- Corsica
Porto Vecchio, Corsica
Porto Vecchio is an elegant old town perched high above a natural harbour, with sweeping views across the deep bay and surrounding coastline. Its atmospheric historic centre is a pleasure to explore, with narrow streets, lively squares and cafés tucked between the old stone buildings.
Why visit Porto Vecchio?
- Great for locally run bars and eateries
- A luxurious feel
- A gateway to the beautiful scenery beyond
A small town, packed with big character! Summer evenings can be spent enjoying local wine, charcuterie and strolling down to the marina below.
Beyond the town, the landscape opens into some of Corsica’s most spectacular countryside, with rugged mountains, fragrant maquis and beautiful sandy beaches, making Porto Vecchio an ideal base for exploring the island’s southeast.
What to do in Porto Vecchio
Try a range of water sports
Thanks to the numerous sandy beaches, there are so many choices for water sports, from paddleboarding to scuba diving and kayaking.
Listen to live music
Head to ‘la Taverne du Roi’ tucked away in the citadel, plus many restaurants host a Corsican night once a week featuring local bands.
Visit Lac de l'Ospedale
For walking and beautiful views, even indulge your tastebuds in mountain food at a refuge in the village of Levie.
An in-depth guide to Porto Vecchio
Porto Vecchio has grown around its impressive 16th-century Genoese citadel, perched on a granite outcrop high above the harbour. From the ancient ramparts, restaurants and cafés enjoy sweeping views across the deep blue waters of the bay, while the old town below retains much of the character of the fortress settlement it once was.
At the heart of Porto Vecchio, the atmospheric Borgo is a maze of narrow streets, stone buildings and lively squares. The Place de la République, shaded by its enormous twisted tree, is a natural meeting place, while the old church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Bastion de la Funtana Vechju offer glimpses into the town’s fascinating past. In summer, boutiques, food shops and cafés bring the old town to life, with restaurants and bars particularly lively in the evenings. Keep an ear out, too, for the distinctive low harmonies of Corsica’s celebrated polyphonic singing.
Below the citadel, the marina is one of the finest on the island, filled with yachts and sailing boats. It is an appealing place to spend an afternoon, whether browsing the waterfront, enjoying a leisurely lunch or settling down with an apéritif beneath the shade of a pavement café.
The real draw, however, is the extraordinary coastline surrounding Porto Vecchio. Within a short drive are some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches, many framed by fragrant maquis, pine forest and the mountains of the south.
An in-depth guide to Porto Vecchio, continued
To the north, Cala Rossa is a secluded headland scattered with sandy coves, while nearby San Ciprianu curves gently around a beautiful, shallow bay — particularly well suited to families. Further along the coast, the pretty hamlet of Pinarellu has a selection of shops and restaurants, as well as a long sweep of golden sand and shallow water.
South of Porto Vecchio lies a succession of spectacular beaches. Palombaggia is perhaps the most famous, with brilliant white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and sculpted red rocks, backed by fragrant pine trees and views towards the Cerbicales Islands. Nearby Santa Giulia offers another beautiful stretch of golden sand, with calm, clear waters and a good choice of facilities.
Further south, Rondinara is a wonderfully formed horseshoe bay, where fine white sand shelves gently into turquoise water. Fringed by pine trees and protected natural landscapes, it is one of the most striking beaches on this stretch of Corsica and a perfect place to spend an unhurried day by the sea.