Villa U Riposu

Set in south-eastern Corsica around 12km north of Porto Vecchio, Villa U Riposu is wonderfully located as guests can choose between lazy days at the pool and exploring nearby beaches or busy days out discovering the charms of historic villages and towns.

You will likely spend quite a lot of time down by Plage de Saint Cyprien and the seaside village which the beach backs on to. This incredibly beautiful bay, just over 5km away, has turquoise water which is calm for swimming as well as soft, white sand making it a perfect beach for the whole family. If you are feeling adventurous you can try out windsurfing, jet skiing or even parachuting over the water or you may prefer the range of summer restaurants either by the beachside or a short stroll away.

There are plenty more beaches you can visit nearby, including the unique Plage de Cala Rossa (8km) with its red-toned sand, surrounded by ancient woodlands and featuring two restaurants. Further south, the breathtaking Palombaggia Beach is also worthy of the 23km drive, one of the island’s most famous beaches – head there early to avoid the summer crowds.  

Though Corsica is known for the beauty of its coastline, visitors should also spend time making the most of the inland walking and hiking routes which offer staggering views – look out for a range of outdoor adventures in the Col de Bavella and Forêt de l'Ospédale. You can even explore Corsica’s rugged interiors by booking on to a 4x4 tour or a leisurely trek on horseback through the maquis covered shrubland.

The largest town in southern Corsica, Porto Vecchio, is a great place to visit. The medieval old town has lots to see, including historic churches and the 16th-century fortress which towers over the town. Visitors can book a guided tour of this fortress, known as the Citadel, where they can explore the vast vaulted hall and turrets with slits for arrows which have seen many battles take place. As well as the historic attractions, the town has lots of shops and restaurants as well as markets which pour into the streets.

The historic town of Bonifacio (40km) is another must-visit during your time in southern Corsica, surrounded by many more idyllic beaches perfect for swimming, long coastal walks and watersports.

A further popular day trip is to take a boat from Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio to the nearby Lavezzi Islands. You can decide between hiring a private boat and skipper or booking tickets for a guided boat tour around these stunning protected islands which often include lunch. On these boat trips you can see unspoilt beaches and traverse the rocky terrain before swimming in the dazzling water.

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.