Villa Arburi

Villa Arburi is located in a private domaine less than 2km from southern Corsica’s gorgeous coastline whilst restaurants, shops and the bustling town of Porto Vecchio can be reached easily.  

One of the main attractions for those visiting Corsica are the unrivalled pristine beaches with white sand and shallow waters for swimming. The nearest beach is at Marina di Fiori bay, just less than 2km away next to a private marina. This beach is a lovely, natural sandy beach shaded by trees. There are plenty of other beaches to visit within easy reach, including Grande Plage de Cala Rossa (5km) with its red-coloured sand and rocks, surrounded by woodland. With restaurants next to the beach, you can stay here all day relaxing. 

Another great option is Plage de Saint Cyprien (6km), a breathtaking, vast sandy beach which is one of the finest in the area. Saint Cyprien is also renowned for its water sports - you can try windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and hire kayaks to tour the pretty rocky inlets of the shoreline.

Further south, you should also add a day trip to Plage de Palombaggia (16km) to your itinerary. This incredible bay has been ranked by UNESCO as one of the world’s nicest beaches - get there early to avoid the summer crowds.

If you wish to dine out or shop for groceries, you can find a selection of sea-view restaurants and a supermarket close to the marina, which is just 2km away. There are many more restaurants as well as little shops surrounding Saint Cyprien Beach and if you prefer something more low-key, you can tuck into fresh, locally caught seafood at family-owned restaurants along the seafront.

You will discover a wider range of cafes and restaurants in Porto-Vecchio (5.5km), a lively town filled with street-side cafes where you can enjoy a lazy lunch and little bistros for traditional Corsican cuisine. For example, you can try one of the famous charcuterie boards along with a glass of local wine, delicious Corsican cheese and honey or wild boar accompanied by chestnuts.  

Porto-Vecchio has lots more to see and do in addition to dining out. You can spend a day shopping in charming boutiques or bartering for fresh produce at market stalls. The town has a rich history seen in its architecture which spans centuries. You can admire Roman structures, medieval churches, the old walls and a citadel built in the 16th century by the Genoese to defend the town from pirate attacks and invading armies. These days you do not have to worry about pirate attacks and can enjoy visiting the fortress and wandering the pretty streets at your leisure. From Porto-Vecchio, you can also head out on an enchanting day trip to the nearby protected group of islands called the Lavezzi Islands, which are a haven for wildlife and filled with stunning walking routes and unspoilt beaches. 

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.