Corsica is known as the ‘‘Île de Beauté’ with good reason, with hundreds of white sandy beaches and coves, cascading streams and waterfalls, fresh water pools and beautiful villages in the spectacular mountains. Villa U Tramontu is located in the bay of Ajaccio, one of the most attractive parts of the Corsican coastline.
Just 45 minutes south of Ajaccio Airport (35km), on the Cap de La Castagne, this villa enjoys extraordinary sea-views and magical sunsets. The villa is in a privately accessed residential area with other attractive villas dotted around, each one with their own privacy facing the sea and mountains. The area is quiet, yet there is plenty to do nearby if you wish to get out and explore. On a clear day you can see some of Corsica’s highest peaks, including Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica.
You can walk about 300m down to some rocks which you can swim from or the lovely Portigliolo beach (3.5km) is just five minutes by car, with a great year round watersports instructor plus equipment and boat hire. The idyllic Mare e Sole beach (9km), perfectly sheltered from the wind, is ideal for paddling and swimming in the clear blue waters. All along this scenic coastline you will find wonderful white sandy beaches, some only accessible by boat or foot. This region is very popular with hikers, there are some wonderful walks to suit all abilities.
Dine at Chez Mico (3km) with its lovely garden and tennis courts, a particularly nice place for families with its relaxed atmosphere or head up the coast to the famous La Bergerie (12km) for refined cooking in a sublime setting. There are also stunning fish restaurants right on the beach in this area, again often only accessible by foot, boat or 4x4 where you are rewarded by amazing fresh food in idyllic settings.
There is a mini-market within a few minutes by car or you can head up to the seaside resort of Porticcio (18km) for a greater choice of shops and larger supermarkets.
Head north to visit the island’s capital, Ajaccio (30km) in just over an hour and visit the city’s art galleries, markets, fantastic restaurants and hang out in the wide-open squares facing the sea. This is of course the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and you can visit his childhood home. If you are feeling really adventurous you can take the charming train from Ajaccio to Corte for the day, passing incredible scenery as it winds through the forests and mountains, a spectacular and relaxing way to see the interior of this amazing island.
Alternatively, following the winding roads south to discover some beautiful villages such as Olmeto (42km) with its timeless charm and mountain scenery or Sartène (55km), a picturesque and unspoilt town steeped in tradition with a fascinating history, wonderful wines and more spectacular valley views.
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.
