Contemplating a journey through Corsica in a campervan? This magnificent Mediterranean island offers one of Europe's most rewarding road trips, blending coastal splendour with mountain majesty. The 'Isle of Beauty' lives up to its name with breathtaking landscapes that seem designed for the freedom a motorhome adventure provides. Before you set your GPS for Corsican shores, however, there are essential considerations to ensure your journey goes smoothly.
Planning your corsican campervan adventure
Corsica Camping boasts more than 14 establishments across the island, providing excellent bases for your explorations. The island offers diverse camping options in South Corsica, Haute-Corse, and along its stunning coastline. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly options during the low season from April to mid-June and mid-September to November, or planning a high-season adventure, proper preparation is key to enjoying what the island has to offer.
Selecting the Right Vehicle for Corsican Roads
The choice of vehicle deserves careful consideration when touring Corsica. The island's roads are notoriously narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous regions, making driving large campervans challenging at times. Compact motorhomes or smaller campervans are much better suited to navigate these conditions comfortably. Before departing, ensure your vehicle is in top condition – check tyres, oil, and coolant levels thoroughly. Many travellers find renting a campervan directly on the island a convenient alternative to bringing their own, with several rental companies offering vehicles specifically chosen for Corsican terrain.
Ferry logistics and booking essentials
Unless you're renting locally, you'll need to transport your campervan to Corsica via ferry. Services operate from several ports in both France and Italy. From France, you can depart from Nice, Marseille, or Toulon, while Italian options include Livorno and Genoa. Several companies serve these routes, including Mobylines, Corsica Ferries, La Meridonale, and Corsica Linea. Ferry costs typically range from €350 to €900 for a return journey with a campervan. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, especially if travelling during the peak summer months of July and August. The crossing offers spectacular views and serves as a fitting introduction to the beauty awaiting you.
Top Routes and Destinations Across the Island
Corsica presents a wealth of driving routes that showcase its diverse landscapes. The island features no motorways, so journey times might be longer than distances suggest. For instance, travelling from Bastia to Bonifacio along the east coast covers approximately 170 kilometres but takes about three hours and ten minutes due to road conditions. Similarly, the journey from Calvi to Porto spans just 75 kilometres but requires nearly two hours to complete.
Coastal highlights: ajaccio to bonifacio
The southwestern coastal route from Ajaccio to Bonifacio offers some of Corsica's most spectacular scenery. Beginning in Ajaccio, Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace and a vibrant coastal city with excellent facilities for campervan travellers, this route takes you past magnificent beaches and dramatic cliff formations. The Les Mimosas campsite near Ajaccio provides a comfortable base for exploring the region. As you continue southward, the limestone cliffs and medieval citadel of Bonifacio await, perched dramatically over the sea. Nearby campsites like Campement Natura and La Pomposa offer excellent facilities for motorhome travellers. The beaches of Porto-Vecchio along the way are among the most beautiful in Europe, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming breaks during your journey.
Mountain journeys: cap corse and beyond
The Cap Corse peninsula forms a finger of land extending northward from Bastia, offering a circular route of about 130 kilometres that showcases breathtaking views between sea and mountains. This journey presents a perfect blend of coastal and mountain scenery, with numerous villages and lookout points worth stopping for. Suitable campsites in the area include Ulicetu and La Pietra. Further inland, the Restonica Valley provides a dramatic mountain landscape, though travellers should note that parts of the valley were affected by storm damage in 2023. The western coast route takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Calanques de Piana, where red granite formations plunge dramatically into the blue Mediterranean – truly one of the most spectacular drives in all of Europe.
Where to Stay: Campsites and Aires
Corsica offers numerous accommodation options for campervan travellers, from fully-equipped campsites to service areas designed specifically for motorhomes. Understanding your options and planning ahead will ensure comfortable overnight stays throughout your journey around the island.
Recommended official camping spots
Several standout campsites across the island cater specifically to motorhome travellers. In the north, U Paradisu in L'Île-Rousse offers excellent facilities in a prime location, while Les Oliviers in Ghisonaccia and La Pinède in Calvi provide comfortable bases on the east and west coasts respectively. Other notable mentions include L'Arinella Bianca, Les Castors, Le Domaine D'Anghione, San Damiano, and Le Campoloro. Many of these sites offer comprehensive facilities including electricity hookups, water points, waste disposal, and often additional amenities such as swimming pools and restaurants. Prices typically range from €30 to €60 per night depending on the season and facilities. During peak season, advance booking is essential as the most popular sites fill quickly.
Understanding wild camping restrictions
Unlike some European destinations, wild camping is strictly prohibited throughout Corsica. Attempting to stay overnight outside designated areas can result in substantial fines ranging from €200 to €1,500. This restriction helps protect the island's delicate ecosystems and natural beauty. Instead of wild camping, motorhome travellers should utilise the network of service areas known as 'aires' located in towns including Saint-Florent, Porto-Vecchio, and Corte. These provide basic facilities for overnight stops at lower costs than full campsites. Corsica Camping also offers freedom camping packages providing access to over ten partner campsites across the island, offering flexibility with the assurance of legal, comfortable overnight stops.
Embracing corsican culture from your campervan
Beyond the practical aspects of touring Corsica, your campervan journey offers unparalleled opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of this unique island. Corsica stands at a fascinating cultural crossroads, with influences from both France and Italy creating a distinctive identity all its own.
Local driving customs and etiquette
Driving in Corsica requires adjusting to local conditions and customs. Speed limits are set at 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on open roads, though the winding nature of most routes often necessitates much slower progress. Local driving styles tend to be more relaxed than on the mainland, with a certain flexibility regarding road rules. One particular characteristic to be aware of is the presence of animals on the road, including wild boars, cows, and goats, particularly in rural areas. Fuel stations can be few and far between in certain regions, so it's wise to refill whenever possible rather than waiting until your tank is nearly empty. Parking in towns can be challenging for larger vehicles, so consider using public transport from campsites when visiting urban areas during peak season.
Sustainable tourism in corsica's natural landscapes
Corsica's unspoiled natural beauty is its greatest asset, and preserving these landscapes is a responsibility shared by all visitors. When touring with a campervan, practising sustainable tourism becomes especially important. Conservation areas like the Fango Valley, Aiguilles de Bavella, and the beaches of Saleccia and Lotu deserve particular respect. Water conservation is essential during your trip – campsites often have limited resources, so brief showers and careful usage help reduce your environmental impact. Many travellers find solar panels a worthwhile investment for generating electricity without reliance on hookups. The island offers magnificent hiking opportunities directly accessible from many campsites, allowing you to explore the natural environment while leaving your vehicle behind. Visiting during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September not only provides a more sustainable approach to tourism by reducing pressure during peak months but also offers more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
