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Getting to Corsica

Everything you need to know before travelling to the Island of Beauty

Reaching Corsica is easier than many visitors expect. Whether you choose to sail across the Mediterranean with your own car or fly into one of the island’s four international airports, there are plenty of convenient ways to begin your Corsican camping holiday.

The best option depends on where you’re travelling from and how you plan to explore the island. If you want the freedom of having your own vehicle and camping equipment, travelling by ferry is an excellent choice. For shorter holidays, flying offers a quick and convenient alternative with easy access to car hire at all of Corsica’s airports.

Traditional map of the island of Corsica

At a Glance

Best Ways to Travel: Ferry or plane

Main Ferry Ports: Bastia, Ajaccio, Île-Rousse and Porto-Vecchio

Airports: Bastia, Ajaccio, Figari and Calvi

Best For: Camping holidays, road trips and island touring

Bring Your Own Car: Yes, by ferry

Time to Spend: Allow a full travel day depending on your route

Why Visit Corsica?

Part of Corsica’s appeal is that it still feels wonderfully different from many other Mediterranean destinations. The island combines dramatic mountains, spectacular beaches, picturesque villages and family-friendly campsites, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy exploring at their own pace.

Whether you’re planning to relax beside the sea, discover the island’s scenic mountain roads or tour several regions during your holiday, getting to Corsica is straightforward with a little planning.

Travelling by Ferry

For many visitors, travelling by ferry is the most enjoyable way to reach Corsica. Bringing your own car gives you complete freedom to explore the island without relying on public transport, making it particularly popular with campers, families and anyone planning a touring holiday.

Several ferry companies operate regular crossings between mainland France, Italy and Corsica throughout the year, with additional sailings during the busy summer season. Depending on your departure point, crossings range from a few hours to overnight journeys.

One of the highlights of arriving by ferry is watching Corsica’s rugged mountains rise from the Mediterranean as you approach the island. It’s a memorable start to any holiday and one that many visitors enjoy just as much as the destination itself.

Benefits of Travelling by Ferry

  • Bring your own car or motorhome
  • No airline luggage restrictions
  • Ideal for camping equipment
  • Suitable for pets on many routes
  • Flexible touring around the island

Flying to Corsica

Flying is the quickest way to reach Corsica and is an excellent option for shorter holidays or visitors travelling from elsewhere in Europe.

Corsica has four international airports serving different regions of the island. Bastia is the busiest airport and provides excellent access to North and East Corsica, while Figari is ideal for visitors staying around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. Ajaccio serves the west coast and Corsica’s capital city, while Calvi is the gateway to the beautiful Balagne region.

Car hire is available at all four airports, allowing visitors to explore the island independently once they arrive.

Benefits of Flying

  • Fast and convenient
  • Ideal for shorter holidays
  • Car hire available at every airport
  • Easy access to all regions of Corsica
  • Excellent seasonal flight connections

Which Option is Best?

The right choice depends on the type of holiday you’re planning.

If you’re staying at one campsite for a week and travelling light, flying is often the quickest and simplest option. However, if you’re planning a touring holiday, bringing bicycles, camping equipment or simply want the convenience of your own vehicle, travelling by ferry is hard to beat.

Many experienced visitors prefer the ferry because it offers complete flexibility once they’re on the island, while others enjoy the speed and convenience of flying before hiring a car locally.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll soon discover that travelling around Corsica is part of the adventure.

Top Tips

Book Early for Summer

Ferries, flights and hire cars are all in high demand during July and August. Booking several months in advance usually provides the best choice and prices.

Choose the Right Arrival Point

Think about where you’re staying before booking your travel. Arriving at the airport or ferry port closest to your campsite can save several hours of driving.

Allow Extra Driving Time

Corsica’s roads are incredibly scenic but often winding and mountainous. Distances may look short on a map, but journeys usually take longer than expected.

Compare Ferry and Flight Costs

Depending on the size of your group and whether you’re taking a vehicle, travelling by ferry can sometimes offer better overall value than flying.

Nearby Travel Guides

Continue planning your Corsican camping holiday with our helpful travel guides.

Stay Nearby

Wherever you arrive in Corsica, you’ll find handpicked campsites perfectly placed for exploring the island’s stunning coastline, picturesque towns and spectacular mountain scenery. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a touring adventure or a relaxing beach escape, there’s a campsite waiting to welcome you.

View Campsites in Corsica