We are travelling to Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily from Toulon, probabl second week in September getting the ferry back from Sicily to Genoa last week in October. We have to be in Zeebrugge for November1st. Has anyone done this trip please? I'd appreciate any suggestions re campsites, state of roads, shopping in the markets etc please.
Off to Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily in our Rapido 9048df
- Thread starter Old tart
- Start date
Gellyneck
LIFE MEMBER
Think DBK has done some if not most of that and if you do a search (top right in blue bar) you'll find a wealth of info in his thread\s.
Here's his Corsica thread https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/two-go-to-corsica.196795/
and his Scicily one https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/two-go-to-sicily.159019/
DBK
LIFE MEMBER
Our Sicily trip starts on post #88 on this page.
www.motorhomefun.co.uk
I'm planning on doing Sardinia next Spring -probably around April/May which is the best time for the orchids of which the island has lots being mostly limestone. The ferry timetables haven't been published yet so I haven't been able to book.
We spent just over four weeks on Corsica and about the same on Sicily. I think this is about the time you need to see each island but obviously if you have less time you will just have to get a move on!
The coastal roads on Corsica are narrow and have big drops in places, especially on the western coast. The scenery is stunning and the road surfaces good. The campsites were OK but not cheap, there are very few aires on the island.
Sicily had some good sites and a few not so good. The roads are dreadful in places but it's Italy and therefore a bit like the UK now. The driving is also Italian especially around Palermo, it gets better the further from Palermo you get. Sicily has lots of aires but we didn't use any and stuck to ACSI sites which were reasonable in price. We also used a few sites of the Sicily Camping Tour. This is an association you can join and it gets you a discount on their sites. The sites are independent, it isn't a group. We got our card at the site outside Palermo but it may be possible to get one sent to you plus the map of the sites - which you can download I see from their website: http://www.sicilycampingtour.com/index.php/en/
Have a good trip!
There are a few videos in the Corsica thread but as a taster here's one, it's at double speed. I didn't get above third gear for the first two or three weeks on the island. The reversing skills test is at 2:10.
And a bit of Sicilian traffic:
Two Go To Sicily
It is worth coming to this aire just to have a walk around the town of Soragna, the centre of which is just a few minutes walk away. The centre is pleasant: Just beyond this is the Fortress Mela Lupi. I got it's age completely wrong, perhaps early 19th or 18th Centuries I wondered, no...
www.motorhomefun.co.uk
I'm planning on doing Sardinia next Spring -probably around April/May which is the best time for the orchids of which the island has lots being mostly limestone. The ferry timetables haven't been published yet so I haven't been able to book.
We spent just over four weeks on Corsica and about the same on Sicily. I think this is about the time you need to see each island but obviously if you have less time you will just have to get a move on!
The coastal roads on Corsica are narrow and have big drops in places, especially on the western coast. The scenery is stunning and the road surfaces good. The campsites were OK but not cheap, there are very few aires on the island.
Sicily had some good sites and a few not so good. The roads are dreadful in places but it's Italy and therefore a bit like the UK now. The driving is also Italian especially around Palermo, it gets better the further from Palermo you get.
Sicily has lots of aires but we didn't use any and stuck to ACSI sites which were reasonable in price. We also used a few sites of the Sicily Camping Tour. This is an association you can join and it gets you a discount on their sites. The sites are independent, it isn't a group. We got our card at the site outside Palermo but it may be possible to get one sent to you plus the map of the sites - which you can download I see from their website: http://www.sicilycampingtour.com/index.php/en/Have a good trip!
There are a few videos in the Corsica thread but as a taster here's one, it's at double speed. I didn't get above third gear for the first two or three weeks on the island. The reversing skills test is at 2:10
.And a bit of Sicilian traffic:
Last edited:
Thank you so much for this DBK. I'm still learning to navigate the site. Theres so much to take in. I'm a bit old fashioned so I ll study your replies and make notes. We are .leaving on September 2nd visiting friends in Toulouse on the way.
moulin 87
Free Member
Southern Italy, the regions of Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata are far nicer/better than Sicily. We were on Sicily in June this year and were very disappointed, the western half was dirty, uninspiring, and the roads other than around the coast were appalling!!! The eastern half was better, primarily because of Etna and some of the coastal towns though parking was difficult.
Numerous architectural sites to explore but they were not enough to make up for the rest.
Wild camping was easy and there were a number of adequate campsites and sostas.
We sailed from Toulon to Sicily via Corsica ferries, cheap and a very pleasant 20 hour crossing.
Numerous architectural sites to explore but they were not enough to make up for the rest.
Wild camping was easy and there were a number of adequate campsites and sostas.
We sailed from Toulon to Sicily via Corsica ferries, cheap and a very pleasant 20 hour crossing.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
Sorry an opposing opinion - Sicily is a must visit place. Loved it. But of course so are Calabria, Puglia and Basilicata
Hi DBK, John I think. Your 2 go to Corsica is incredible. Thank you. I started at 5 30pm when Dave was watching the Liverpool Arsenal football match! Just realised its 22 10 and I've only reached page 7. I have been making notes all the time and have to admit I skipped all the technical posts on the photography. Back to it tomorrow. Certainly a bit scary in places as we have an A class but Dave has driven the two high passes in Morocco, Tiz n' Test and Tiz n'Tichka into Marrakesh, which were hair raising!
DBK
LIFE MEMBER
You will be fine, we saw several large MHs. I wouldn't want to go there in August but later or earlier in the year should be fine. Just drive slowly, too much to see to rush.
John
Been busy today, John. Just got to find my way back to page 7!!!!
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
We always go anti clockwise in our opinion gives you the best view without having to look through barriers. You also have a better view of anybody coming the opposite direction.
DBK
LIFE MEMBER
We drove north from Bastia and stayed at Camping Pietracorbara, which was a nice spot. But I guess you will be going south. There is a little site just south of Bastia, Camping Les Sables Rouge. You could try there for convenience. On our last night we stayed at the site just south of there between the lagoon and the sea, Camping San Damiano. This is a big site with a mini-supermarket.
These are all shown on CamperContact below.
I can't advise on wild camping spots, generally it isn't encouraged and most of the car parks by the coast tended to have height barriers as I recall.
Thanks John. Camping Les Sables Rouge has awful reviews but as the ferry doesn't get in till 7pm we think we'll go there for the night and then get ourselves organised. Out of interest, what did you use for internet access. We gave Vodafone on our phones andc3 mifi for tablet and iPad.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
DBK
LIFE MEMBER
I used Vodafone and had a signal all the time. I'm sure 3 will work, it does in France so should work on Corsica - even if not everyone there wants to be part of France.
Thanks so much John for your help. I've phoned all 3 sites you mentioned. We fancy the one north if the boat is on time that you mentioned. The receptionist was very helpful. Its 30 mins from the port. Hopefully it's on time. Dont fancy driving in the dark.
Hi John. Well. Were now at Calvi. Camping le Pinede. Did the boardwalk into Calvi yesterday and the train to L'Isula Rossa. Interesting. Absolutely packed. Loved the ACSI site at Pietracorbara, stayed 3 night. Our first site when we arrived an hour and a half late at Bastria was the one on the lagoon, Camping San Domiano. We then went north as you see from our next site. Its THAT drive tomorrow to Porto. Getting up early. I have to say I am apprehensive but it's got to be done. Weather is fantastic. We're using the notes I made from your blog.
Following your route John. We're now atCamping Funtana à l'Ora. We're starving ourselves till the pizza at 7pm. ACSI 18€s with free electricity as you said. Nice pitch just above reception. We'll leave early for the Caleques de Puane road tomorrow!
We came into Bastia and headed North to Pieracorbara for 2 nights which was good. Then headed north around the headland to the west coast. terrific drive in our A Class. Went via Calvi to Le Pinede. The Porto. This was is 2016.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
This is roughly the route we are taking. Due to the scenery, roads etc it is taking longer than we expected. Still have to find somewhere to sample the wine and for some Brevis cheese. We are staying on sites. Wild camping is definitely not encouraged judging by the signs.
DBK
LIFE MEMBER
I suspect the Calanques road might be busy, especially being a Saturday, we didn't find anywhere to pull over to take photos, every spot was full. Hope you have better luck.
What's the weather been like!
It was great until about 3 hours ago when it started to rain and hasn't stopped! The plan is to leave about 7 30am. I can get bread from 7am and we plan to have breakfast along the way. We'll just have to see how it goes. Having done the road from Calvi to here Dave didnt really feel like carrying on. Mind you, what a drive. Stunning views, the odd cow on the road! It was quite busy but Dave just pulled over when possible and let cars past.
Well we've done it, the Calanches/ Piana road!! We were shopping in Piane at 9 00am. Decided to have an early start, even after those super pizzas, John. A coach went through before us which gave us some encouragement. We were fortunate going so early we could park up in the little laybys to take photos where possible. The scenery was incredible. The scenery was incredible. INow at camping Les Mimosas, Ajaccio.. we can catch the no 4 bus after a walk to get into Ajaccio but not sure at the moment.
Join us or log in to post a reply.
To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun
Join MotorhomeFun
Join us, it quick and easy!
Log in
Already a member? Log in here.