In the surrounding area
What to do during a holiday in Porto-Vecchio?
Southern Corsica reveals all its treasures from the Chiar' Di Luna residence. Explore Bonifacio and its cliffs, hike in the Aiguilles de Bavella, discover Zonza and Sartène, relax on the beaches of Saint-Cyprien, Palombaggia or Santa Giulia and soak up the atmosphere in Porto-Vecchio, the tourist capital. A comprehensive stay combining history, nature and heavenly beaches.
Explore Porto-Vecchio
With its heavenly beaches, this is the tourist capital of Corsica. Nicknamed the "city of salt", it is also the third most populous town in Corsica and benefits from a perfect location between the sea and the mountains where life is enjoyed to the fullest. The walls of a 16th-century Genoese citadel serve as the backdrop to the old town, packed full of cultural and tourist activities all year round. Not far away, you can discover the bay of U Benedettu with its small beach nestled at the far end of the peninsula of the same name, protected by a Roman oppidum. To the south-east, on the peninsula of Chiappa, stands a lighthouse which will allow you to admire and gaze upon the beauty of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio and its beaches.
Discover Bonifacio
Bonifacio more than stands up to the beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio! Located at the southern tip of Corsica and 18 kilometres from Sardinia, with incredible views, Bonifacio is a world-renowned town with its rich historic past and Genoese citadel. Enclosed in its fortifications and perched atop a cliff, the old town is the most impressive district, with its old picturesque houses and their decorated facades. Here, you can climb the King of Aragon's staircase, 187 steps carved by man into the cliff, making it possible to reach the sea from the citadel or visit the 12th-century "Bastion de l'Étendard" which houses a museum tracing the town's history. Below, a harbour with turquoise waters welcomes boats and hosts the town's tourist and summer entertainment. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Bonifacio, you'll be able to admire beautiful creeks with fine sand, like those of Rondinara or Tonnara.
Climb the Aiguilles de Bavella
From the Chiar' Di Luna residence, you'll very easily be able to access the most beautiful sites of Southern Corsica: the Bavella mountain pass and its mountain walks, the Zonza river and its waterfalls, and much more. Just one hour away, passing through Porto-Vecchio and the Ospedale forest, against the beautiful backdrop of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, you'll arrive at the incredible Aiguilles de Bavella. Ideally located in the mountain range of the Corsican regional nature park, the Aiguilles present their stunning forms and colours, from red to grey, all dotted with immense forests. Meanwhile, from the Bavella mountain pass, located at an altitude of 1,243 metres, you can set off on hiking paths like the famous "trou à bombe" or the Leccia Cross.
Visit Zonza
Located in the heart of the Alta Rocca, the village of Zonza offers a panoramic view of the Aiguilles of Bavella and the Incudine mountain range, reaching a peak of 2,134 metres. A favourite seaside resort, Zonza enjoys an exceptional geographic location where the mountain and sea come together in perfect harmony. On the heights of the village, you'll discover old granite houses built on rocky blocks overlooking the Asinao valley, in the heart of the green chestnut trees, pines and oaks. A wilder landscape than the beaches of Porto-Vecchio, that's sure to leave its mark!
Go for a stroll in Sartène
Moving away from the incredible beaches of Porto-Vecchio … Head off the beaten track and discover "The most Corsican town of Corsica", according to Mérimée. Founded by the Genoese, you can admire the town's fortifications with the old A Scaledda bridge, the Place Porta, the Echauguette tower, the Governors' Palace and the old town. Outside the town, discover the village of Tizzano, the Genoese bridge over the Rizzanese, the famous Roccapina pink-granite lion and the Cauria plateau with its line of menhirs and dolmens.
Set sail for the Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands and their thousands of islets and reefs form an archipelago emerging 4 kilometres off the Pointe de Spérone. This archipelago, listed as a nature reserve, is accessible by boat from Bonifacio. Only the Island of Cavallo is inhabited. The archipelago enjoys an incredible setting with its inhabited creeks and dreamy beaches. You'll feel as though you've stepped into another world with its granite islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters – just don't forget your snorkelling mask for an incredible swim among the fish.
Relax in the Gulf of Pinarello
The Gulf of Pinarello is a little corner of paradise, home to a small and picturesque fishing village – originally founded by the Genoese – with white-sand beaches shaded by stone pines like that of Ruscana, bearing the name of "the white island". Highly appreciated among pleasure boaters for its beautiful coast, the village of Pinarello is abuzz with life day and night, offering a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. At the far end of this gulf, you'll appreciate the Island of Pinarello as the perfect backdrop, with its 16th-century square tower.
Bath at Saint-Cyprien beach
Between beach and lake, this small gulf shelters a magnificent beach bordered by the Arasu lake. A Genoese tower dominates the site, while various ruins have been discovered near the mouth of the Osu. White sand, turquoise water with ever-changing reflections and purple rocks offer up a veritable palette of colours to amaze the eyes. This beach near Porto-Vecchio is recommended for children thanks to the warmth of its waters, its progressive depth and its various seaside activities. The small village offers a host of activities for the perfect holiday with family or your partner. Nearby, you'll discover the bay of Cala Rossa, with its palette of green and blue, against the backdrop of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
Unwind on Palombaggia beach
Palombaggia is a beach in Porto-Vecchio and the most well-known in Corsica. A real wonder, this white-sand beach extends over 1.5 kilometres and offers an incredible view of the Cerbiale Islands. Made up of several creeks and small dunes lined with stone pines, this little paradise with shallow, crystal-clear water is a real playground for children thanks to its tranquillity and water activities.
Decompress on Santa Giulia beach
To the south of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio lies the bay of Santa Giulia and its lagoon, with its remarkable seabed and turquoise waters. It is home to the most beautiful beaches near Porto-Vecchio. Also known as the "pearl of the south", its sheltered gulf offers several white-sand beaches where rocks and stone pines come together, guaranteeing perfect tranquillity for visitors. To the north of the bay of Santa Guilia, you'll find the Santa Giulia harbour with the little beach of Petraggione.