POSTCARD FROM CORSICA
A Travel Story by Casper van der Linden and Bo Exters
Guest In Residence introduces a new series: postcards sent from the edges of the map, each one shaped by a different destination and different eye.
For its first chapter, the series welcomes photographer Casper van der Linden and model Bo Exters to follow the road less traveled through Corsica. Theirs is an unhurried itinerary: open-air markets, mountain hikes and leisurely lunches by the sea — it’s a journey where spontaneity feels like the only logical plan.
Uncharted and undiscovered
“We wanted to explore a European island with raw, intense nature and a charming place to stay, and Corsica hit the mark,” says van der Linden. “Quickly, we stumbled upon a cozy house nestled on a hill overlooking the Corsican seaside. It was amazing to be woken up by thousands of birds; I've never experienced anything like it before.”
Drive slow, stop often
Don’t be fooled by its remoteness — Corsica is a substantial island, taking about 4 hours to drive from its northern tip to its southernmost point. Yet different corners of it feel like islands entirely unto themselves, each with its own rhythm and character. Van der Linden recommends a full week stay, taking time to drive slowly and linger. Those who prefer to explore on foot will find no shortage of adventure: the island is threaded with long-distance hiking routes that climb toward high-altitude mountains where wild horses roam freely.
“If you take the D35 from east to west, you’ll also find a beautiful, abandoned chapel,” says van der Linden. “The route winds through the island's mountains along very narrow roads, where passing another vehicle can sometimes feel almost impossible.”
Carry-on only
What to pack for such a getaway? Collegiate stripes, sun-washed colors and waffle textures — the kind of mix-and-match pieces that carry you from a morning stroll to evening aperitivo without missing a beat. Everywear pants and workshirts bring a utility aesthetic, while linen-silk blends are lightweight, breezy and feminine.
Worth the detour: the island’s best lunch
Midway through a shoot day, the team stumbled upon U Spuntinu, a restaurant tucked into the village of Tollare. Homemade food, fresh vegetarian options and tables perched above the sea — a happy accident, and the kind only Corsica seems to produce.
