Day 1 in Porto-Vecchio

Welcome to the Porto-Vecchio! Upon arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin your afternoon exploring the town. Up in the hills the `old town` is the heart of Porto-Vecchio, a maze of charming stone streets, which are filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The 16th-century citadel has an eventful past, having been destroyed and rebuilt three times. Take a guided tour to retrace the history of the city and its attacks. Wander the network of narrow, meandering streets and pathways to discover the quaint little restaurants (some with breathtaking views over the bay) and shops.

In addition to this, Porto-Vecchio extends down the hillside into a small harbor area, which has a slightly more modern vibe than the rest of the town. Here you`ll find several waterfront restaurants and bars to enjoy. Spend some time enjoying the sunset and spectacular views from the harbor. Then take in the relaxed and chic atmosphere for dinner at one of the marina restaurants while enjoying the exceptional local cuisine.

After a eventful day of exploring the town, head back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 2 in Porto-Vecchio

Start your day off with some breakfast at one of the charming cafes in town before making your way to enjoy some sun and fun at the best beaches on the entire island. You`ll want to get there early because these beaches do get pretty crowded in the peak season.

Plage de Palombaggia is one of the nicest beaches in Corisca! This beach has been classified by UNESCO among the nicest beaches of the world that offers a range of beauty from crystal clear waters, red rocks, white sand and green pine trees. There are plenty of sun loungers to rent on the beach and its popularity actually brings some benefits as it means there`s a beach hut which offers water sports such as paddle boarding and jet skis.

If you walk to the far left side of the beach, the sand will narrow and be replaced by rocks. If you then paddle through the shallow water here and around the back of these rocks, you will reach the `secret cove`. Admittedly, it is a bit of a walk to reach, but this difficulty brings pristine sand, tranquility, calm seas and the perfect spot for snorkeling!

About a mile further south along the coast of Porto-Vecchio lies Santa Giulia Beach. It is a very popular beach and arguably the most photogenic of all the beaches in the southern Corsica. It sits in a magnificent horseshoe bay with its shallow and translucent water making it the perfect swimming spot (especially for children). It is actually pretty similar to Palombaggia in the sense that it offers watersports and has breathtakingly clear water. However, some people may say that Santa Giulia is a bit quieter and more relaxed. Also, there`s a particularly lovely beach bar right on the waterfront. It has a good selection of shops and restaurants and it is also very popular with water sports enthusiasts.

At the north end of the bay, around a 10-minute drive north of Porto Vecchio, Cala Rossa Beach is a beautiful beach with crystal turquoise waters and reddish sand. The beach is backed by lush hillside lined with prestigious villas and provides a majestic view of the mountains from the water. On the main beach, there are two bars providing food and beverages, as well as sun lounges for rent. There is also a sailing school with other water sports available.

Some other superb beaches worth checking out include the San Ciprianu Pinarello and the number of lovely beaches within reach of Bonifacio. You can also find a nudist beach resort at La Chiappa.

After a relaxing day on the beach, head back into town to enjoy one of the delicious restaurants in the heart of Porto-Vecchio. If you wish to continue your evening after dinner there are many nightclubs in Porto-Vecchio which stay open till 4 am.

Day 3 in Porto-Vecchio

On your last day in Porto-Vecchio, we recommend you make a trip into the islands interior, you`ll discover that Corsica is more than just beaches and sea. In fact, two-thirds of the island`s territory is made up of spectacular granite mountains and vast forests which are tied together by numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Within a half an hour from Porto-Vecchio lies the enchanting Ospedale Forests, a walker`s paradise with excellent hiking for all abilities and a great range of outdoor pursuits. You`ll find many clearly marked paths in this vast forest, set amongst pines interspersed with huge granite boulders.

Continuing a few miles further inland you`ll come across the vast lake of the Barrage de l`Ospedale (Dam of Ospedale) a man-made reservoir supplying the Porto-Vecchio with water. Encircled by striking mountains and pines, this is a great stop to take in the views and a perfect photo op! Stop at the Adventure Park (Extrem Sud) by the lake. While here, you will have your choice of canyoning, tree-walking, hiking and Via Ferratas. Quad biking is also available with Corsica Mountain Quad.

Just beyond the Dam of Ospedale you`ll come to the Piscia di Gallo Waterfall, an impressive 197 ft. high waterfall. It requires about a 90 minute scenic hike along a rocky gorge to get to it. The hike is not too demanding but can be wearing in the very hot weather.

There are also many stunning villages in the interior of the island well worth some exploration.

Additional Days in Porto-Vecchio

Should you be able to spend additional days in Porto-Vecchio, we recommend you take a boat trip to discover the amazing waters around Southern Corsica.

Your Last Day in Porto-Vecchio

Depart your hotel for the train station, ferry or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Corsican adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the city of Porto-Vecchio and the Southern area of Corsica.