What to see in France

Camping in Corsica to discover the jewels of the island of Beauty

Porto en Corse
Porto en Corse

 

A unique territorial collectivity in France, Corsica is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia, while its 350,000 inhabitants make it the least populated region in mainland France. Its rich cultural heritage, its powerful mountain range and its privileged climate give it an important tourist activity especially in summer. From the famous GR20 that crosses Corsica from north to south, to its pretty villages on the mountainside and its high altitude lakes, not forgetting its creeks with transparent waters and its rich seabed, it can be said that Corsica is worthy of its name of "Île de Beauté".

Find out more about campsites in Corsica

On this French island, 185 campsites will welcome you: consult the list of all the campsites in Corsica. Of these, 88 are in Haute Corse, and 97 in Corse du Sud.

Corsica campsites by number of stars

When we go on holiday, we all have very specific requirements in terms of comfort, services, facilities, entertainment, etc. To help you make your choice, a classification system in the form of stars has been set up to help you see things a little more clearly. To find out more about the classification system, don't hesitate to read our article "What does the number of stars on a campsite mean?

The majority of campsites in Corsica are rated 3 and 4 stars. For the rest, 39 campsites are **, 9 are * and 3 are *****. This means that every camper can find the ideal accommodation.

Size of campsites: How many pitches do the campsites in Corsica have?

The total number of pitches in Corsica's campsites is currently 20.318, which means that a large number of holidaymakers can be accommodated on this island paradise.

87 campsites have between 1 and 100 pitches, which will please holidaymakers looking for tranquillity. For the others, those who wish to combine new encounters with a lively holiday, 85 campsites with between 100 and 300 pitches can accommodate them. And for those who love the "holiday club", 7 campsites in Corsica have more than 300 pitches, such as Marinera d'Erba Rossa****, a 4-star campsite with 600 pitches. It is perfectly situated on the large sandy beach of Ghisonaccia, close to the main Corsican tourist attractions. Whether you are dreaming of a top-of-the-range holiday, unusual accommodation or simply a private, shady plot, the Marinera d'Erba Rossa campsite has everything to make you dream.image

MARINA D'ERBA ROSSA (Ghisonaccia - 2B)
© MARINA D'ERBA ROSSA (Ghisonaccia - 2B)

Campsites with direct access to the beach, a considerable advantage

In an idyllic setting, 5 campsites in Corsica have direct access to the beach. This allows you to combine relaxing by the sea or by the pool. The Arinella Bianca campsite ***** welcomes you in its green setting by the sea. To complete the setting, the small pine forest bordering the beach offers shade and coolness in the hottest hours.

Camping Arinella Bianca
© Camping Arinella Bianca

But Corsica does not stop at beautiful sandy beaches, it is also known for its lakes such as the lake of Bastani located at the foot of the Resonu massif which culminates at 2352 meters in the heart of the Central Corsica region, and its rivers. There are no less than 76 campsites around the lakes and rivers. The Porto-Vecchio campsite **** benefits from an exceptional location, for the greatest pleasure of the eyes, between sea and mountains, rivers and forests, this campsite offers a sublime view of the southern massifs of the Alta Rocca.

Swimming pools in Corsican campsites

Like Corsica, one in two campsites in France has a swimming pool. In fact, 73 campsites in Corsica have a swimming pool. But only one of them has a water park, the U Farniente campsite **** in Bonifacio. Set in a green setting with oleanders, olive trees and holm oaks, discover a water park with heated pools and Hollywood shapes.

Camping U Farniente
© Camping U Farniente

Is it possible to go to Corsica with your pet?

148 Corsican campsites allow access to your pet. At the San Damiano campsite ****, 9 km from the centre of Bastia, pets are welcome in the rentals, up to two pets per rental, allowing you to spend your holidays in peace with your family.

Corsican beaches mean water sports galore!

The Corsican campsites offer many activities for the enjoyment of young and old. Passionate about water sports, they allow you to discover or rediscover disciplines such as canoeing, scuba diving, windsurfing... The Campoloro ***** campsite is located in the heart of the Costa Verde, between the azure blue sea and the green mountains, close to a nautical base between the port of Taverna and the beach of Prunete. It has a wide range of activities, all of them fun, nearby.

Must-see towns and villages to discover during your camping holiday

Corte, the historical and cultural capital

Nestled in the heart of Corsica, in the department of Haute-Corse, Corte was chosen by Pascal Paoli to become the capital of Corsica in the 18th century. There are many places to discover in the old town with its rich historical past, which forms a typical and harmonious whole, and where Paoli's imprint can be found. A walk will allow you to explore the church of the Annunciation, the Gaffori square, the old schist houses and the viewpoint below where you can admire the confluence of the three rivers. Finally, the view of the mountains from the rocky promontory on which the castle of Vincentello d'Istria is situated is exceptional.

Corte
Corte© iStock

Sant'Antonio, 1000 years of history and charm

Located in the valleys of Balagne, a historical and natural region in the northwest of the island, the village of Sant'Antonio is perched 500 metres above the sea. Founded in the 9th century, it is considered one of the oldest villages in Corsica. Known for its houses built in local stone on a granite peak, it is also selected as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and thanks to its strategic location as an observatory, it enjoys a magnificent 360° view over the sea, the plain and Calvi and Ile-Rousse in particular.

Village of Sant'Antonio
Village of Sant'Antonio© iStock

Calvi, clinging to its Genoese citadel

Facing the Côte d'Azur coastline, at the north-western end of the island, Calvi enjoys a privileged environment and position. It has become the tourist capital of the Balagne region and, along with Porto-Vecchio, is one of the two tourist centres of the region. Nestled against its majestic Genoese citadel, the town offers a grandiose landscape all around. Inside, there are many must-see sites such as the cathedral of Saint Jean-Baptiste within the citadel, the marina and the navy with its restaurants and cafés along the quays, which make it a particularly lively place during the summer season. The Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure in baroque style and its pink colour which gives it a particular charm and the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra for its breathtaking panorama of the whole bay of Calvi.

Calvi
Calvi© iStock

Bonifacio and its enchanting setting

Bonifacio's coastline is in a remarkable location, bordering the Corso-Sarde International Marine Park. The medieval city with its rich heritage is built high up on the no less famous limestone cliff that plunges into the sea. On the horizon you can see the Lavezzi and Cerbicales islands, known for their seabed and their nature reserve, home to birds such as the crested cormorant. Bonifacio also has a very pleasant marina, sheltered from the wind, as well as charming little streets lined with restaurants where you can discover Corsican specialities. It is also a famous starting point for sea excursions and visits to sea caves.

Bonifacio
Bonifacio© iStock

Porto Vecchio, between sea and mountains

Like Porto or Propriano, Porto Vecchio is a famous seaside resort located in Southern Corsica. It is also the third largest commune in Corsica in terms of surface area after Sartène and Calenzana. Highly reputed for the splendid beaches that surround it such as Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, Saint Cyprien, Porto Vecchio is very pleasant in summer with its old streets surrounded by shops, its cafe terraces lining the lively squares and its old vaulted passages.

Porto Vecchio
Porto Vecchio© iStock

Ajaccio, the former imperial city

Very popular with tourists since the 19th century, Ajaccio, located in the south of Corsica, is a city of Art and History which saw the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte. It seduces visitors for its architectural, cultural and natural heritage, such as its port, its citadel, its old coloured houses, its squares decorated with palm trees and fountains, the charming beaches and the beautiful seaside resorts such as Porticcio located in the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Ajaccio
Ajaccio© iStock

The unmissable natural sites of Corsica

The Calanche de Piana, a spectacular landscape

Halfway between Ajaccio and Calvi, the Calenche de Piana are a geological formation that takes the form of a small mountain range above the sea. A real spectacle that awakens the imagination as some of the rocks often evoke situations or animals. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site becomes extraordinary at sunset when the rock reveals the best of its red colour, the contrast with the brightness of the water is then breathtaking.

Calenche de Piana
Calenche de Piana© iStock

The Scandola nature reserve, both marine and terrestrial

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Scandola nature reserve is located in southern Corsica and covers an area of 1670 hectares. Protected by the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, its landscapes are a set of peaks, red cliffs, caves... of breathtaking beauty. The reserve protects numerous rare bird species such as peregrine falcons and golden eagles, which are evidence of an impressive fauna and flora. But access to the site has to be earned! So the only way is by boat or on foot through a nice hike.image

Scandola Nature Reserve
Scandola Nature Reserve© iStock

The Bavella massif and its pink granite needles

Characterised by its pink granite needles with jagged peaks that dominate the Col de Bavella at 1218 metres, located in the heart of the Bavella massif, some needles are 900 metres high! The landscape on the needles as well as on the rock walls is amazing. The Bavella forest at the foot of the needles is mainly made up of pine and fir trees and is ideal for a variety of sports such as climbing, via ferrata, hiking and canyoning in the Solenzara, a small coastal river that runs through Corsica.

The Needles of Bavella
The Needles of Bavella© iStock

Cape Corsica, along the wild coast

In the north-east of the island is the Cape Corsica peninsula. A 40-kilometre-long mountain range, a magnificent road runs along the wild coastline above the sea and offers a superb landscape of steep cliffs, Genoese towers and beautiful shores. From Saint-Florent to Bastia via Macinaggio, the villages of Centuri, famous for its pretty little port, Nonza overlooking the sea and Erbalunga, a charming fishing village, are not to be missed in the Cap Corse. It is also a region that can be hiked, passing through a line of ridges often covered in mist. A nice walk with the sea on one side and on the other.

Erbalunga
Erbalunga© iStock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See all my campsites consulted