A holiday in Corsica may cost you more than some other islands in the Mediterranean but with higher prices comes less tourists and development, which means Corsica has retained its charm and unspoilt nature where other parts of Europe have not. Once there you will find a reasonable menu in most towns for around 18€ (about £12.50). Supermarkets offer a wide range of goods but goods not produced locally could be more expensive than in large UK hypermarkets.

Why are the flights early?

Our charter flights generally leave the UK bright and early on a Sunday morning. Occupying some of the first 'departure slots' of the day, knock on delays are rare. Although the night before may be short, you benefit from a whole day on Corsica rather than a day in the UK airport and you are back in the UK with time to unwind from the journey before work on Monday morning.

What is driving like in Corsica?

As throughout the rest of the Mediterranean, other road users may seem to the UK driver to drive unpredictably. Out of July and August the roads can be empty and are generally well kept. Coastal or mountain roads are narrow and winding, with very little room for manoeuvre and as a rule of thumb, fifty kilometres will take an hour. Smaller cars may be easier to drive in some rural areas. EU driving licenses are valid in France and along with the insurance papers for the hire car should be carried at all times.

If I don't hire a car is there public transport on Corsica?

Public transport is very limited on the island with the exception of the good train service from Bastia to Ajaccio, with a branchline that runs along the coast to Calvi.

Can I have a transfer?

For guests who prefer not to drive in Corsica, we operate transfers from Calvi airport to properties in the Balagne area as part of the package price. The Balagne due to its public transport is suitable to stay in without a car to get around. On arrival, you will be dropped as close to your property as possible, and guests can store their luggage whilst their property is cleaned. The transfer will be by taxi or minibus. If you choose to fly into Bastia, longer coach transfers are available to the Balagne at £20pp. Guests are advised that coaches in Corsica may not be equipped with seat belts.

I normally stay in a hotel, what does a self-catering holiday offer?

A real home from home and more freedom of movement! Our villas and apartments offer couples and families their own space and privacy, in a hotel you can't go to breakfast in your pyjamas!

What sort of meals should I expect in my hotel?

Breakfasts are generally continental with croissants, bread, jam and coffee served and buffet breakfasts are not the norm. Half board menus are often set with less choice than you would expect from a restaurant. Tea and coffee making facilities are not generally available in France.

Is there a phone at my property?

As mobile phone coverage is very good (with the exception of some of the more remote or mountainous areas) most properties no longer require a landline. It is important though to make sure that your mobile is usable overseas. When using a UK mobile to call our Reps or office it is important to remember to dial 00 33 and drop the first 0 of the Corsican number.

Can I get Internet access?

Individual properties do not have internet access as few now have phones. There are internet cafés in a number of towns and a number of our hotels have this facility.

Does my property have a barbecue?

If a property has a barbecue we note this in the accommodation facilities. As the heat of the summer months often provokes fires, barbecues should be used sensibly and are actually officially prohibited, though tolerated, due to the heightened fire risk in the drier summer months.

Are swimming pools heated?

Swimming pools in Corsica are generally unheated but are heated naturally by the sun. They are all equipped with a safety system in the form of a fence or barrier, alarm or cover.

Are the beaches always empty?

Out of July and August, the traditional holiday season for the French and Italians, Corsica's beaches are uncrowded. In the height of the summer even the smaller resorts can be busy.

What time can I access my accommodation?

We hope you understand that access to our self-catering properties cannot be given until mid-afternoon due to cleaning. The standard international practice is to let hotel rooms from midday to midday, however times do vary.

What will I find in my property?

Each of our properties includes a minimum inventory to include such essentials as a kettle, iron and toaster. All larger electrical equipment for each property e.g. television, washing machine etc is noted in the description. As properties are generally voyagesilenan or French owned, the décor may reflect the local lifestyle and the owners' taste. A dining table and chairs can be given more priority than comfortable indoor chairs as this is more in keeping with a Mediterranean outdoor lifestyle. Floors are generally not carpeted and curtains are often decorative with shutters used to block out the light. Simpler properties can have basic kitchen facilities, should you have any special requirements please let us know.

Email holidays@corsica.co.uk or call 0485 330 2048

Will my property be cleaned for my arrival?

Our properties are thoroughly cleaned for your arrival and bed linen, bath and hand towels are provided at the beginning of your stay, with extra linen left for each week of your stay. Cot linen is not provided. We provide each of our properties with general cleaning products and a sponge, washing up liquid and a stock of bin liners, and we ask our guests to leave their accommodation clean. Should guests not do a minimal clean before departure or in the event of extra cleaning being required, cleaning in Corsica is costly and guests will be charged.

Do I have to pay a breakage deposit?

Some properties require a deposit to be paid locally but guests are asked to care for their accommodation as if it were their own home. If any items are broken during your holiday, your rep should be made aware so that we may replace them plus you may need their assistance if you can claim on your travel insurance (our own travel insurance does cover some breakages). Unfortunately, we are unable to check all of our properties at each departure so if you find something is broken or not working do contact us immediately.

Will I be able to watch UK channels on the Television?

If a villa has satellite television, subscription channels are not available and terrestrial and satellite television will generally be French. You can expect to receive at least one free to air English language news channel.

Are children welcome in hotels?

Hotels welcome children but will charge for a cot or extra bed sharing a parent's room. Babysitting and baby-listening services are also not widely available.

Are children welcome in restaurants?

If you choose to eat out, well-priced set menus can be found at most restaurants where children are very positively welcomed. Eating out is good value for money with familiar favourites such as Spaghetti Bolognaise, Pizza, Steak Haché (Burger Steak) served from around 7pm.

What linen do you provide?

We provide linen for each week of your stay. This includes tea towels for the kitchen, a hand and bath towel per person, a bathmat per bathroom and beds made up for your party size. Please note that beach or pool towels are not supplied and these should be taken with you. For hygiene reasons, we provide no cot linen.

What "Maid service" do you provide?

Maid service is now defined as mid-week cleaning and varies at each individual Platinum villa and generally consists of preparation of linen and towels and light cleaning.

I have special needs, can you help?

Voyages Ilena does not specialise in providing holidays for the disabled traveller although we are happy to advise on each properties suitability for your needs. It is therefore important that our specialist team are informed of your specific requirements when making an enquiry. If you or any member of your party is pregnant or suffers from any serious medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of travelling abroad.