TOURISM – Renowned for its stunningly beautiful beaches, this region in the south of Corsica is a delight for lovers of idleness, but it will also appeal to visitors looking for more active stays.
From the cliffs of Bonifacio to the Aiguilles de Bavella, South Corsica is one of the most popular destinations on the Island of Beauty. Easily accessible by land, sea or air, with all the necessary equipment for a successful summer stay, Porto-Vecchio is asserting itself as the tourist capital of the region. Although visitors come here primarily for its exceptional coastline and its collection of dream beaches, they discover with pleasure that a host of activities can be practiced there between the sea and the mountains. The perfect opportunity to get drunk on the landscapes of this spectacular corner.
Swim on the most beautiful beaches in Corsica
It’s not a legend, the coasts located on either side of Porto-Vecchio hide the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. North of the gulf, the discreet Cala Rossa offers striking views of the tip of Chiappa. Behind, the bay of Saint Cyprien unrolls its crescent of white sand against the Arasu lagoon, facing clear waters. Going up to the north, the beach of Pinarello is part of a magnificent bay refreshed by a pine forest. On the road to Solenzara, one cannot remain insensitive to the charm of the beach of Faultguarded by a powerful Genoese tower.
To the south, the beach of Palombaggia is certainly the most famous in Corsica. Its azure waters and its incomparable fine sand attract crowds in summer. Same irresistible decor embellished with hundred-year-old umbrella pines on the coves of Tamaricciu orAcciaggiu. Further south, the beach of Santa Giulia is the other star of the coast. Its granite rocks outcropping in the middle of a turquoise lagoon give it a false air of Seychelles. Finally, on the way to Bonifacio, the beach of Rondinara displays a wilder face with its glowing rocks lined with maquis.
- The activity to book: the coast is conducive to the practice of diving. Based in Palombaggia, the Kalliste Plongée agency organizes outings for all levels, especially around the Cerbicale Islands.
Read alsoCorsica from north to south, our five favorite beaches on the Island of Beauty
Hike in the spectacular Ospedale massif
Just 20 km from the coast, the hamlet ofOspedale already belongs to another world, that of the Corsican mountains. You can reach its granite houses perched at an altitude of 850 m via vertiginous bends which afford extraordinary views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Planted with laricio pines and beeches, the Ospedale forest offers enchanted walks that often end with a picnic on the shores of its dam lake. But the must is to embark on the hike which tumbles towards the waterfall of Pool of Ghjaddu (allow 3 hours round trip). We first walk through a pine forest before reaching a rocky plateau offering a magical panorama over the Osu valley. A very steep path then plunges towards the waterfall, which drops 70 m high. Unforgettable !
- The activity to book: to know everything about the island plant world, book the “Walk with a Nose” by Stéphane Rogliano, which offers botanical and olfactory hikes between maquis and forests.
Refresh yourself in the rivers and torrents
With its steep relief and its rivers flowing down the slopes of the Incudine massif, the Porto-Vecchio region is ideal for swimming in white water. A summer activity that the locals love, thus avoiding the crowds present on the coast. Not far from Lecci, the Cavu valley offers countless emerald-colored basins. We paddle happily before taking a nap on a flat rock, lulled by the sound of water. Further north, the Solenzara hosts famous swimming spots such as Rosumarinu, where a large pool attracts diving enthusiasts. Going up the river, it is on the side of U Gaglioni that you will have to stop: there is a series of natural swimming pools with sparkling reflections.
- The activity to book: Bavella Canyon organizes canyoning trips along the Purcaraccia, the Pulischellu or the Vacca. Natural slides, jumps and rappels are on the program!
Set sail and discover the marvelous Lavezzi Islands
To discover the splendours of the coast, nothing beats going out to sea! Whether they take place on a cruise ship, sailboat, kayak or even on a paddleboard, they allow you to take a step back to perceive all the harmony of the seascapes of this stretch of coast. Many companies organize commented cruises from Porto-Vecchio, Santa Giulia or Saint-Cyprien. Among them, Corsica Sud Croisières stands out for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The most classic excursion runs along the Cerbicales before heading towards the Lavezzi Islands, where passengers disembark for a handful of hours. Classified as a nature reserve, this archipelago surprises with its lunar landscapes where granite invades the horizon… Its waters are so rich in underwater fauna that a simple mask is enough to observe dozens of colorful species.
- The activity to book: to enjoy greater freedom, Marine Location offers different types of semi-rigid. If you are a small group and one of you has a boat license, this is the ideal solution!
Read alsoThe Lavezzi Islands, an island paradise not far from Bonifacio
Visit local producers
We must start by mentioning the winegrowers, who do a wonderful job here. the Domain of Torraccia produces wines in the three colors, vinified largely with native grape varieties. Not far, the Granajolo Estate prides itself on being organic since… 1974. Didier Beltramo produces brocciu and raw milk cheese at the Bergeries de Bala. At Simple et Divine, essential oils of immortelle or myrtle are distilled. To stock up on good products, you can also turn to the local farmers markets, like the one on Sunday morning in Porto-Vecchio; or to delicatessens such as A Muredda or L’Orriu, where you can find charcuterie, cheeses, PDO Corsican honeys, artisanal canistrelli, island wines and spirits.
- The activity to book: through U Porcu Ranger, Maxence Finidori introduces his pig farm nustral in an original way: we criss-cross its farm in a buggy before tasting the house charcuterie.
Organize a cultural road trip in Alta-Rocca
Beyond the Ospedale opens the preserved region of Alta-Rocca, nestled in the heart of a hinterland a thousand leagues from the frenzy of the coast. Built of tall granite houses, its villages are rich in a small heritage made up of fountains, bread ovens or washhouses. It’s at Life that you can visit the Alta Rocca Museum, which traces the history of the region through interesting archaeological collections, dating from both the Neolithic and the Middle Ages. A few kilometers away, the prehistoric site of Cucuruzzu will not fail to please the contemplative with its exceptional natural setting. The Romanesque church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in carbini worth a detour for its vegetal or animal ornamentations as well as for its bell tower. At last Zona is an ideal base from which to attack the Bavella pass and treat yourself to a one-on-one with the famous needles.
- The activity to book: in summer, the Alta Rocca tourist office organizes various guided tours of the villages and their heritage.
Enjoy the animation of Porto-Vecchio
During the summer, the old Genoese citadel is won over by a resolutely festive atmosphere. The terraces then invade the entire city center, in particular the Place de la République, opposite the bell tower of San Ghjuvanni Battistu. The restaurants play key-key, just like the bars or the ice cream parlors. In the evening, young and trendy direct their steps towards some great classics such as the Othello Bar – where you can enjoy cocktails with a view – or La Taverne du Roi, which organizes evenings punctuated by concerts. At the bottom of the citadel is the Marina which attracts all eyes with its flashy yachts, its evening walkers and its crowded terraces. On the beaches, straw huts and bars with their feet in the water seduce those who refuse to choose between sea, food & fun. Added to this is a rich program of concerts and events that punctuate the season.
Address Book
WHERE TO EAT ?
At Cantina di l’Orriu
Both grocery store, wine bar and table, it is one of the sure values of the citadel. At the restaurant, you can enjoy a Corsican veal tartare or a stuffed suckling pig, to accompany a good local vintage.
The Orriu, 5 Cours Napoleon, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Such. : 04 95 25 95 89. Count 20-30 € to eat there.
Paradisula
Not all straw huts are created equal, far from it. This is unanimously acclaimed for its warm welcome, its enchanting setting and its dishes as fresh as they are tasty.
Paradisula , Santa Giulia Beach, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Count 30-40 € for dinner.
The Terramea
A chic table with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, where the chef likes to reinterpret island cuisine by opening up to the entire Mediterranean.
Le Terraméa, route de Piccovaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Such. : 04 95 50 03 94. Count €40-60 for dinner.
The Deckhouse
On Pinarellu beach, this restaurant in an enchanting setting is the ideal place to taste delicious seafood cuisine, prepared with local fishing.
The Deckhouse , Hotel Pinarello, Pinarello beach, 20144 Zonza. Such. : 04 95 71 44 39. Count around €50.
I Ghjacci
This ice cream parlor offers different typically Corsican flavors such as “lemon-nepita”.
I Ghjacci, 22, rue du General-de-Gaulle, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Such. : 06 72 13 72 30.
OR SLEEP ?
Hotel Le Goeland – Casa Santini
A charming hotel which enjoys an exceptional location, on the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Large and pleasant rooms, brightened up with works of art and colorful furniture. Private beach. Rooms from 150 to 300 €.
Hotel Le Goeland , Av. Georges-Pompidou, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Such. : 04 95 70 14 15. Open from mid-April to early November.
Hotel Le Belvedere
An establishment as pleasant as it is discreet, which likes to assert its Corsican identity. The rooms have a warm decor with arches, exposed stones and floor tiles. Restaurants and swimming pool. Room from €120 out of season; around 300 € in summer.
The Belvedere , Route de Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Such. : 04 95 70 54 13. Open from May to November.
INQUIRE
Porto Vecchio Tourist Office: ot-portovecchio.com
Alta-Rocca Tourist Office: alta-rocca-tourisme.com
Corsica Tourist Office: visit-corsica.com
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