Maison Paille

Maison Paille is in south-eastern Corsica, only 6km from the much-loved harbour town of Porto Vecchio.

In a partially residential setting, the house is set just off the road that leads all the way to Palombaggia (7km), one of southern Corsica’s most iconic beaches. A short distance from your villa are two upmarket hotels with high-end restaurants (advance reservations are a must), one of which has two Michelin stars.

Plage de Palombaggia (7km) is a fantastic place to spend the day – head there early to secure a car parking spot in the height of the summer. Enjoy summer beachside restaurants, seasonal watersports, diving as well as beautiful sandy shores and crystal-clear water. A little further are the equally wonderful Plage de Tamaricciu (9km) and Santa Giulia (9km) or venture further south towards Bonifacio and the Figari coastline to picture-perfect bays such as Rondinara Beach and Plage de la Tonnara, both around half an hour away.

You are also well located for reaching the heart of Porto Vecchio (6km) with its bustling marina and harbour, historic citadel and a warren of narrow lanes in its old quarter with café and restaurant terraces and little shops. Bonifacio (30km) is another must-visit if you can find the time – its amazing citadel is perched above limestone cliffs with the most incredible sea views.

The dramatic landscapes of Corsica’s interiors also await from the wooded scenery of La Forêt de l'Ospédale to the incredible peaks of the Col de Bavella – both areas are a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts. As you explore the island’s winding roads, come across pretty villages for lunch in traditional Corsican auberges as well as gorgeous rivers (Cavu and Solenzara), rock pools and a range of outdoor adventures from rock-climbing to canyoning and so much more.

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.