MADE in Chelsea fans may have spotted a beautiful island on the TV show – with the crew often filmed on the French island of Corsica.
Even better – it takes just over two hours to get there from the UK for some Mediterranean sunshine.
If you thought the island of Corsica was just a pricey place for the socialites of Chelsea, think again.
It is possible to achieve on a budget as we found direct return flights for as little as £74 from London Gatwick to Corsica with EasyJet.
As for accommodation, you can find hotels for as little as £45 per night for two.
With over 200 beautiful beaches, it can be hard to know which to choose.
One that has been recommended for being “ideal for families” is Ostriconi.
Found on the north of the island, the beach is soft and sandy with shallow water perfect for paddling.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “This was definitely the best beach we found in Corsica.”
Just note that there are no facilities, so you’ll have to take your own towels and drinks onto the beach.
In contrast, the Tamaricciu beach found on the south of the island comes with loungers perched on the sand.
There’s also a beach club at the very end of the spot where you can enjoy gelato, a cold drink, or local food.
For anyone seeking history, take a gander around the Villages of la Balagne.
The region, high up on the mountains, gives incredible sea views over the island and it feels like you’re walking back in time as they’re barely changed from when they were built centuries ago.
The region was once the home of artists and in the village of Pigna winding streets you’ll find hand-painted music boxes and colourful ceramics for sale.
Each village offers its own crafts, from jams and honey to jewellery, hand-woven baskets and oils – so it’s worth a visit if you want something more than a basic souvenir.
The official travel guide for the island suggests visiting Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica and the birth place of former French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte – and you’ll see his legacy everywhere.
His former house Maison Bonaparte is a two-minute walk to the marina, and his name also appears on streets and in the museums.
The heart of the city is a great place to explore chic shops, cafés and restaurants.
The island is also a great place to hop on a boat tour. There’s one that stops off to enjoy a Corsican wine tasting hosted by a sommelier and a local wine-grower while watching the sunset.
If staying on-land is what you’d prefer there are guided bus tours, organised walking groups and even a train that will take you on a two hour tour along the coastline from £15 per person.
If you fancy doing Corsica like the Made in Chelsea cast, head to the Cala Rossa on the south of the island.
It’s an exclusive area visited by celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Beyoncé who have both stayed in the glamorous Domaine de Murtoli hotel.
The cast also headed to the popular beach side restaurant, Le Tiki Chez Marco, in Lecci. On TripAdvisor, the restaurant is firm favourite in the area.
Our Corsica Trip from Hiking to Cocktails
Sun Travel took a trip to Corsica and here were our best bits...
Corsica gave us the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with its breathtaking tropical beaches, dramatic mountains, and clear turquoise waters just a short flight away.
Our stay at Marina D’Erba Rossa with Eurocamp was ideal for a family getaway, featuring a cosy campervan, a sparkling lagoon pool, and delightful touches like peacocks roaming the site and a miniature zoo that captivated the children.
Mornings began with freshly baked baguettes and pastries enjoyed al fresco amidst leafy trees and golden sands, while evenings were spent indulging in mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes at the campsite’s Le Nemo or local restaurants.
Beyond the beach, Corsica’s rugged wilderness beckoned with hidden swimming holes, scenic hiking trails, and thrilling canyoning adventures, while the historic forts and vibrant marina at Bonifacio added a cultural twist to our trip.
From soft sands and swaying palm trees to the fusion of French and Italian flavours, Corsica delivered a dream family holiday we can’t wait to experience again.
One guest praised the restaurant for the “copious cheese and charcuterie platter” another added it was “true paradise with beautiful sunset and views”
The cast later dined in Porto-Vecchio with the cast spotted at al fresco restaurant Les Beaux Arts.
As for daytime activities, the cast took a boat out on the water adn headed to Bonifacio on the southern tip of Corsica.
Here they rented a boat for the day to explore the hidden beaches only accessible by boat or foot.
Temperatures on Corsica see highs of 30C between May and September. In the winter, the average temperature is around 12C.
That being said, the island has hundreds of days of sunshine throughout the year, so it is still a great choice for a winter getaway.
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