Camping in Corsica

Why we love holidays in Corsica

If you’re looking for the ultimate Mediterranean family holiday escape, you couldn’t find a more enchanting spot than Corsica, halfway between France’s Riviera and the hills of Italy’s Tuscany.

Corsica is an irresistible blend of breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. From sun-drenched beaches and dramatic mountain ranges to ancient citadels and charming fishing villages, it packs a mighty punch. Rising dramatically from the sea, this island boasts over 20 mountains exceeding 2,000 metres in height, creating a spectacular backdrop to its 1,000 kilometres of coastline dotted with pristine beaches and hidden coves. Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, Corsica has preserved its authentic character and wild beauty. While the island's east and south, particularly around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, attracts those seeking sophistication and stunning beaches, its interior remains largely untouched, with ancient forests, rushing rivers, and traditional villages where time seems to stand still. As island beauties go, they don’t come much more ravishing than this!

the mountain village of Evisa, Corsica, France

Our favourite beaches in Corsica

Family holidays in Corsica revolve around the beach. And what beaches! Corsica is home to some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular: ranging from vast stretches of golden sand to intimate hidden coves. Around Porto-Vecchio, the famous Palombaggia Beach is hard to beat, with its combination of fine white sand, pink granite rocks, and umbrella pines framing crystal-clear turquoise waters–often ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches. Near Ghisonaccia, Plage de Pinia offers a more laid-back experience with its wide sandy shore bordered by aromatic pine forests providing natural shade for picnics.

The Désert des Agriates near Saint-Florent hides the spectacular Saleccia Beach, accessible only by boat or 4x4 (there are operators who’ll take you there - ask at your parc), where a kilometre of powder-white sand meets shallow turquoise waters in an unspoiled setting. Near Solenzara, Plage de Canella is yet another of Corsica’s photogenic bays with intensely turquoise waters, while near Bonifacio, the twin beaches of Petit and Grand Sperone offer Caribbean-like settings with fine sand and impossibly blue waters. For a truly unique beach experience, Rondinara between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio features a perfectly rounded shell-shaped bay with shallow, calm waters ideal for families. Take your pick!

Our favourite things to do in Corsica

views across the countryside in Bavella, Corsica, France

Fun days out

There are lots of fun things to do in Corsica. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat excursion from Bonifacio to explore the stunning Lavezzi Islands, a protected marine reserve of granite islets and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling amidst colourful fish and unique Mediterranean flora. Visit the turtle sanctuary at A Cupulatta near Ajaccio, home to over 170 species of turtles and tortoises from around the world – the largest such collection in Europe – offering a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Take a scenic drive along the dramatic coastline between Porto-Vecchio, Bavella, and Solenzara, where tall granite pinnacles soar above fragrant Laricio pine forests, with numerous opportunities to stop at viewpoints, hike to waterfalls, or cool off in natural river pools formed by the mountain streams.

explore Corsica in a kayak

Getting active

Explore the crystal-clear waters around Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo and Solenzara by kayak or canoe, paddling through stunning gorges, discovering hidden beaches accessible only from the sea, and swimming in secluded coves with pristine turquoise waters. Hike part of the famous GR20 trail, considered one of Europe's most challenging long-distance paths, or choose more accessible routes like the stunning Trou de la Bombe trail in the Bavella Massif, which rewards walkers with views of rocky spires and lush valleys below.

Experience the thrill of canyoning in the emerald waters of the Bavella Massif canyons or the Purcaraccia river near Porto-Vecchio, where natural rock slides, jumps, and pools create an exhilarating adventure through some of the island's most spectacular landscapes.

the Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeurein Calvi, Corsica

Cultural hotspots

Explore the magnificent citadel of Bonifacio, perched dramatically atop white limestone cliffs, where you can wander through labyrinthine medieval streets, visit the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, and enjoy panoramic views across the Strait of Bonifacio to Sardinia. Discover the rich history of Castellare-di-Casinca in the Castagniccia region, known for its traditional stone houses, ancient churches, and chestnut forests that have been central to Corsican culture for centuries.

Visit the Museum of Archaeology Jerome Carcopino in Aleria, housed in a restored 18th-century fort, which showcases fascinating artefacts from the island's prehistoric and Roman periods, including items from what was once the Roman capital of Corsica dating back to the 6th century BC.

Our favourite things to see in Corsica

King of Aragon's Staircase, carved in tot eh rock face, Bonifacio, Corsica

Historic sites

The dramatic setting of Bonifacio's ancient citadel is hard to beat, with its medieval houses perched precariously at the edge of limestone cliffs rising 70 metres above the sea. If you’re feeling energetic, take the 187 steps of the King of Aragon's Staircase carved directly into the cliff face for a unique perspective of this remarkable fortress town.

Explore the Genoese watchtowers that dot Corsica's coastline, particularly the well-preserved tower at Pinarellu near Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, which served as part of a 16th-century defence system designed to protect the island from pirate raids. The prehistoric site of Filitosa near Propriano is a must see. Here, mysterious carved menhirs (standing stones) dating back to 1500 BC reveal evidence of Corsica's earliest civilisations, set in a lovely landscape of ancient olive groves.

the old town of Saint-Florent, Corsica

Towns and villages worth seeing

We love a wander through the stylish old town of Saint-Florent, often called the Saint-Tropez of Corsica, with its attractive marina, 15th-century citadel, and tempting boutiques and restaurants – ideally positioned as a gateway to the wild beauty of the Désert des Agriates and its legendary beaches.

A world away, is the atmospheric fishing village of Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, where boats bob in the harbour, local fishermen still ply their trade, and the waterfront restaurants serve the freshest seafood against a backdrop of the sea and mountains. This, to us, is Corsica! The pace picks up a little in the charming town of Ghisonaccia on Corsica's eastern coast, surrounded by fertile plains and fragrant pine forests, with its markets selling local produce and artisanal crafts, and easy access to long stretches of golden beaches.

the village of Zonda and Bavella Massif, Corsica

Natural wonders

Corsica isn’t short of natural marvels. Take a look, for starters, at the breathtaking beauty of the Bavella Massif, where dramatic granite needles tower above dense forests of Corsican pine, creating a landscape often compared to the Dolomites – plenty of marked trails allow you to explore this spectacular mountain environment.

The wild beauty of the Désert des Agriates near Saint-Florent, is another great choice. It’s a protected coastal wilderness of herb-scented hills and pristine beaches accessible only by boat or rugged hiking trails, including the famous Saleccia and Lotu beaches with their white sand and turquoise waters. The Gorges de Prunelli near Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo is a stunning canyon through granite mountains, creating natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations that provide welcome refreshment during Corsica’s often very hot summer days.

Travelling to Corsica

Nearest airports

  • Bastia–Poretta
  • Ajaccio

Nearest train stations

  • Marseille Saint-Charles
  • Nice-Ville

Nearest ports

  • Calais (10 hour drive)

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