Waterside campsites in Corsica with climbing
France's Mediterranean island is a paradise for hiking, biking, and beach fun.
- Corsica
Popular camping styles for Corsica
Waterside campsites in Corsica with climbing guide
Overview
With its balmy Mediterranean climate and more than 600 miles of coastline, Corsica is France’s go-to summer sun destination. Rugged mountain trails, lush vineyard-flanked valleys, and dozens of white-sand beaches tempt adventurers out to the island, where you can go hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning, then head to the coast to snorkel and kayak. Island life is ideal for campers, too. Hop on the ferry with your campervan or caravan, check into a family-friendly campsite, or go glamping. Most campgrounds open from April through October, and a late-spring or early-fall trip is the perfect time to hit the beach without the crowds.
Where to go
North Corsica
Corsica is divided into two regions—the northern Haute-Corse and southern Corse-du-Sud. The beach resort of Calvi is the gateway to the far north, where you can cruise along the coast or head inland to hop between villages in the hilly Balagne region, the ‘Garden of Corsica’. Further north, the winding roads and rocky coastline of the Cap Corse peninsula make up the island’s most spectacular road trip.
East Coast
At the southeast tip of the Cap Corse peninsula, Bastia is the obvious starting point for exploring the east coast’s seemingly endless stretch of sandy beaches. Popular spots include Plage de la Marana, Lavilanella, Scaffa Rossa, and Plage de Canella, all of which have family campgrounds or holiday villages.
Central Corsica
The island’s mountainous central core is largely encompassed within the Corsica Natural Regional Park, where you’ll find more than 900 miles of marked hiking, a winter ski resort, and several campsites. Stop by the picturesque mountain town of Corte, hike through the Gorges de Spelunca, or climb up to the highest point of the island at Monte Cinto.
West Coast
Corsica’s coastal capital, Ajaccio, is surrounded by white-sand beaches and mountainous hinterlands. Check into a coastal campground or rent a cosy mountain chalet from which to explore the west coast. Don’t miss the surf beaches along Capo di Feno, the scenic calanques around Piana, and the resort towns of Porto and Cargèse.
South Corsica
At the southern tip of the Corse-du-Sud, the port town of Bonifacio is renowned for its imposing mediaeval castle, bustling marina, and boat cruises out to the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands. There’s more of Corsica’s mediaeval heritage on display in nearby Sartène, while the glitzy beach town of Porto-Vecchio is the top ticket for seaside campers and yachters.
