Villa Coccinelle enjoys a privileged setting just outside the beautiful town of Bonifacio in southern Corsica, within walking distance down a narrow road to the harbour. The nearest airport is Figari whilst ferries arrive from mainland France or Italy into Porto Vecchio, Propriano or Ajaccio/Bastia.
Just walk down the country road (no pavement) and within a few minutes you will find a good sized supermarket. Continue on to Bonifacio’s marina, around 1km from your villa, and stop off for a coffee, apéritif or ice-cream as you watch yachts and fishing boats sail by. Seafood restaurants line the waterside with gorgeous views. Look out for seasonal boat tours of the southern Corsica coastline alongside ferries to the remote Lavezzi Islands (and Sardinia).
Climb up to Bonifacio’s medieval citadel perched above a limestone promontory and be enchanted by the warren of narrow lanes and glimpses of the sea. Little restaurants serving authentic Corsican fare spill out on to the streets – sample chestnuts, wild boar, brocciu cheese and other gastronomic delights of the island. The most energetic can walk down the steep steps, L’Escalier du Roy d'Aragon, towards the sea (check opening times).
Some of southern Corsica’s most idyllic beaches are within a short drive such as Bonifacio’s Plage du Grand Sperone (6km), close to the prestigious 18-hole golf course, and Plage de la Tonnara (10km) towards the Figari coastline. The pristine bays of Porto Vecchio (Santa Giulia and Palombaggia, for example) are around half an hour by car whilst Suartone’s Plage de Rondinara is another picture-perfect beach to consider.
Experience the glamour of Porto Vecchio (28km) with its old town and harbour, or drive north towards the picturesque mountain village of Sartène (52km), known for its outstanding natural beauty and excellent wines.
Meanwhile, explore the island’s rugged interiors as you venture towards Quenza and Aiguilles de Bavella (75km), a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventurists. Slightly closer to home, discover hiking trails and more magnificent scenery around Forêt de l'Ospédale, just under an hour away by car.
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.
