La Tortue Rouge

La Tortue Rouge is in south-east Corsica, only 13km from Porto Vecchio and in a perfect position for exploring idyllic sandy beaches as well as the island’s breathtaking mountainous landscapes.

Set in a hamlet of villas, it’s a 1km drive down the hill to the main road that connects you to Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio and towards the north of the island. As well as a bakery and couple of places to eat along this part of road, look out for the delightful market that sometimes takes place by the tourist office, set in the shade of the towering oaks so typical of this area.

This corner of Corsica is home to some of the island’s most famous beaches such as Plage de Pinarellu, Plage de Saint-Cyprien and Cala Rossa, all reached within a 15 to 20-minute drive. In the summer months you can expect to find a range of watersports, boat trips and beautifully positioned beachside restaurants – these are some of Europe’s finest and most stunning beaches and especially popular in July and August.

The harbour town of Porto Vecchio itself is both glitzy and charming whether wandering around its vibrant marina or exploring the heart of the old town, a warren of lanes filled with restaurants, shops and bars. The iconic beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are south of the town whilst boat tours allow you to swim in the crystal-clear sea or experience a range of diving opportunities, perhaps also stopping off at the remote Lavezzi Islands.

Bonifacio (42km) is another incredible gem of southern Corsica with its enchanting citadel perched on its limestone cliffs, again surrounded by wonderful beaches and the well-known 18-hole Golf de Spérone. There are coastal hikes across this part of the island, not to mention horse-riding, rock-climbing and yet more summer watersports.

The dramatic landscapes of Corsica’s interiors should also be explored with scenery that will take your breath away. You’re ideally located for energising walks through the Forêt de l'Ospédale, a forest of pine, oak and beech trees where you will also find outdoor adventures such as quad biking, rock-climbing, zip lines and canyoning. Hike around the reservoir, then towards the waterfall at Piscia di Ghjaddu or visit the enchanting mountain village of L'Ospédale (25km) for lunch in a characterful restaurant with views.

Further north, the Aiguilles de Bavella offers yet more brilliant hikes, natural rock pools and magnificent vistas. Stop off in the picturesque village of Zonza before reaching the rugged landscapes around Col de Bavella where there are a number of fantastic walking trails.

Read more about Southern Corsica

From the family-friendly beaches of Porto Vecchio to the dramatic mountain peaks of the Col de Bavella, the southern region of the Mediterranean’s fourth largest island offers you the diverse landscapes, historic towns and iconic coastline that Corsica is so famous for.

Starting in the south-eastern corner of the island, the coastline is truly impressive with turquoise coloured water and soft sand often backed by beachside restaurants and shady trees. Embrace the scent of salt air and pines at Plage de Pinarellu with its crystal-clear sea or spend the day at Plage de Saint Cyprien famed for its gently-shelving shores and summer watersports. On the other side of Porto Vecchio bay are the two famous beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia – head out early to avoid the many visitors who flock to these photogenic beaches in the height of the summer. Further south, Plage de Rondinara is yet another idyllic bay with shallow clear water and fine white sand.

Experience the glamour of Porto Vecchio, once a historic harbour and citadel, now a vibrant town increasingly loved by jet-setters who appreciate its character and natural beauty. It’s a joy to potter around Porto Vecchio’s old town in the evening with boutiques, bars and a range of restaurants for every taste (seafood, pizzas, salads as well as more traditional Corsican dishes).  

The jewel of southern Corsica is arguably the exquisite town of Bonifacio with its historic citadel perched above dramatic limestone cliffs and the most incredible vistas of the sea. The citadel’s warren of medieval lanes will enchant you and there is a wealth of restaurants to choose from showcasing some of Corsica’s delicious cuisine – imagine lamb and rosemary, wild boar casserole with chestnuts, cannelloni au brocciu and Mediterranean seafood. Boats from the marina whisk you away to the Lavezzi Islands for more serene beauty. Meanwhile, keen golfers will already be familiar with the prestigious Golf de Spérone in a spectacular setting with views towards Sardinia.

Heading towards the south-west of the island, pass the wilder shores of the Figari coastline (Plage de la Tonnara is a  favourite) and venture through the mountainous landscapes of forest, vineyards and olive groves towards the mountain village of Sartène with its charming squares, restaurant terraces and wonderful market on a Saturday morning. Don’t miss pristine bays along the Valinco Gulf such as Campomoro and Porto Pollo as well as the pre-historic menhirs of Filitosa, before eventually arriving into the handsome city of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The rugged interiors of southern Corsica are also not to missed from the pine and beech forests of the Forêt de l'Ospédale near Porto Vecchio to the mountain village of Zonza and the incredible Col de Bavella peaks. Discover walking trails, hiking routes, rock-climbing, canyoning  and other adventures amidst the awe-inspiring scenery of Corse-du-Sud.

Whether you choose a rural bergerie near Porto Vecchio, a more contemporary abode overlooking the sea or a beautiful getaway with mountain views, Oliver’s Travels is proud to offer a range of hand-picked villas in southern Corsica.