This island of beauty entices you to move: in the spicy scent of the maquis, along the wild and romantic coast, between rugged cliffs, old towns - and in the enjoyment of fresh figs, wine and authentic cuisine.
Even the journey is a pleasure: the ferry sways leisurely across the deep blue Mediterranean, for many relaxing hours until the coast appears on the horizon. Corsica is called "Îlede Beauté" in French, meaning "island of beauty". From the rugged mountains inland to the picturesque coastline with its historic fortified towns, from the chestnut forests in the north to the palm-fringed beaches of the south: beauty wherever you look.
If you are looking for adventure, you can climb the peaks up to 2,700 meters high or take one of the leisurely day hikes. Dreamers can stroll through enchanted fairytale forests such as the Forêt de Bonifatu, where roots and branches stretch through the air like garlands; history buffs can follow in the footsteps of Napoleon in the narrow streets of the old town. Water lovers can jump into ice-cold mountain lakes or dive for fish and coral off the coast. There is living craftsmanship - Corsica is known for pocket knives made from horn, magical music (the a capella paghjella singing sounds like something from another world) and a rich cuisine: wild boar, seafood, cheese - made from sheep's and goat's milk, because only these robust animals can cope with the steep slopes and stony soils.
The island is characterized by the maquis, an evergreen carpet of myrtle, cistus, broom and lavender, which smells like a Mediterranean perfume in the hot sun. In the fall, nature is particularly lavish - figs, dates, persimmons and mulberries ripen on the trees. It is generally at its best in fall and spring, when it is still (or already) warm enough to swim and you share the island with the locals.
Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean; small enough to discover in one vacation, but too big - especially too rugged and too hilly - to do so from one place. The Île de Beauté is therefore perfect for a road trip. It offers a wide range of pitches, from luxurious facilities by the sea to peaceful nature campsites in the mountains. Those who want more comfort will find spectacular accommodation: sleeping pods floating above the valley, manor houses converted into boutique hotels and romantic guest rooms on family-run wine estates.
Viticulture, which came to the island with the ancient Greeks, is one of the most important economic sectors. There are around 300 winegrowers, Corsica has eight AOC regions and around 20 grape varieties, including indigenous varieties such as Nielluccio and Sciaccarello, from which fragrant red wines and the rosé popular with Corsicans are made. One of the oldest wineries is Clos Capitoro in the hinterland of Ajaccio, which is now run by the seventh generation of sisters Mélissa and Eloïse Bianchetti. Like many of their compatriots, they feel very close to their homeland. "Why leave?" asks the young winemaker Marc-Antoine Villanova, whose vines grow between the bay of Calvi and the almost 2,000-metre-high Monte Grosso. "I have the most beautiful office in the world!" You can taste his wines right next to the vines and - cheers to camping - load them generously into the trunk afterwards.
Camping
Corsica Camping operates sites all over the island; informative website with tips and offers for camping: corsicacamping.com
Beautiful sites near the port city of Calvi: campingpaduella.com
In the north near Calvi or L'Île Rousse: village-ostriconi.com
More inland, on the banks of a mountain river: upontegrossu.com
Close to the port city of Bonifacio in the south: camping-piandelfosse.com
In the southeast, near Pinarello beach: campingcaliforniacorse.eu
Further accommodation
Cocoon Village - Glamping of the original kind: here you sleep in "floating" capsules - with a wonderful view: glampingcorsica.com
Hotel Misincu - Spacious luxury hotel on Cap Corse: hotel-misincu.fr
Hotel Palombaggia - Boutique hotel with traditional Corsican and modern elements near Porto-Vecchio: hotel-palombaggia.com
Domaine de Peretti della Rocca - Charming stone houses ("Bergeries") in the south of the island: deperettidellarocca.com
Le Hameau de Saparale - Luxurious rooms and pretty stone houses ("Bergeries") in the middle of the southern Corsican vineyards: lehameaudesaparale.com
Autour du 20 - A wide range of wine-related products. autourdu20.com
Vins de Corse - About winegrowing in Corsica. vinsdecorse.com
Clos Capitoro - Family-run winery since 1856. clos-capitoro.com
U Camellu - One of the smallest wineries, directly above Calvi.
Vignerons-corsicans - Association of committed winegrowers, the website has an online store. vignerons-corsicans.com
Closcanarelli - Produce wine from biodynamic agriculture, olive oil - and offer luxurious accommodation
Casabellastoria - Right on the harbor of Calvi, good Corsican cuisine with a view of the sea. casabellastoria.com
Auberge du Prunelli Old-established restaurant in the hinterland, regional Corsican cuisine. auberge-du-prunelli.fr
A Nepita - In Ajaccio - an Englishman in Corsica. anepita.fr
L'Aghjalle - Northwest Coast; Farm to Table (plus rooms). laghjalle.com
Restaurant le Pirate - In the north; gourmet cuisine by the fisherman at Erbalunga harbor, classic Corsican with top ingredients. restaurantlepirate.com
A Pignata - In the south, classic Corsican, much from their own cultivation (plus room). apignata.com
