If you're planning a holiday but can't decide between north or south Corsica, read on to discover the top things to do in south Corsica – plus the best villas to stay at while you're there.
With its bays of white sand and crystal-clear waters, sophisticated resorts and charming harbour towns, south Corsica (also known as L'Extrême Sud) is the perfect base for your sun-kissed island escape.
From the chic, cosmopolitan resort of Porto Vecchio to the historical fortress town of Bonifacio, and plenty of beautiful beaches in between, south Corsica isn't short of places to see and things to do.
Here are the top ten things to do in south Corsica next summer:
Things to do in south Corsica
1. Beach-hop along the south coast
South Corsica is home to some of the island's best beaches, including the ever-popular Palombaggia beach, the soft white sands of Santa Giulia, situated around 10-15 minutes’ drive from Porto Vecchio, and the long stretch of coastline between Porto Pollo and Campomoro.
Learn more about the beaches of south Corsica >>
Santa Giulia beach
2. Enjoy a romantic meal along Porto Vecchio's picturesque harbourfront
South Corsica's main town, Porto Vecchio, oozes style and sophistication. Explore the shops and hidden boutiques tucked into winding streets, before sampling the classy restaurants that can be found along the marina.
Try ‘Le Bistrot’ for fresh seafood and mouth-watering steak, all served under a canopy of trees.
3. Go on an inland adventure
South Corsica's rugged, mountainous interior has plenty to offer the more adventurous traveller. Within an hour’s drive from Porto Vecchio, you can visit the stunning mountain villages of Zonza and Levie, passing l’Ospedale Lake and some beautiful hiking spots along the way.
Zonza
4. Explore the citadel walls and ancient houses of Bonifacio's old town
Situated at the very tip of the island, Bonifacio is the place to discover the history of south Corsica.
Established in 833 AD, and perched on a limestone cliff, Bonifacio is one of the most spectacular towns in the Mediterranean. The citadel walls and ancient houses appear to rise seamlessly out of sheer cliffs, beneath which you'll find a buzzing port.
5. Walk along the cliffs of Bonifacio
When in Bonifacio, it would be a crime not to soak up the gorgeous sea views. A great route is to walk along the cliffs to Pertusato lighthouse, and admire the stunning views back to the town and out towards Sardinia.
6. Drive the Col de Bavella
Drive inland more than 1,200m up to the spectacular Col de Bavella, just north of Zonza, one of the most dramatic passes in Corsica. Drink in the stunning views across forests, mountains and the ocean as you drive: this is Corsican scenery at its finest.
7. Take a boat to the Lavezzi islands
Situated between Corsica and Sardinia, the Lavezzi islands are pure paradise.
The 10 small islands in the archipelago boast a number of secluded, idyllic beaches and naturally formed pools, housing some of the best diving on the island. They’re perfect for achieving complete relaxation, and are relatively easy to access by boat from Bonifacio.
8. Visit the scenic peninsula of the Iles Sanguinaires
Nicknamed the 'Blood Islands' after their red hue, the Iles Sanguinaires drift about 15km from Ajaccio and can be easily explored via a boat trip.
Best visited at sunset to see them at their most photogenic (and their most red), the islands are a designated reserve for sea birds and other wildlife, and house many plant species not found on the mainland.
9. Explore Corsica's most important prehistoric site: Filitosa
Just 20km north of Propriano stand the extraordinary granite stones that were erected over 6,000 years ago!
Explore this lovely open-air site, wandering across fields and hillsides that hold remnants of ancient monumental enclosures, before finishing in the modern museum.
10. Discover the hilltop village of Sartène
An ancient town perched atop a hill, Sartène is said to be 'the most Corsican of Corsican towns'. A brooding place of strangely tall buildings and narrow, cobbled alleyways, this traditional town is also famous for its local wines which you can experience first-hand!
Come here to take an authentic glimpse into how life used to be lived in rural Corsica.
South Corsica villas
Now you know all the best things to do in south Corsica, you're probably wondering where the best south Corsica villas are.
To help you out, we've gathered together five of our favourite south Corsica villas, all of which are dotted across the south of the island and all are available to book 2022 summer holidays.
Porto Vecchio | Sleeps 12
A former home to a French star…Villa Dalida has kept many of its original features beautifully enhanced with all the modern features you would expect from a private holiday villa. Looking out from the hillside across to the gulf, Dalida focuses on bringing the outside in, with plenty of space for outside and open-plan inside living. With a smart pool area, and six bedrooms and bath/shower rooms this villa is perfect for a Mediterranean family holiday…
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Tarrabuceta | Sleeps 8
For those looking for a tranquil location, look no further – this three-bedroom villa is immersed in verdant countryside close to the remote village of Tarrabuceta, and enjoys close proximity to a number of vineyards in the area.
The far-reaching views stretch as far as the bay of Figari and some of the south’s great beaches are also just a 20 to 25-minute drive away. A perfect location to explore Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio as well as the rugged Alta Rocca mountain range.
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Tarrabucceta | Sleeps 4
Located peacefully between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, this charming and popular bergerie-style property is blessed with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and a private pool.
The stunning beach of Palombaggia is only a 20 minute drive away, and a wide range of restaurants can be found in Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio, just a short drive away.
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Santa Giulia | Sleeps 4
Situated on the heights of Bocca del'Oro, a small residential hamlet south of Porto Vecchio, this property is ideal for families and couples seeking a beautiful base from which to explore the south.
The island's best beaches, Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, are only a short drive away, as is the bustling town of Porto Vecchio.
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Tarrabucceta | Sleeps 4
Such a charming family-oriented villa complete with its own private pool area and some lovely country views. Being situated just 15 minutes from the town, and close to some of the south’s most stunning beaches, its location is hard to beat.
With all of the facilities on one level and a handy outdoor kitchen for some al-fresco dining, Casa di L’Olivu makes for the ideal self-catering holiday in beautiful surroundings that create the perfect Mediterranean holiday.
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A lovely new build property with plenty of Corsican charm and a stunning view from the private pool. Sleeping up to eight people, this is the ideal family villa holiday, with a large open-plan kitchen and plenty of spaces to enjoy family time. The light and airy bedrooms are in wings, allowing privacy for two families of four to enjoy a holiday together. Complete with fantastic facilities, such as dishwasher and washing machine, Villa Piggio Rasello is also just a 10-minute drive to Plage de Furnellu and a short walk from a selection of restaurants in Monacia.
That's not all; we have a huge selection of properties in south Corsica including villas, hotels and apartments. Click the button below to discover our full selection and find your perfect south Corsica holiday today.
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