Located in a half-residential area near a beautiful hillside village, Maison Tailleur De Pierre offers an idyllic base from which to explore Corsica’s west coast full of craggy granite peaks dense with herbs and centuries-old pine trees.
Nestled in the hills and surrounded by a vast stretch of aromatic pine forest, the nearest village is just a 5-minute drive away if you feel like soaking up its rustic atmosphere. Visit its pretty churches and dine in family-friendly restaurants as you take in the views – which by the way, never get old.
There's no doubt that all you’ll want to do on hot summer days is to stretch your legs in the sand. Luckily, there are a number of sandy spots nearby where you can exist just sea-soaked and sandy-footed. There are several beaches with nice views and restaurants, one of which is accessed by a rocky path with turquoise water, often welcoming visitors on boats and catamarans. A bit further away, Plage LyHaRa is an excellent place for discovering the underwater kingdom – so don some flippers and a mask and glide off into the blue sea. Other prized gems of this stunning coastline that might require a bit of driving include the isolated beach of the Désert des Agriates, Loto Beach, with its white sand and clear water backed by verdant hills, as well as Saleccia Beach defined by a kilometre-long curve of pearl-white sand.
True outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to discover an array of coastal walking trails and paths taking you through rocky cliffs perfect for spotting wildlife and unique flora. The Corsica Natural Regional Park is also a remarkable place located in the middle of the island, and this mountainous nature reserve with around 1500 km of marked walking trails grants visitors with incredible vistas – the sightings of rare mouflons and ospreys are also on the itinerary.
The closest town is a comfortable 10-minute drive away. You can find many restaurants and cafés along the waterfront facing the main Plage de Propriano beach, or venture deeper into the town for more charming lanes, boutiques, markets and casinos too. Just outside the town, discover the tranquil Plage de Capu Laurosu beach boasting panoramic views of mountains and rocky pools with unique formations.
In just one hour by car, you can stroll around Ajaccio, the island’s capital city, a lively place to visit day or night, with exceptional food, wine and shopping guaranteed. Situated on the island’s western coast, it’s also known as the birthplace of French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte. History lovers will want to visit his ancestral home, Maison Bonaparte, which is now a museum displaying family heirlooms, while the baroque, 16th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral, where Napoléon was baptised, contains paintings by Delacroix and Tintoretto.
The Region
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.
