Porto Vecchio

Porto Vecchio is an attractive old town sculpted on to a dramatic hilltop, with views across its own deep bay and its small harbour below.

Things to See & Do

• Choose from a myriad of water sports on the numerous sandy beaches 
• The old Genoese walled town of Porto Vecchio still seduces visitors with its picturesque narrow streets and the austerity of its high stone houses that are set within the Citadel's ramparts. Wander the ancient streets, the Borgo, where you can see the enormous twisted tree of the Place de la Republique, the 19th century church of St-Jean Baptiste and the gallery housed within the Bastion di A Funtana Vechju. The streets are dotted with chic boutiques offering designer fashions and the very best local produce in Porto Vecchio and the old town.
• Within a few minutes walk of the old town, Porto Vecchio marina is lined with cafés and is an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely drink during those hot summer evenings.
• Wander the sheltered harbourside of Bonifacio Port and backed by cafe's and restaurants the white cliffs, take a trip from the port  around the Grottes et Falaises (caves and cliffs) or to the Iles de Lavezzis providing the opportunity to view the magnificent coastal rock formations from the sea. Why not take a trip to Sardinia for the day? Take the ferry across, market day at Santa Theresa di Gallura is Thursday.
• Wander the citadel walls and ancient houses of Bonifacio Old Town Haute Ville, also visiting the churches and ramparts with narrow streets full of shops and cafés. See the grain de sable, a massive chunk of limestone cliff that's fallen into the sea, which is the subject of thousands of postcards. You can see this by looking over the wall at the top of the hill in the old town.
• Witness superb views from the clifftop walk. Steps from the old town lead down to a tiny beach from where you can start the walk and visit the marine cemetery at the end – People often visit, as it's full of extraordinarily elaborate mausoleums.
• Walk along the cliffs of Bonifacio to the Pertusato lighthouse and admire the stunning views back towards the town and out over the Straits towards Sardinia.
• Try a round of golf at the magnificent Spérone Golf Course. The 16th hole has a nautical challenge not to be missed and is surely a test for the best, but if you are looking for something a little more relaxing why not catch some sun on Petit Spérone beach (just after the 13th hole).
• Drive inland more than 1200m up to the spectacular Col de Bavella, one of the most dramatic passes in Corsica with stunning views across extensive forest, ocean and mountains. Also visit the surrounding mountain villages in the area. Try canyoning or take a dip in a rock pool in the rivers of the Bavella massif. There are many walks through the forests to the hidden waterfalls of the Alta Rocca, including Piscia di Gallo, or Cockerall falls. A short drive inland from Porto Vecchio will bring you to the Ospedale forest, and some great spots for a picnic.
• Most people love the sleepy little village of Ste Lucie de Tollano, with its grand old granite houses grouped around a picturesque square - la place du monument aux morts - looking over the valley of the Rizzanese River. From here it's only a short distance to the fabulous rock pools at Zoza. The sides of the river have flat rocks which are excellent for sunbathing, and the rock pools along the length of this stretch of the river provide tranquil and crystal-clear (if sometimes a little chilly) water in which to bathe.