Madeira, Corsica or Sardinia for honeymoon?

[MimiDaisy11]

Which would you go to and why? I’m trying to plan a honeymoon (with a 15 month old) for next year. I’ve never been to any of these but have always wanted to go.
I’m leaning slightly more towards Madeira although it’s the longest flight.
I like beaches and going nice walks in nature.

Madeira is more rocky, there are some black sand beaches but wouldn't go there to enjoy beaches. Heard nice things about beaches in Sardinia.

I’ve never been to Madeira, but out of the other two, Sardinia is best for beaches, Corsica is best if you prefer mountains with lush green vegetation. Sardinia felt more glamorous , glitzy and developed. If you want a more low key, authentic experience, then Corsica is the better bet.Corsica is better for hiking, Sardinia is better for watersports and history.
We found the food in Corsica quite meat-heavy, and there were more veggie and seafood options in Sardinia.

We went to Madeira and it was absolutely lovely, but the beaches are not sandy. The restaurants in Funchal were all excellent and much cheaper than home. Everyone was very pleased to see tourists as the island is so dependent on visitors. I imagine even more so post covid.
The scenery varies across the island. Most people tend to stay in Funchal and go on day trips.

Madeira is beautiful, quiet & relaxed. It does rain - that's why it's so green! Day trips were good value, we didn't bother with a hire car as buses & taxis were cheap. There are lovely walks, but some might not be suitable for a toddler.
Sardinia is a big island, so check carefully. We've been twice, staying in Cagliari & Alghero & enjoyed them both, but can't tell you about the beaches.

I’ve only been to Madeira and it was nice for a weeks holiday but it wasn’t beachy. I’m not sure any of the things it’s known for are very suitable for a toddler - the weather in the north is very different to the south - cooler and Misty. Funchal is nice but not exceptionally pretty. I wouldn’t particularly book to go again other than “ going somewhere other than the U.K. “ and I wouldn’t pick it for a honeymoon.

Corsica hands down. It has the most stunning beaches in the world. Would suggest the south with a car so you can get to san ciprianu / palombaggia beaches and coast with walks inland at zonza / ste lucie. Porto vecchio is brilliant for restaurants. The south west coast is lovely too but much tinier cove beaches and propriano doesn’t hold a candle to Porto Vecchio. Sartene / the megaliths at Dili today are good for a walk (am assuming you’re not actually going for the GR20 with a toddler strapped to you?!)

Sardinia is extremely family friendly. Feels very safe, and has beautiful beaches. Highly recommend.

Corsica is lovely too. I've only been to Madeira once a few years ago. It was nice but out of all three Sardinia is my top pick.

I was last in Sardinia 15 years ago. It was fab, but may have changed a lot. Not made it to Corsica yet. Madeira was ok, but not honeymoon destination. Maybe Porto Santo (a Madeiran island) is more suitable?

Thanks! Your responses have been helpful 😊

All 3 lovely. Madeira maybe an older market, levada walks good, and good hotels but no good for beaches so interesting but I wouldn't go back. Corsica great we know round Calvi area but not as developed and more mountainous. Sardinia would be my recommendation for your circumstances as some very nice hotels, beautiful beaches etc.

@PunkAssMoFo

I was last in Sardinia 15 years ago. It was fab, but may have changed a lot. Not made it to Corsica yet. Madeira was ok, but not honeymoon destination. Maybe Porto Santo (a Madeiran island) is more suitable?

Yes, I was about to suggest Porto Santo too. Beautiful beaches. A quiet, peaceful place.

Sardinia. The beaches on the north are stunning, very shallow water, delicious food, and Italians love babies!!

Sardinia has gorgeous beaches and is a fascinating country. Lots of history and a bit more rustic perhaps (unless you're on the Costa Smerelda). We didn't have the best hotel when we stayed even though it was quite expensive.

Corsica is like the South of France with beautiful villages (it also has great beaches but Sardinia trumps it on this front - both are some of the best in Europe though).

I would choose Corsica for a honeymoon as it felt more romantic. It's got that French finesse with a Corsican authenticity.

With both make sure you take a trip inland as they have beautiful mountains - Corsica has a train for this.

Both are fantastic.