Corsica: our essentials in Porto-Vecchio, between sea and mountains

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.

To discover

• Stays in France: weekends, hotels and tailor-made stays from our partners

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.

To the north of the gulf, the discreet

offers striking views of the tip of Chiappa.

Behind, the bay of

unrolls its crescent of white sand against the Arasu lagoon, facing clear waters.

Going up to the north,

beach is part of a magnificent bay refreshed by a pine forest.

On the road to Solenzara, one cannot remain insensitive to the charm of

beach , watched over by a powerful Genoese tower.

beach

is certainly the most famous in Corsica.

Its azure waters and its incomparable fine sand attract crowds in summer.

The same irresistible decor embellished with hundred-year-old umbrella pines on the coves of

or

.

Further south, the beach of

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.

beach

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 30 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, the

forest is the ideal territory for a hike during your next vacation in Corsica.

Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro

Just 20 km from the coast, the hamlet of

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

offers enchanted walks that often end with a picnic on the banks of its dam lake.

But the must is to embark on the hike which tumbles towards the waterfall of

(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 Stéphane Rogliano's "Walk with a Nose", which offers botanical and olfactory hikes between maquis and forests.

Refresh yourself in the rivers and torrents

La

hosts famous bathing spots such as Rosumarinu, where a large pool attracts diving enthusiasts.

Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro

With its steep relief and its streams 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

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

hosts famous bathing 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.

• 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

Sculpted by winds and waves, the rocks of this archipelago stand out against waters oscillating between turquoise and ultramarine blue.

Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro

To discover the splendors 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

departing 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 sailing towards the

, 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

The Domaine de

produces wines in the three colors, vinified largely with native grape varieties.

Claude Cruells / Photo press

We must start by mentioning the winegrowers, who do a wonderful job here.

The

produces wines in the three colors, vinified largely with native grape varieties.

Not far away, the

prides itself on being organic since… 1974. Didier Beltramo produces brocciu and raw milk cheese at Bergeries de Bala.

At Simple et Divine, essential oils of immortelle or myrtle are distilled.

To stock up on good produce, you can also turn to

, like the Sunday morning market 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 you to his breeding of nustrale pigs

  in

  an original way: you criss-cross his farm in a buggy before tasting the homemade charcuterie.

Organize a cultural road trip in Alta-Rocca

The village of

is an ideal base from which to attack the Col de Bavella.

Adobe Stock

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 is in

that you can visit

, which retraces the history of the region through interesting archaeological collections, dating from both the Neolithic period and the Middle Ages.

A few kilometers away, the prehistoric site of

will not fail to please contemplative people with its exceptional natural setting.

The Romanesque church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in

worth a detour for its vegetal or animal ornamentations as well as for its bell tower.

Finally ,

is an ideal base from which to attack the

and have a one-on-one with the famous Aiguilles.

• 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

Located in the south of Corsica,

-

benefits from a strategic position between sea and mountains which makes it a region to discover.

Adobe Stock

During the summer, the old

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, it is the

that attracts all eyes with its flashy yachts, its evening walkers and its crowded terraces.

On the beaches, huts and bars with their feet in the water seduce those who refuse to choose between

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.

L'Orriu,

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

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.

Le Rouf

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 ?

Le Goéland – Casa Santini

is ideally located in the heart of the bay of Porto-Vecchio, a stone's throw from the marina and the citadel.

Hotel Le Goéland / Press photo

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 Goéland

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

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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