Car & Van Hire - Borgo

Use Borgo as your base to explore the northern part of Corsica. This Mediterranean island is known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic mountains. When you arrive in Borgo, you'll also be close to the city of Bastia, which has its own unique allure. During its long history, it was occupied by the Genoese. This has given it an Italian flair, which can still be seen in much of its architecture. In particular, the town has more Baroque churches than anywhere else in Corsica.

Use car hire in Borgo to visit Bastia, starting with a stroll around the old town and its charming port. Hike up to the Citadel, from which the Genoese once governed the city. Perched high on a cliff overlooking the town, it offers some amazing views. Visit the Church of Sainte-Marie, which was actually built to serve as a cathedral. It remained a cathedral until the dissolution of Bastia's diocese and has all the extravagance you would expect. The interior is lavishly decorated, with gilt and marble everywhere you look. Of particular interest is the golden statue of the Assumption of Mary.

Car or van hire in Borgo also gives you the opportunity to visit stunning nearby beaches. After all, what would a Mediterranean holiday be without some sand and sea? Barcaggio Beach is a great choice if you're travelling with the kids. Its clear, shallow waters are ideal for wading - and little ones may also be curious about the cows that often wander up to the edge of the sand. If you prefer to get away from the crowds, try Tamarone Beach. This is a little harder to get to, so it doesn't attract many tourists. The best choice for water sports is Arinella Beach, where you can hire equipment for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and even sailing. There are also many other choices, with plenty of tiny little coves for you to discover as you explore the Corsican coast.

While you're in Corsica, be sure to sample the local cuisine. Here you'll find a unique blend of French and Italian food, and the result is wholly delicious. The island is particularly well known for its dried meats, including the hearty figatellu, which makes the ideal base for a picnic lunch. As you'd expect from an island, seafood is often on the menu, including delicious shellfish. While most visitors come to Corsica in summer, if you're visiting at another time of year, try the civet de sanglier. This rich wild boar stew is a hearty dish, ideal for keeping warm on a cold day. At any time of the year, enjoy fiadone for dessert. This tart is made with ricotta, grated coconut and lemon, and it's hard to stop at just one slice!

Traffic is never a big problem anywhere on the island of Corsica. However, parking can be, particularly in the busy summer months. If you're visiting in July or August and you want to go to the beach, make sure you get there early. Leave it too late, and you might struggle to find a space. The good news is that most beaches have free car parks, though they can be rather rustic. In many cases, parking spaces are not clearly marked, and car parks may be on uneven ground.

In Bastia, like in most Corsican towns, you will need to explore the old town on foot. You will need to pay to use one of the urban car parks. Meters will usually accept cash and card payments, though it's generally safer to carry cash, just in case.

Corsica is known for its wild beauty, and it has some truly exceptional stretches of road. If you're planning a road trip, you might want to look into the drive through the Restonica Valley, the road around Cap Corse and the gorges of the Inzecca, all of which offer dramatic scenery. Be warned, though: the Route de la Restonica is quite difficult, as it is exceptionally narrow in some places. There are designated spots where cars can pass or overtake. Use them wisely, as for much of the road, it is physically impossible to fit two cars at once. It's best to get driving early in the morning, so you won't see many other vehicles.

Driving in Corsica is most difficult in the summer months when you're likely to see large coaches on the island's narrow mountain roads. Take it easy and drive with care. At any time of year, the most common hazard is animals. Goats, pigs, cows and donkeys all roam freely around the island and can frequently be spotted crossing the road or just idling in the middle of the traffic. Take care around them, especially when you're on a mountain road with sharp bends and blind spots. The best course of action is usually to wait for them to pass or drive very carefully around them.
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