Villa Les Arbousiers

Positioned between the breathtaking Palombaggia Beach and the unique terrain of the Corsican maquis, you will find Villa Les Arbousiers sitting on expansive grounds overlooking the sea.   

Perched above one of the roads leading to the famous beach, you can reach Plage de Palombaggia and its seasonal beachside restaurants on foot in less than 1km. This incredible bay is known to be one of Corsica’s finest and is ranked by UNESCO as one of the nicest beaches in the world! You are sure to want to spend plenty of time here unwinding in the sun and swimming in the shallow, clear waters. Although parts of the beach can get very busy in the summer, if you walk a little further you can usually find quieter spots with staggering views of the bay. If you enjoy snorkelling, bring your mask and snorkel to get up close with the underwater plants and sea life that thrive amongst the inlets and the red stones.

Iconic Plage de Santa Giulia is 10km by car or for a change of scene, head north to Plage de Saint Cyprien (20km) for more beachside restaurants and watersports. It's yet another beautiful beach with an array of activities on offer, such as water skiing and kayak hire. This beach also has a lovely selection of bars and restaurants, so it is a great place to spend an entire day.

Aside from the coastline, Corsica has plenty more to see inland, such as the L'Ospédale Forest, 27km away. This enchanting place is filled with hiking routes through ancient woodlands, passing waterfalls and a large lake. While here, you can go quad biking, rock climbing or simply pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely stroll up to the historic hilltop village of Ospedale.  

If you wish to spend a day in a busy town and do some shopping, then drive to Porto-Vecchio, 10km away. Here you can explore the pretty streets, visit independent boutiques and barter at the market. When it is time for lunch, you could try the fresh seafood down at the harbour or enjoy brunch and a few drinks al-fresco. As well as having a wide range of shops and restaurants, Port-Vecchio is steeped in history. The town changed hands between Genoese and French rule over time, so it is topped by a Genoese Citadel built in 1539. This fortress protected the area from invaders and pirates over the centuries though it was destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly after battles. Visitors can now see the building on a guided tour. Also, in the atmospheric old town, you can wander around and see medieval churches such as the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix.

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.