Discover Porto-Vecchio and the surrounding area
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A trip under the sun in and around Porto-Vecchio!
A trip to Porto-Vecchio is the promise of a holiday at the gateway to paradise. From the citadel, the panorama is indisputable, its charm indescribable! All year round, a stay in the Porto-Vecchio region is an opportunity to experience the art of farniente.
Bona Ghjunta ind'è no' *, in Porto-vecchio!
Day or night, Porto-Vecchio is the destination of choice for a successful vacation. From its heritage to its natural beauty, Porto-Vecchio pleases, seduces, attracts and never disappoints.
Rediscover the picturesque charm of the narrow streets of the upper town, savor an ice cream at La Marine, plunge back into prehistory at Castellu d'Araghju... It's an art of living without equal!
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Corsica's most beautiful beaches in the Porto-Vecchio region
It's impossible to visit the Porto Vecchio region without stopping off at the sublime Bay of Santa Giulia. White sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, all at the foot of a mountain... It's in the heart of this lagoon that the nautical base offers activities for all seasons and for the whole family. A stopover in Santa Giulia is the promise of a dream vacation. The beaches of Palombaggia and Cala Rossa are also not to be missed! The beaches in and around Porto-Vecchio are little bits of paradise on Earth!
Activities, straw huts and turquoise waters... Ready for a breathtaking setting? A promise kept! Each beach has its own atmosphere. Looking for a more intimate, unspoilt and less crowded spot? The Corsicatours team will help you find the perfect beach for your stay!
The Alta Rocca villages and mountains
Travel to the mid-mountain region, in the heart of Corsica. From Zonza to the Aiguilles de Bavella, via the Coscione plateau and l'Ospedale, a breathtaking view of southern Corsica awaits you from the heights. Bathe in the intimacy of the Bavella waterfalls, stroll through the narrow streets of Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano...
It's THE destination for nature lovers! From Bavella, with its village seemingly cut off from the world, you can go hiking or, for a more unusual experience, canyoning!
Back to basics: Bonifacio
Located at the southernmost tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is a place of rare beauty! Spectacular dazzling white cliffs, intimate sea caves, the Roy d'Aragon staircase carved into the rock... A trip to Bonifacio takes you from surprise to surprise in the heart of southern Corsica.
Between nature and tradition, Bonifacio dominates the maritime horizon with its unique charm! If your eyesight isn't failing you, you should be able to see the coastline of our Sardinian neighbor in the distance!
The Lavezzi Islands
Get ready for a grandiose getaway! Thearchipelago of the Lavezzi Islands offers a fresco of 7 islands, each as unique as the next. Among them, theisland of Lavezzu is an atypical setting.
Here you'll find a marine cemetery, a pyramid, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters...
A veritable snorkeling paradise, it's beneath the surface that the action takes place! A world tour in one trip!
When should you visit Porto-Vecchio?
Porto-Vecchio can be discovered in any season, even if you're looking for peace and relaxation during your vacation. In southern Corsica, the weather is a delight for travelers.
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| Air temperature (min-max) | 6-13°C | 6-13°C | 7-15°C | 10-17°C | 13-21°C | 16-26°C | 19-29°C | 19-29°C | 17-26°C | 14-21°C | 10-17°C | 7-14°C |
| Water temperature | 14°C | 13°C | 14°C | 15°C | 17°C | 21°C | 24°C | 25°C | 23°C | 20°C | 17°C | 15°C |
| Rainy days | 6,6j | 6,2j | 6,4j | 6,3j | 4,8j | 2,4j | 1,3j | 1,9j | 5,1j | 7,2j | 8,6j | 7,7j |
| Clear skies | 55 % | 59 % | 59 % | 59 % | 61 % | 74 % | 87 % | 82 % | 67 % | 56 % | 55 % | 57 % |
Local inspiration and tips to enjoy à Porto-Vecchio & Umgebung
Porto-Vecchio: a unique history!
The Republic of Genoa, which dominated Corsica from 1284 to 1729, decided to create Porto-Vecchio in 1539 to improve the island's defense, creating a citadel to the south after having founded Bastia, Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Saint-Florent and Calvi. Porto-Vecchio, a favorite haunt of pirates, got off to a difficult start: the surrounding marshes brought many diseases, and the first Genoese settlers to Porto-Vecchio were decimated by malaria. The citadel was then repopulated with Corsicans, forcibly brought to Porto-Vecchio from all over the island. Gradually, however, the insecurity and unhealthiness of the town took their toll, and the citadel was once again deserted. Throughout the 16ᵉ century, the town of Porto-Vecchio was attacked and pillaged by the Turks. In 1564, the town was also taken by Sampiero Corso, who was determined to fight the invaders and defend the island. Until the 19ᵉ century, the majority of the inhabitants lived mainly in the center of the mountains to escape disease. But at the beginning of the 19th century, transport became more democratic, roads were built, industries appeared and the port was developed: this was the beginning of Porto-Vecchio's tourist and economic development. The marshes that had been the source of disease were drained to make the town healthier. In 1948, alerted by the population and the health services, the Porto-Vecchio area and the southern part of the eastern coast, a major malaria zone, were treated.
The must-sees in Porto-Vecchio!
What to do in Porto Vecchio by night!
Once night has fallen, the town's various venues are alive with festivity and song! Concerts, unmissable evenings at L'Alba, clubbing on the beach or just gazing up at the starry sky... there's plenty to do in Porto Vecchio by night!
The salt marshes of Porto-Vecchio
Situated at the bottom of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, near themouth of the Stabiacciu river, the salt marshes have not been exploited since 2000, although they were once the main activity in Porto-Vecchio, producing 1,000 tons of salt a year, equivalent to 1/5 of Corsica's total consumption. The site is well worth a visit for a glimpse of the region's history, a different view of the town and perhaps a tête-à-tête with pink flamingos and herons. Discover the Porto-Vecchio of yesteryear with an instructive account of the salt marshes, cork production thanks to a night-time guided tour... our advisors will guide you!
Chiappa Lighthouse
At the southern entrance to the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, the Chiappa lighthouse signals the approach to the Bouches de Bonifacio. Commissioned in 1845, it rises 64 meters above sea level and features a square tower of exposed stone, accessible via dirt paths. Eighteen meters high, it is now fully automated. Go there for the breathtaking view of the gulf and mountains!
Prehistoric sites in the Porto-Vecchio region
Visit some of Porto-Vecchio's must-see remains! Castellu d'Araghju: a magnificent view from this 4,000-year-old fortress. The Ceccia site: paths lead to remains dating back to 1350 BC. The sites of Tappa, Cucuruzzu and Capula, all of which will give you the opportunity to take a beautiful walk inland from Corsica.
The Porto-Vecchio cork factory
The history of Porto-Vecchio has been marked by the working of cork. From 1876 to 1975, the Saint Joseph factory produced corks, insulators, agglomerates and floats for fishing nets. Faced with competition from plastic corks, there are only 2 cork makers left in Porto-Vecchio. Today, the former cork factory is a cultural venue hosting plays.
Discover Porto-Vecchio, the island of beauty bathed in an idyllic Mediterranean climate and boasting beautiful beaches, a true paradise for dream vacations in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Our local experts answer your questions!
Choosing between a vacation in Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio in Corsica depends on your interests and what you're looking for in a vacation. Here's an overview of the two destinations to help you decide:
Bonifacio
- Historic old town: Bonifacio is famous for its citadel and old town perched on limestone cliffs.
- Boat trips: Boat trips are popular for exploring the cliffs and sea caves.
- Hiking and Nature: Hiking trails offer spectacular views, including the path to the Pertusato lighthouse.
- Tranquil atmosphere: Bonifacio is often less crowded than Porto-Vecchio, offering a more expansive ambience.
Porto Vecchio
- Magnificent beaches: Known for its superb beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia.
- Lively nightlife: Porto-Vecchio is renowned for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants, ideal for those seeking a more festive atmosphere.
- Water sports: The town is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering sailing, diving and jet-skiing.
- Close to the mountains: The town is also close to the Alta Rocca mountains, offering opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
- Shopping and historic center: Porto-Vecchio's historic center is charming, with cobblestone streets, artisan stores and cafés.
To reach Porto-Vecchio, you can arrive at either Ajaccio international airport or Figari Sud Corse airport. In both cases, you'll need to hire a car to reach Porto-Vecchio. From Ajaccio, it takes 3 hours by car and 25 minutes from Figari. Most mainland cities offer direct return flights to South Corsica in high season. If you decide to go during the low season, the offer is rarer.
If you're coming from the south of mainland France, don't hesitate to opt for the ferry, which runs many times during the summer and beyond! Some shipping companies offer a stopover in Porto-Vecchio, so you can take your own car with you. A luxury not to be underestimated.
Finding the ideal vacation accommodation is no easy task. Star-rated hotels, vacation homes, fully-equipped, simple and comfortable accommodation, all-inclusive packages, including breakfast, or accommodation for several people with a swimming pool? In Porto-Vecchio, there's plenty to choose from. Our team of locals will help you find the right accommodation to suit your needs and wishes.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a solo trip, our advisors are here to help! Close to the beach, near the old port, not far from the citadel... We make your criteria a priority to find the accommodation that will make your nights in Porto-Vecchio an unforgettable dream.
As Porto-Vecchio is Corsica's most popular destination during the summer months, an off-season holiday is the best way to enjoy this magical setting in complete peace and quiet. An off-season vacation in Porto-Vecchio allows you to enjoy more pleasant temperatures (23/25°C in May - June), and as Corsica has surprises in store in every season, you're sure to discover wonders during your stay and enjoy a wonderful experience.
In addition to swimming (Palombaggia beach, Santa Giulia...), kitesurfing and diving, you can also enjoy hiking in the hinterland, such as the Aiguilles de Bavella or the Ospédale forest. Along the beautiful mountain roads, you'll discover unspoilt Corsican nature and the opportunity to meet a variety of Corsican craftsmen in the many mountain villages or at the Sunday market in Porto-Vecchio. A not-to-be-missed opportunity to sample Corsican specialities.
The Corsicatours spirit
Choosing Corsicatours means choosing Corsica. The one we love. Beautiful and proud, intense and serene, traditional and open to the world. Choosing Corsicatours means choosing :
