Small European island that invented all-inclusive package holidays for just £32

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All inclusive holidays to Corsica signalled the birth of the overseas package holiday
All inclusive holidays to Corsica signalled the birth of the overseas package holiday

A SMALL island just a couple of hours away from the UK is home to stunning beaches, Italian-style towns and was the birthplace of one of the most famous men ever to have lived.

What's more, the resort was once known as the home of the package holiday, with the first ever foreign all-inclusive taking Brits there from 1950.

People love visiting Corsica for its mountains and beaches eiqruideeiddqprw
People love visiting Corsica for its mountains and beachesCredit: Getty
The town of Bastia has been described as overlooked by travel experts
The town of Bastia has been described as overlooked by travel expertsCredit: Getty
Entrepreneur Vladimir Raitz took British holidaymakers to Corsica in 1950
Entrepreneur Vladimir Raitz took British holidaymakers to Corsica in 1950Credit: Getty

Corsica is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, classed as one of the 18 regions of France.

However, some say it feels more like it's in Italy, because of its language and customs.

The Good Life France explained: "Despite its French credentials the island retains its own character and has its own distinctive language and customs and has a very definite Italian feel to it.

I'm a flight attendant who only carries hand luggage on holiday - here's howI'm a flight attendant who only carries hand luggage on holiday - here's how

"The island is a tourist haven, much sought out by sun-seekers and lovers of beautiful scenery."

The island was the first foreign package holiday that Brits travelled to, with entrepreneur Vladimir Raitz kickstarting the trend after World War 2.

In a video looking at the rise and fall of the British seaside holiday, the Sun's head of travel, Lisa Minot, explained how Corsica became a popular destination for Brits who had previously never been abroad.

She said: "The founding father of the overseas package holiday was Vladimir Raitz, who founded Horizon Holidays.

"On his first ever package holiday, he took 300 holidaymakers in the summer of 1950 on a plane from London to Corsica, where they stayed in effectively what was a camp - a holiday camp.

"They had ex-army surplus tents to sleep in and there was a very big important difference to the holidays these people would have had at home and the holidays they had at that time."

One of the main reasons why the trip abroad appealed so much was the all-inclusive drinks and meals, which were seen as a huge luxury during the era of rationing.

Lisa Minot continued: "Rationing was still amongst us and for this idea that people could go to Corsica and for one price - £32 and ten shillings - get bed and board and as much free flowing wine and meat filled meals as they could eat - that was a huge draw.

"Horizon holidays was formed and that was the birth of the overseas package holiday."

The destination has remained popular with holidaymakers to this day, with some of its beaches labelled as "perfect" by visitors.

I'm a pilot - the passenger habit that drives me mad and I bet you're guiltyI'm a pilot - the passenger habit that drives me mad and I bet you're guilty

One of those is Plage de Palombaggia, which has been praised for its clear waters and soft fine sand.

One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "This is definitely one of the most gorgeous beaches in Corsica - Perfect turquoise water and white sand."

Another added: "Best beach you can find in the whole Europe."

Away from the shoreline, hiking is very popular on the island, with two thirds of it covered by a single chain of mountains.

Popular among visitors is the GR20, also known as the Fra Li Monti - a 125 mile-long route along ridges stretching from north to south.

Meanwhile, the town of Bastia is described as "overlooked" by Lonely Planet, who recommend visiting its markets and historic buildings.

The travel guide writers also suggest visiting Ajaccio, the island's capital and birthplace of former French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Anyone wishing to learn more about Napoleon can find no better place.

Lonely Planet wrote: "Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica because Napoleon decided it should be, switching it from Bastia in 1811.

"He’s everywhere, in street names and museums and watching mournfully over the pétanques players from atop his pedestal in the Place d’Austerlitz."

Direct flights set off to Bastia airport from London Gatwick from £32 one way, taking just over two hours.

Meanwhile, a night for two on the island can be booked from £36.

Meanwhile, this winter holiday destination is better to visit during the cold months with whales, waterfalls and hot water lagoons.

And this beautiful holiday island has amazing views and resorts with private butlers.

The beaches on the island have been described as perfect
The beaches on the island have been described as perfectCredit: Getty

Ryan Gray

Italy, France, Europe, Corsica, Travel Deals, Travel advice, Longtail

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