Villa De La Vue Moderne is ideally nestled in a semi-rural setting surrounded by maquis and other holiday villas, super-close to Corsica’s south-eastern coastline. As with the rest of the island, this area is characterised by long sandy beaches and sleepy fishing villages, making this a brilliant place to stay with friends or family.
There are many reasons why people love flocking to this sunny Mediterranean island, and its abundance of sweeping beaches and untouched nature is undoubtedly one of them. If you don’t mind the walk, stroll to the shores of a nearby beach for a refreshing dip in the azure sea. There’s also a restaurant with dining tables spread out at the front in the sand, as well as sun beds for hire and plenty of shade underneath the trees. A bit further away by car, Saint Cyprien is a breath-taking bay with lots of space for unwinding on a sun lounger, clear and shallow water for taking a swim as well as seasonal water sports on offer. Here you can spend the day snorkelling around the rocks and cliffs steeped deep in the water.
Less than a 30-minute drive away from the property, you can reach Porto Vecchio – a port town with a large, thriving harbour and all the shops and eateries you could need. This charming town was initially a Roman town which was later settled by the Genoese – a past that has reflected on Porto Vecchio’s old town, lined with mostly medieval buildings and dominated by a 16th-century Genoese citadel which offers breath-taking views of the marina below. Many of the town’s narrow lanes winding up to the hilltop fortress are lined with shops and boutiques great for buying souvenirs. In the newer part of town, you can spend the afternoon pottering around the artisan shops and picking up fresh produce at the markets before dining at one of the ambient restaurants.
A bit further away on the southern tip of the island, Bonifacio is known for its lively marina and plenty of historic monuments such as its mediaeval clifftop citadel. In addition, the 13th-century Bastion de l’Etendard houses a small museum with exhibits on the town’s history. If you fancy a scenic walk, discover the path of L’Escalier du Roi d’Aragon – a steep, narrow rock staircase made from 187 ancient steps carved into a cliff face leading down to the sea, offering unique ocean views and a chance for one-of-a-king holiday photos. Alternatively, hop on a boat to discover the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve, which have granite boulders and uninterrupted sandy beaches offering a tranquil atmosphere.
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.
