Today we are travelling to: Corsica. From how to get there to the most beautiful campsites and excursion destinations, we'll give you all the information you need.
Sea, mountains, culture, good food and good wine. In Corsica, you'll find pretty much everything you could want from a holiday destination. We have compiled all the important information about a camping holiday on the beautiful island in the Mediterranean. Maybe we'll even inspire you to go on your own little road trip, and next summer you'll be sitting on the beach sipping a glass of Corsican wine.
Corsica insider tips and recommendations
Camping in Corsica - Getting there
Corsica is an island. So travelling by land only is not an option. There are flight connections to Corsica, but if you are travelling by camper or cannot/do not want to fly for other reasons, you will have to travel by ferry. There are many different harbours from which ferries depart for Corsica, but the best to reach from Germany (and often comparatively cheap) are the Italian ports of departure. You can find connections with Mobylines and Corsica Ferries e.g. between Livorno and Bastia or Genoa and Ajaccio. If it is more practical for you to start from France, you can head for the harbours in Nice, Marseille or Toulon. You can book connections to Ajaccio, Bastia, Ile Rousse, Porto Vecchio or Propriano via the shipping companies La Meridonale, Corsica Ferries and Corsica Linea.
A maximum of 50 km/h is permitted in urban areas and up to 80 km/h outside urban areas.
Watch out, mountains
Corsica is a very mountainous island with some very narrow mountain roads - so it can be difficult for large motorhomes.
Motorways and highways...
...there are few to none. The roads in Corsica are generally rather narrow and winding, sometimes unmarked and lead close to the slope. So you should definitely drive slowly in Corsica and take care on any bends. Local drivers sometimes drive faster, so to avoid risky overtaking manoeuvres, it is best to let them overtake if you have the opportunity.
Petrol stations
Petrol stations tend to be at greater distances from each other. It is therefore best to fill up your tank, especially on longer trips.
Animals on the road
That also happens from time to time: Cows, goats or other animals on the carriageway. So for the sake of yourself and the animals, please be careful, especially when it's dark.
Corsica Camping away from the campsite - Wild camping in Corsica
To keep it short: Free-standing and wild camping is prohibited throughout Corsica. Anyone who dares to do so must expect hefty fines. At least there are a few car parks where you can spend the night, but you are definitely better served by the many campsites scattered around the island. Here you can stay longer and enjoy the sanitary facilities etc. And hey, you might even make some new friends at the campsite.
The island definitely has plenty of campsites to offer. Depending on the regions you are travelling to, we have a few non-binding recommendations for you. What you are unlikely to find in our list is a 5-star campsite. But they are all cosy and you are surrounded by greenery - and some of them even offer camping right by the sea.
Corsica Camping by the sea - The most beautiful campsites in Corsica
Ajaccio
What to see
In the region around Corsica's capital, the first thing to discover is of course the city of Ajaccio itself. Taste your way through Corsican cuisine, stroll through the old town for as long as your legs will carry you, make yourself comfortable at one of the many beaches or check out all the tourist highlights such as the cathedral or the Fesch Palace - the choice is yours. There is also plenty to see outside the city. From the Tour de la Parata, a 16th century Genoese tower, you have a great view of the sea and the surrounding landscapes, the Prunelli Gorge is just the right thing for hiking and water sports enthusiasts, and the famous Calanches de Piana - a red granite rock formation and UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only look impressive, but are also ideal for hiking and as a viewpoint over the sea.
There are places for your camper here
Cosy, green and close to the city: at the campsite Les Mimosas you are well accommodated. From sanitary facilities to washing machines, you have everything a comfortable camper's heart desires here.
Bonifacio
What to see
The town of Bonifacio in the south of the island is a real eye-catcher in itself. The old town is located around 70 metres above the sea on steeply sloping chalk cliffs. Below the town and the cliffs on which it lies, you will find many caves that have developed over time and can be visited by boat. There are several beaches near Bonifacio (Rondinara beach is said to be one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Corsica). Also interesting for a short hike: the Ermitage de la Trinité, a monastery surrounded by rocks.
There are pitches for your camper here
There are several campsites around Bonifacio, including the Campement Natura and La Pomposa campsite. Here you are just outside the city and have peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city and tourists and a good chance of finding a somewhat emptier campsite.
Restonica Tal
What to see
The Restonica Valley (Gorges de la Restonica) is located pretty much in the centre of the island and leads from the town of Corte into the mountains. The valley therefore is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy Corsica's nature on foot. Unfortunately, a storm at the end of 2023 caused extensive damage, meaning that the valley is currently only partially accessible. It is best to find out more from the tourist information centre in Corte before you set off for the valley and make sure you are safe. Alternative hiking areas in the surrounding area that are at least as beautiful are the Upper Tavignano Valley or the Manganello Valley, for example.
There are pitches for your camper here
Surrounded by greenery, the Santa Barbara campsite is simple and cosy. A big plus point here is the campsite's own pool due to its slightly further distance from the coast. Mountain views are on offer at Camping Farm Peridundellu.
Castagniccia is located in the east of Corsica and stretches from the sea to a little further inland from the coast. It is beautiful here even without a sea view. The name comes from the many chestnut trees that dot the hilly landscape. You can see them in all their glory in autumn. There are the pretty villages of Cervione and Campodonico, the monastery (and reservoir) of Alesani, the Cascade de Carcheto waterfall (or Cascade A Struccia) and the monastery of Orezza to see in the area.
There are pitches for your camper here
You will find campsites in Castagniccia mainly in the coastal area. If you're heading to the sea, you can set up camp at the Corse campsite. Further inland, you'll have a great time at the campsite Ernella or at the campsite Campita. Both are right next to a river in the middle of the countryside. Not the worst location if you ask us.
Cap Corse
What to see
Cap Corse is the name of the northern tip of Corsica. The area is known for its unspoilt, wild landscapes, but there are also many easily accessible bathing bays along the somewhat flatter eastern section of the coast. The beach at Pietracorbara is particularly beautiful. Apart from this, there are many tranquil villages, including Centuri, Nonza or Albo in the wild west, and walking and hiking trails such as the Publican's Trail or the hike to the Seneca Tower.
There are pitches for your camper here
Cap Corse has a good density of campsites. Just to name a few: Camping Ulicetu and the campsite La Pietra. Both are located on the eastern part of the coast, but are good starting points for excursions in the surrounding area.
Corsica camping by the sea - Off you go
Grab your motorhome, campervan or tent and let's get going. You can bet that you'll create one or two memories of a lifetime on the way to Corsica - and of course there's plenty to discover and experience on the island itself. Have fun, and off you go!
