We advise you order at least two weeks before your departure date to avoid any last minute panic. Euros can also be obtained from ATM machines in larger towns in Corsica providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/credit card. Please be aware that Corsican banks do not offer a money exchange facility and they do not accept Travellers Cheques so we strongly advise clients not to take these.

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are now widely accepted in restaurants, shops and petrol stations. If you have any other type of card make sure it is accepted before making the purchase. Please be aware that in smaller towns and mountain villages, shops and restaurants do not always accept credit cards and you will need to pay with cash. You will need to know your PIN number in order to use your credit card.

Business Hours

During July and August many businesses remain open from 8am to 8pm and for the rest of the year opening hours are generally 8am to Noon and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday or Saturday.

Time Difference

Corsica is on the same time as the rest of France, that is, on Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Tourist Information

For maps, timetables and general information about Corsica's main attractions, there are Tourist Information Offices in most main towns across the island. Your Voyages Ilena Rep will also be able to answer many of your questions about the area.

Complimentary Welcome Pack

All of our self-catering properties are provided with a welcome hamper including basic provisions. This includes tea, coffee, sugar, UHT milk, water, fruit juice, jam, krisp breads, paté or tapenade, local biscuits, crisps, toilet rolls and a bottle of wine. For guests who would like to make a basic meal we offer a superior welcome hamper including ham, cheese, eggs, pasta and pasta sauce, salad vegetables, fruit and beer. This can be upgraded at a cost of £30 for 2 and £40 for 4 guests. All Platinum Villas include a superior Platinum 'Welcome Hamper' including sparkling wine, beer, charcuterie, a selection of fruit and cake.

Flight Times

Direct flights to Corsica generally leave the UK early in the morning, we do realise this makes for an early start so you may wish to make a hotel reservation for the night before departure.Airport hotel & parking information »

Health & Safety

The welfare of our customers is our prime consideration and we are committed to raising the standards of health and safety in our properties and to continue to identify areas where safety can be improved. General safety regulations do vary from country to country and are often less stringent than those that we have come to expect in the UK. It is therefore important to be safety conscious and we suggest that on your arrival you familiarise yourself with your surroundings and read the information file provided, and to speak with your representative, if you have any concerns. We hope that by taking these simple steps, this will help to ensure that everybody in your party has a safe and enjoyable holiday. For more information see our A-Z of Health & Safety Tips »

Local Life

When our guests are on holiday, the local population will be going about their daily business. Rural or village properties may have farming activities nearby, hunting and festivals, over which we have no control. Please note that in certain resorts, in particular those closest to the airport, it is not uncommon to experience some low aircraft noise. This may be more noticeable during peak season due to the increase of flights. Should you require further information please contact our specialist team.

Medical Insurance

We strongly advise you take out personal insurance cover when travelling abroad and also to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (replacement for E111 form) from your Post Office or Social Security Office or online at www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do This entitles you to receive medical treatment under EU reciprocal health arrangements.

Passports & Visas

For travel to Corsica you will need a valid passport for all members of your family. If you are NOT a citizen of the UK, Ireland, another EU country, Switzerland, Canada or the USA, you may also need a visa (please contact the French Embassy for details on 0207 073 1000). You can visit their website at www.ambafrance-uk.org/

Personal Insurance

Our comprehensive policy covers you against personal accident, theft of goods and money, illness, cancellation and travel delay. More information about our holiday insurance »

Requests

If you have any requests for your holiday accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at time of booking. Where an extra item or service to that advertised is provided at your request, please note that we have not inspected these facilities.

Resort Facilities

We try to portray our holidays as representative for the majority of the season, during early and late season some resort facilities may be closed and in high season even the quietest towns and beaches may become busy.

Building Works

As part of their development, some resorts can experience local building work. We are unable at times to predict when and where building works will occur, as these are carried out by third parties over whom we have no control. Whenever we are aware that building works may occur during your stay, we will advise you before departure as we appreciate the inconvenience that such work will cause. Whilst we endeavour to do our best, alternative accommodation may not always be possible, especially in high season.

Tickets & Travel information

Tickets and Travel Documentation are sent out 14 days prior to departure. If you booked a package with car hire or transfers, the following documents will be included in your travel pack: Flight ticket, 2 luggage labels per person, accommodation voucher, travel guide, 1 Euro token per couple, car hire voucher, Michelin map and driving directions (the 3 last items being applicable for car hire bookings only).

Time Difference

For most of the year Corsica is one hour ahead of Britain.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for Corsica.

Wildlife

Corsica is a very natural and undeveloped island, and in country houses animals, birds and insects may be present around the house, and occasionally living in inaccessible areas such as eaves and roof spaces. Mice and other small field animals may occasionally come into houses. Should you have any concerns of this nature, please contact our representative who will take steps to deal with the problem