Things to do in Ghisonaccia: activities, beaches and discoveries on Corsica’s east coast

Ghisonaccia is far more than a stop on the road to Corsica’s big seaside resorts. This authentic village on the east coast hides treasures that those in the know keep jealously to themselves: wild beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, a canal to explore by kayak, pine forests that fill the air with the scent of resin at sunset, and generous, heartfelt Corsican cooking. Here is our complete guide to making the most of your stay in this little corner of paradise.

Ghisonaccia: a village to discover at your own pace

Nestled in the heart of the eastern plain, between sea and mountains, Ghisonaccia is the kind of village people drive through far too quickly on the main road. Yet those who stop discover the real Corsica, untouched by the summer crowds that descend on Porto-Vecchio or Calvi. The locals are warm, the markets are the genuine article, and the atmosphere is still that of Corsica before mass tourism.

The village itself deserves an unhurried stroll: its shady little lanes, its church with a modest bell tower, its village bars where the old-timers play cards in the shade of the plane trees. This is where the true heart of Corsica’s east coast beats. You eat well here, you live slowly, and you recharge batteries often run down by an overly busy year.

The weekly market is a must. Local producers, charcutiers, cheesemakers, market gardeners — it’s your chance to fill your basket with the true flavours of the island: a wedge of ewe’s milk tomme, a terrine of figatellu, a jar of amber-hued chestnut honey. Leaving without a little piece of Corsica in your luggage would be a shame.

Beaches around Ghisonaccia: unspoilt nature and turquoise waters

This is undoubtedly the area’s first treasure. Corsica’s east coast offers dozens of kilometres of fine sandy beaches that are still blissfully quiet compared with the tourist hotspots in the south of the island. From Camping U Casone, the sea is just 700 metres away on foot — a stroll beneath the pines to reach turquoise waters of remarkable clarity.

Ghisonaccia beach

Long and wild, fringed with dunes and maquis, Ghisonaccia’s main beach stretches for several kilometres in both directions. The seabed is sandy and even, with no hidden rocks or dangerous currents. The sea starts warming up in June and reaches ideal temperatures in July and August — usually around 24 to 26°C. The water is remarkably clear, in a way that only Corsica’s unspoilt beaches can still offer.

The advantage of these beaches over the famous spots in the south? They are never packed. Even at the height of August, finding your own patch of sand is easy. Families with children particularly appreciate the very gentle slope into the water and the absence of crowds.

Neighbouring beaches to explore

By car (15 to 30 minutes depending on where you’re heading), the coastline opens onto even more secluded beaches. Pinia beach, to the north, nestles among maritime pines, with unspoilt coastal vegetation and an almost secret feel. Heading north towards Aléria, lagoons and coastal lakes create end-of-the-world landscapes, home to migratory birds. Heading south towards Solenzara, the coves take on Caribbean hues — emerald green over white sand.

When to go swimming

Kayaking on the canal: the east coast’s most unusual experience

It’s one of the most distinctive experiences in the area, yet it remains largely unknown to visitors. The canal of the eastern plain winds through farmland and pine woods, running parallel to the coast — a calm, unspoilt ribbon of nature to explore by kayak or canoe at your own pace.

Unlike mountain rivers, the canal is flat, with no strong current and no danger. It makes for gentle, almost meditative paddling on calm water that mirrors the sky and the reeds. Ideal for families with children, for couples, or for anyone who fancies a different kind of escape from lying on the sand.

From Camping U Casone, the canal is just a few minutes’ walk away. We offer kayak hire right on site, with no booking required:

All along the canal, wildlife is everywhere, yet wonderfully discreet. Grey herons stand motionless at the water’s edge. Blue and red dragonflies flit just above the surface. Terrapins bask on submerged logs before slipping silently into the water as you glide past. This is a different Corsica, green and soothing, revealed as you drift along the water.

Sport and nature: the great outdoors

For lovers of adventure and fresh air, the Ghisonaccia area is an ideal base. With both the sea and the Corsican mountains close at hand — the central massif is less than an hour away — there’s an impressive range of activities to choose from, from the gentlest to the most challenging.

Hiking and cycling

The eastern plain has waymarked trails and a coastal cycle path, open to cyclists and walkers alike. From the campsite you can reach the sea in a few minutes, or head inland to discover the first foothill villages. The sea views from high up in the maquis are well worth the climb. In spring the Corsican maquis is in full bloom — yellow broom, pink rockrose and immortelle scent the whole path.

Horse riding in the maquis

Riding centres offer hacks through the pine woods and maquis around Ghisonaccia. It’s a unique, unforgettable way to take in these landscapes at a different pace, letting time stretch out. Some operators offer sunset rides — an experience that’s hard to beat, when the golden light tints the wild grasses and the sea shimmers in the distance.

Canyoning, climbing and via ferrata

An hour’s drive inland, the Ghisoni and Inzecca gorges offer some of the finest canyoning spots in Corsica. Crystal-clear water, natural slides, supervised jumps — a day of adrenaline in spectacular surroundings. Local operators run guided trips for all levels, with equipment provided.

Pétanque, table tennis and sport at the campsite

For those who’d rather stay put, Camping U Casone has pétanque courts, table tennis tables, a volleyball court and table football. Not forgetting the two swimming pools for days when the beach can wait.

Corsican food in Ghisonaccia

Corsica is an island of deep flavours, rooted in centuries of pastoral tradition and a close bond with nature. The Ghisonaccia area is no exception. The local markets are brimming with regional produce you won’t find on the mainland: Corsican charcuterie (figatellu, coppa, lonzu, prisuttu), ewe’s and goat’s milk cheeses matured in cellars, maquis honeys with wild aromas, and wines from Patrimonio or Ajaccio that hold their own against France’s great appellations.

At U Casone’s restaurant and pizzeria

The campsite restaurant is open from mid-June to mid-September, 7 days a week. Its cooking is rooted in Corsican and Mediterranean flavours — generous dishes made with local produce, served under the shady pergola. Once a week, it’s time for themed evenings: moules-frites, paella, spit-roast veal… These evenings are among the most convivial moments of any stay, when the whole campsite gathers around the same table.

Our pizzeria rounds things off for quicker evening meals. A glass of well-chilled Corsican rosé, cicadas singing in the background and night gently falling over the pines: it’s hard to keep things simpler, and harder still to do better.

The bar serves cold drinks and ice creams (Magnum, Cornetto…) for those afternoon cravings — the natural meeting point at the end of the day.

Our tips in the village

The centre of Ghisonaccia has several good places to eat and stock up. Feel free to drop by the campsite reception and ask for our latest recommendations — we know the local producers, the good restaurants and the grocers selling genuine Corsican charcuterie. Eat like a local in Corsica and you’ll eat like a king.

Exploring the surroundings: day trips from Ghisonaccia

Ideally located on the east coast, at the geographical centre of the island, Ghisonaccia makes it easy to venture out to all of Corsica’s major sights. Within an hour’s drive in any direction, a whole world opens up.

• Aléria (20 min) — a major Etruscan and Roman archaeological site, the Jérôme Carcopino museum, and the Étang de Diane with its oysters
• The Fiumicello gorges and Solenzara (30 min) — turquoise river water, swimming in natural rock pools, a fishing village
• The Inzecca gorges (45 min) — wild, spectacular scenery, with a road winding high above the torrents
• Porto-Vecchio and its beaches (1 hr) — Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, the old Genoese town and its citadel
• Corte (1 hr) — Corsica’s historic capital, its hilltop citadel, the Restonica gorges and Lake Melo
• Bastia (1 hr 15) — the old Genoese harbour, Cap Corse, fishing villages
• Bonifacio (1 hr 30) — the white cliffs, the citadel, the Lavezzi islands and their crystal-clear water

Corsica is an island that reveals itself slowly. A week isn’t enough to see it all — and that’s exactly what makes you want to come back.

Practical information for planning your stay

How to get to Ghisonaccia

From mainland France, Ghisonaccia can be reached by ferry to Bastia (a 1 hr 15 drive away) or by plane to Figari (1 hr) or Ajaccio (1 hr 30). Ferries from Marseille, Nice and Toulon are operated by Corsica Linea and La Méridionale — it’s wise to book early in high season, especially for overnight crossings with a cabin.

Getting around

A car remains the most practical way to explore the area and beyond. Inland, Corsican roads are often narrow and winding — take your time and enjoy the scenery. For getting around locally, a bike can be all you need: the cycle path runs along the coast from the campsite to the beach and beyond.

When to come

Camping U Casone is open from 1 May to 8 October. June and September are our favourite months: the sea is warm, the sun is out, the crowds have gone and prices are more affordable. July and August are high season — lively, festive and sunny, but busier. The choice is yours, depending on the kind of holiday you’re after.

You might also enjoy: The most beautiful beaches near Ghisonaccia: our guide to Corsica’s east coast · Activities in Corsica: everything you can enjoy from Camping U Casone · The Corsican specialities you simply must try on holiday. You’ll find all our tips on the campsite blog, and for your stay, discover our campsite in Ghisonaccia, 700 m from the sea.