Camper vacation in Corsica: discovering the isle of beauty on 4 wheels
A perfect escape for nature lovers!
Corsica, the fourth largest Mediterranean island, has it all: heavenly beaches, dense forests and rigid mountains. No wonder why it’s the perfect destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what better way to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty than through camping?
A camper vacation in Corsica will allow you to immerse yourself in the island’s wonders of nature, wake up to the sound of birds chirping and breathe in the fresh air. Explore useful details about campervan holidays in Corsica and plan your trip to the pearl of the Mediterranean hassle-free!
Below, you can find detailed information about:
Stunning aerial view of Bastia’s port and city
How to get to Corsica by ferry
You can travel by ferry to the ports of Bastia, Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio in Corsica from Nice, Toulon and Marseille in France, as well as several ports in Italy. Connections between Italy and Corsica are via the ports of Livorno and Piombino (Tuscany), Genoa and Savona (Liguria), the island of Elba, as well as from Porto Torres, Golfo Aranci, and Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia.
Ferry routes to the island of Corsica are usually operated by the ferry companies La Méridionale, Moby Lines, Ichnusa Lines, and Corsica Ferries. Most are active year-round, but there are also a few seasonal connections.
Useful Info: the Livorno - Bastia ferry connection, available year-round, takes around 4.5 hours and is the fastest way to reach Corsica from Italy.
How to bring your camper or caravan on board
You can board your car, motorcycle, camper, and caravan on almost all ferries to Corsica, but there may also be passenger-only vessels.
To find out if you can board your vehicle, simply choose your preferred route on Ferryhopper and look for the vehicle symbol on the right. Continue by choosing the category and dimensions of your vehicle…and you’re ready to go!
When traveling by ferry with your vehicle, remember to arrive at the boarding point at least 1.5 hours before departure. You have to follow the crew's instructions and drive your vehicle to the designated location.
Keep in mind that some companies operating crossings to Corsica also have special offers for those traveling by camper, such as Moby Lines (with the Pex Camper promotion) and Corsica Ferries.
Road trip along Calanques de Piana, Corsica’s famous landmark
Camping in Corsica
Once you arrive with your camper in Corsica by ferry, the vast presence of well-equipped campsites of different categories will make organizing an overnight stay extremely easy.
In fact, there are over 200 campsites on the island, with a particular concentration along the coast. Some of the best campsites in Corsica located very close to the beach are Camping les Sables Rouges and Camping Les Oliviers. Do not hesitate to get away from the seaside, however. It is quite common to find small peaceful campsites in the middle of nature, such as Camping Le Sagone and Camping Mandriale.
If you want to have easy access to all essential services, you can also find several options near the 4 main towns of the island: Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Bastia, and Calvi. Few examples include Camping La Pinède in Calvi, Camping des Iles in Bonifacio and Camping Arinella Bianca in Ghisonaccia. Each of these are a perfect starting point to explore the island of beauty.
Currently, the majority of campsites are equipped with their own shops, swimming pools and saunas, great restaurants with Corsican dishes, and an entertainment programme for children. Therefore, whether you prefer the comfort of your mobile home or the authenticity of a camping pitch, almost every camping wish will be catered for here!
What to do in Corsica by camper
To see as much as possible during your camping vacation in Corsica, it is crucial to plan ahead and organize your day-to-day activities.
Here are a few places to visit on the island of Corsica with your camper:
- Bonifacio: driving from Ajaccio to the oldest town in Corsica, Bonifacio, is definitely worth it! This enchanting town of white cliffs is known for its 9th century citadel, its fortress, its small churches, and its market square. Although the roads inside the city are pretty narrow, there are plenty of parking lots for your campervan.
- Calanques de Piana: to visit these spectacular red granite formations you can either plan a hike or simply drive through them. Just take the stunning D81 road which links Ajaccio to Calvi.
- Montemaggiore: a small but stunning village that has preserved a great deal of its historical charm. One of the highlights is the view of Montemaggiore as you approach the village on the D151 road - it looks very small in comparison to the magnificent surroundings.
- Aiguilles de Bavella: the route de Bavella is Corsica’s most iconic mountain drive. Starting out in Porto Vecchio, this unforgettable 75 km long route passes through needle-like mountains, superb villages, as well as majestic forests and valleys. It can be done in 2-2.5 hours.
- Agriates Desert: located between Saint Florent and Ile Rousse, the Agriates desert is an ideal place to explore if you are looking for uncrowded beaches and enchanting landscapes. Simply travel along the D81 and follow the signs to reach the Agriates desert from Bastia.
Tip: driving from Bastia to the Cape Corso areas offers the opportunity to travel along the well-known Wine Route and taste the local wine.
Bonifacio perched on incredible limestone cliffs by the sea
Useful tips for camper excursions in Corsica
Here are some tips and precautions for your camping trip across Corsica:
- The best time to travel to Corsica for camping holidays is from spring to late autumn.
- Bear in mind that wild camping is not allowed in Corsica. To avoid fines or unpleasant inconveniences, stay in regulated campsites.
- It is easier to travel to the east and south coasts of Corsica with large vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes, due to the wider roads.
- Due to the seasonal nature of tourism on the island, the majority of campsites start the season sometime between March and April. Make sure to book your accommodation early in advance, as campsites usually have special offers for the less busy periods.
- The preservation of ecosystems is an ongoing concern for the authorities of the island. Therefore, campers should respect the flora and fauna during their stay.
The fascinating unspoilt landscape of the Agriates Desert
Book ferry tickets to Corsica online
So, pack your bags, grab your tent and get ready to explore Corsica’s wild and untamed side! On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets to the island of Corsica for you and your camper. Check out our Map of Ferries, compare routes, prices and companies, and plan your camper vacation in Corsica easily and quickly!
