Maison Foret De Pins

In the heights of Palombaggia, a very short drive from southern Corsica’s iconic sandy beach, Maison Forêt De Pins enjoys a wonderful location with stunning sea views, just 10km from Porto Vecchio.

Even though you are just 700m from Plage de Palombaggia as the crow flies, there is no direct access on foot so it is still a short drive to reach this incredible beach – head out early in the height of the summer or enjoy the beach in the evening as the day-trippers head home, after all it is one of the island’s most popular spots. Find summer beachside restaurants, a diving centre, seasonal watersports as well as beautiful sand, pine trees and gently-shelving sea.

A little further along the coast is Plage de Tamaricciu (3km) and Plage de Santa Giulia (11km), two other picture-perfect bays with facilities in the summer months, or drive towards Bonifacio and discover the beauty of Plage de Rondinara (23km). North of Porto Vecchio are other idyllic beaches including Plage de Saint Cyprien and Pinarellu, around a 30 to 40-minute drive, or venture south towards the slightly quieter coastline around Bonifacio and Figari.

Spend time in Porto Vecchio (10km) with its bustling harbour, historic citadel and old town with a wealth of café and restaurant terraces, a delightful place for an evening out. Bonifacio (32km) is another must-see town of southern Corsica, famed for its amazing citadel which sits perched above dramatic limestone cliffs. Within the citadel there are so many brilliant restaurants and little artisan shops as well as incredible sea views.

The interiors of the island also await with the peaks of Col de Bavella, rock pools of the Cavu and Solenzara Rivers and the woodland of La Forêt de l'Ospédale, all best explored on foot – the landscapes of Corsica are a paradise for keen hikers and outdoor adventurists.

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.