Camping in Porto-Vecchio

Camping in Porto Vecchio on the French island of Corsica promises Caribbean flair in the Mediterranean. Immediately after breakfast, you can jump into the crystal-clear water, soak up the sun on Palombaggia beach and put your feet in the golden sand in one of the many hidden rocky coves. And best of all, the campsites in Porto Vecchio are located in the immediate vicinity of some of Corsica's most beautiful beaches.

Camping in Porto-Vecchio: all important information at a glance

Most of the campsites in Porto-Vecchio are located near the coast. Although there are only a few sites right by the sea, it's never really far to the nearest beach. Camping holidaymakers can therefore enjoy the paradisiacal sandy beaches at the southern tip of the French island to the full.

There are more than enough picture-book beaches. Around Porto Vecchio, one beautiful sandy beach follows the next. The beach of Palombaggia with its turquoise-coloured water and fine white powder sand is particularly popular, as is the bay of Santa Giulia, where you really do think you've landed in the Caribbean.

Fans of nude sunbathing will also get their money's worth in Porto Vecchio: the area is known for the numerous naturist campsites in the neighbourhood. The old town centre of Porto Vecchio with its historic sights, restaurants and cafés is a great place to spend the evening. Roast fish or a game dish with chestnut beer overlooking the harbour make for a successful end to the day.

Facilities at the campsites

The facilities at the campsites are generally very good. Electricity connections and water supply are standard, Wi-Fi is also usually available, sometimes for a small fee. At some campsites, you can also hire water sports equipment for various water sports. Dogs are also welcome on many pitches; information on this can be found on the pitches' websites.

In addition to pitches for motorhomes, chalets, mobile homes or bungalows are usually also available for hire. Many campsites also have cafés and restaurants where you can sample Corsican cuisine. Those who like to cook for themselves can stock up on excellent regional products in the shops directly on site or at the town markets and grocery shops.

Campsites on the beach at Palombaggia

One of the best campsites near Palombaggia beach is Camping U Pirellu. From here it is only about 5 minutes to the beach. Palombaggia Beach is truly unique in Corsica: the water is crystal clear, the sand as fine as powder and the bay is framed by a dense green pine forest.

Tamarucciu beach is directly to the south and is also very beautiful. The highlight here is the large umbrella pine framed by a stone wall, which is often used as a postcard motif. Other beaches in the vicinity of Camping U Pirellu are Caratagju (3 minutes), Acciaju (15 minutes) and Acciaro (15 minutes).

Another recommended campsite close to the beach is the family campsite Camping Bella Vista. From the shady pitches you can enjoy a stunning view of the Gulf of Porto Vecchio, and there is also a range of cosy rental accommodation. The two nearest beaches are Palombaggia and Santa Giulia.

Other campsites around Porto Vecchio

• Camping La Chiappa: naturist holiday village at the southernmost tip of the Gulf of Porto Vecchio in a natural park with snow-white beaches and bizarre rock formations
• Plage Camping Les Ilots D Or: 3-star campsite on the beautiful beach of Saint Cyprien and just 5 minutes from the centre of Porto Vecchio
• Camping Arutoli: 4-star campsite near Porto Vecchio with outdoor swimming pool and sun deck.
• Camping Pezza Cardo: Quiet 3-star campsite with terraced pitches and only about 200 metres from the sea.
• Camping L'oso: 3-star campsite located by a river on flat terrain, perfect for a short stay in the region.

How to get to Porto Vecchio

Although Corsica is an island, holidaymakers can easily get there by motorhome. This is due to the good ferry connections that are regularly offered from Italy and France. Travellers can book a crossing from Livorno, Genoa, Pisa or Nice. The shortest route is from Livorno to Bastia. There are fast express ferries and slower night ferries. It is important to book tickets well in advance, especially in the high season.

The nearest ferry from Germany is in Genoa. It is around 1,250 kilometres from Hamburg, 640 kilometres from Munich and around 810 kilometres from Frankfurt am Main to the ferry. If you want to travel via Switzerland, you can choose the connections via Lucerne, Zurich or Chur and Como to Milan. Alternatively, you can take the route via Innsbruck, Bolzano, Rovereto and Tortone. From the harbour in Bastia, there is a beautiful route of around 150 km along the coast to Porto-Vecchio.

With a distance of around 500 kilometres, you should take a long break if you are travelling with children. The rest stops at Brenner, San Bernardino or St Gotthard are recommended for this.

Top 5 sights

• Citadel: The massive building rises into the sky on a rock above the harbour and is still partially preserved.
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste church: The church enchants with its remarkable bell tower. After its destruction, it was rebuilt in 1868.
• Genoise city gate: This imposing gate in the fortress wall used to be the only entrance to the city.
• Place de la Republique: Life flourishes on the central square of the old town. Cafés and bars invite you to relax in a historic setting.
• Marina: If you want to admire fashionable boats and sailing ships from the terraces of the restaurants, you should plan a visit.

Top 2 insider tips

• Market: If you check in at the campsite in Porto Vecchio on Saturday, you can stock up on fresh delicacies on Sundays. This is market day in the Corsican town and farmers offer their specialities such as tomatoes, goat's cheese, flavoured salt or baked goods with delicious fruit and vegetables.
• Panoramic view: A fantastic view of the harbour and Corsica's only salt works can be enjoyed from the restaurants right next to the Genoise town gate. Visitors can relax there with a delicious meal and cool drinks and let their gaze wander into the distance. The postcard motif should definitely be captured in a photograph - so don't forget your camera.

Activities and excursions

Sporty guests can look forward to both the crystal-clear sea with its water sports facilities and the mountains with a variety of hiking options when camping in Porto-Vecchio. Those interested in history will find historic buildings and exciting museums in the town and surrounding villages.

Bonifacio

The harbour town on the Tyrrhenian Sea sits enthroned on a mighty chalk cliff above the water. The town impresses with its medieval old town centre with winding alleyways and the Sainte-Marie-Majeure church. Details such as the arches connecting the houses, through which rainwater was channelled to a cistern, amaze visitors. The citadel, which housed part of the Foreign Legion until 1983, is a particular gem. After the visit, you can take a boat trip from the old harbour to the caves of Bonifacio.

Hiking in Corsica

Corsica is a popular destination for hiking excursions and trekking tours. In addition to the famous "Grande Randonnée" GR 20 long-distance hiking trail, there are also a number of day trips to discover in the region. Recommended destinations from Porto Vecchio include the "Parcours de santé", the "Chemin de randonnée Mairie Sotta" hiking area and the "Mare à mare sud" hiking route.

Relaxation and water sports on a dream beach

Beach holidaymakers in Porto-Vecchio can look forward to being close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In Palombaggia or Santa Giulia, you can relax on the fine sandy stretches of coastline or plunge into the cool water. There are also various activities on offer by the sea in South Corsica, such as surfing or sailing courses, boat tours and various sports activities near the beach. Kayaks are also available for hire, allowing you to explore the enchanting coastline from the water.

events

April

• Festival of street art: At the Scen'è Sonniu festival, a colourful spectacle takes place throughout the Corsican town. Jugglers, actors and musicians show off their skills and delight young and old alike. A marvellous event for the whole family.

July

• Luddareddu: This event is inextricably linked to Porto-Vecchio's past. Every year, a festive procession is organised to commemorate the hard work of the ancestors in the fields or in cork and salt extraction. Participants carry a straw doll through the streets, which is burnt at the end of the procession.

August

• Long Night of Shopping: Visitors can stroll through the pedestrian zone of Porto-Vecchio until late in the evening and browse the numerous shops for souvenirs or a new outfit. Porto-Vecchio Festival: Bands and DJs play on the beach of Porto-Vecchio at this gigantic music event. As the event takes place in the open air, you can marvel at the sunset while listening to the rock, pop and electronic beats.

Gastronomic highlights for campers

Corsican cuisine is down-to-earth and is characterised above all by the use of regional, very high-quality products. Chestnut flour was one of the staple foods on the island for many years and is used in the preparation of many dishes. Fresh fish, roast goat, lamb, game and beef can be found on the menus. Crayfish, mussels and oysters also end up on the plates of gourmets. Cheese lovers will find a large selection of flavoursome sheep's, goat's and fresh cheeses.

The food is accompanied by the typical chestnut beer. Alternatively, there are also delicious wines from the region that go perfectly with wild boar or veal stew. Myrtle or chestnut schnapps is often served to aid digestion.

Weather and best time to visit Porto Vecchio

The climate on the popular holiday island of Corsica is typical of the Mediterranean region. Summers are usually hot and dry. In winter, the weather is mild and rainy. With 18 days of rain, November is the wettest month. On the other hand, there is no need to expect ice and snow, as even in January the average temperature is still 9.5 degrees Celsius.

For hikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts, the season starts in April. Conditions are also ideal for active holidaymakers and culture enthusiasts in autumn, with temperatures of around 21 degrees Celsius in September and 17.6 degrees Celsius in October. Summer belongs to beach holidaymakers. The thermometer then shows up to 30 degrees Celsius and guests are spoilt with up to 12 hours of sunshine and a water temperature of around 23.8 degrees Celsius in August.