experience relatively stress-free.

This may be an alternative option for a planned day out to a town center or simply if you want to leave your car at your property for the day. Taxis in Corsica have a `Taxi` sign on the roof and prices are given on request.

Corsica is a very safe place and as long as you take normal precautions with your valuables you should not have any problems.

If you enjoy a challenge it is a great area to discover the mountainous landscapes by either mountain bike or road bike. For experienced cyclists this is a great terrain to cycle. Bike hires are widespread and typically are at a reasonable price.

As part of France, the currency used in Corsica is the Euro, US dollars are not accepted. Credit cards have become more widely accepted, but it is worth noting that some restaurants and hotels (mostly B&Bs) in Corsica don`t accept credit cards, this is especially true in the mountain villages. Some places refuse cards for small amounts (typically under €15). Always enquire first. Also note that ATMs are scarce in rural areas, especially in Cap Corse and L`Alta Rocca. It`s wise to stock up with euros.

Corsica boasts a consistently warm Mediterranean climate reaching a blissful 82°F during the summer months, although it is not uncommon to occasionally climb into the 90`s. Winters are generally moderate and clear. Climates vary with altitude and mountain forms though. It`s rather alpine than Mediterranean in the mountains. The main mountain range divides the island roughly in half, the North is hotter than the South, while the East is wetter than the West.

The sea temperatures are warmest in July and August and generally stay warm in September and October. Although the outside temperatures can be high in May and June, the sea is usually cooler and generally takes until July to really warm up.

The official language in Corsica is French, but a large number of Corsicans speak Corsican - Corsu. It has no current legal status and French Government has yet to ratify the European minority language charter.

Quite a few of the locals will speak a little English, especially in shops and restaurants in the larger towns and menus are often translated into English. Most hotels will have an English speaking member of staff although, generally, in the more remote villages few people will speak English. We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

Corsica food has French and Italian influences, but has many unique dishes. The chestnut was one of the ancient (and even current) Corsican`s traditional foods, and many meals and even desserts are prepared with this. Also, most of the domesticated pigs on the island are semi-wild, released to forage for food much of the year, and the charcuterie reflects this flavor. Typical corsican meats include lonzu, coppa, ham, figatellu and saucisson made from pig or boar meat. Canistrelli are typical corsican pastries which come in many different flavors. Corsica also produces a uniquely flavored olive oil made from ripe fruits collected under trees. Many villages have small shops where locally produced food is sold. That said, it may be difficult to find a restaurant that prepares truly Corsican dishes, and you may find yourself eating at a tourist oriented Pizzeria, which nonetheless serves excellent food.