Porto-Vecchio, the beaches and the surroundings
What there is to see around the house, with real distances and the few habits that make all the difference in high season.
The three southern beaches
All three lie along the same road south of Porto-Vecchio, about ten minutes' drive from the house.
Palombaggia
10 min by car
The postcard: pale sand, umbrella pines leaning over the water, large blocks of pink granite. It is also the busiest beach in Corsica in August. Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., or parking becomes an ordeal. Several private paid car parks line the road.
Santa Giulia
10 min by car
A wide enclosed bay with turquoise water that stays shallow for dozens of metres — the family beach for young children. Sailing, paddle and kitesurf schools on site.
Tamaricciu
10 min by car
Just beyond Palombaggia, smaller and more sheltered, with granite slabs dropping straight into the water. Perfect for a mask and snorkel.
Further afield, when you want a break from the beach
Bonifacio
Some thirty kilometres south, the old town perched on its limestone cliffs. Best done early in the morning, or late in the day for the light over the marina.
The Bavella needles
An hour of mountain road inland, and the landscape changes completely: laricio pines, red granite and hiking trails. It is a good ten degrees cooler than the coast.
The Ospedale forest
On the road to Bavella: a reservoir, pine woods and the Piscia di Gallo waterfall. The ideal outing on a scorching day.
Porto-Vecchio market
Charcuterie, cheeses, maquis honey and island vegetables. This is where you shop for the evening barbecue.
Good to know
Getting here
Figari airport is about thirty kilometres away, Ajaccio two and a half hours. Ferries dock at Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. Whatever you choose, book the hire car at the same time as the tickets: in July and August the agencies run dry very early.
Getting around
A car is essential from the house, even to fetch the bread. The roads in the south are narrow and busy from 10 a.m. onwards: leave early and you will save an hour and a parking space.
When to come
June and September offer the same water and the same light, with a third of the traffic. Our end-of-season rates are also considerably gentler than in mid-August.
On site
The activities listed by the owner around the property.
Are your dates free?
Booking goes through the PAP Vacances listing. For a question about the house, the dates or the area, write to us directly — the owner answers in person.