The 12 things to do in Porto-Vecchio

Adventure in the "city of salt" in Corsica with our ranking of the 12 essential things to visit in Porto-Vecchio!

At the foot of the Bavella hands, on a large rock, Porto-Vecchio overlooks the bay. With its citadel, Corsica’s third city is a very popular tourist destination on the island thanks to its exceptional heritage and its grandiose landscapes. Conjugating with harmony of sumptuous beaches of pinewoods, ancient Genoese fortifications and a magnificent mountainous hinterland, Porto-Vecchio can only make you succumb. To help you in your stay, Wanderlix has concocted a small guide of the 12 things to visit in Porto-Vecchio!

1. The city of Porto-Vecchio

The ancient town of the homonymous peacock, the old town of Porto-Vecchio retains its picturesque charm. It offers visitors an authentic walk in its narrow streets and squares. But holidaymakers also enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

It houses many places of interest to discover during your visit:

• The marina: with its modern and ecological equipment, it can accommodate a hundred passing boats;
• The salt marshes: She holds her nickname as the “city of salt” of her former salt farms at the mouth of Stabiaccu;
• Casa di Lume: the audiovisual heritage of Corsica is preserved in this regional cinema. There are projections, exhibitions and many meetings.

2. The citadel

The city's flagship tourist site remains its Genoese citadel, a must-see in Porto-Vecchio.

Built by the Genoese in 1542, this true fortress has a worked architecture. There are large lethals, a large arched room leading to a small round courtyard and a swivel.

For travellers, it also offers a multitude of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as places rythmated by local life.

3. The Church of Saint John the Baptist

In the centre of the citadel, the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a superb granite building. It is built on the foundations of a Genoese church dating from the 19th century.

In particular, it has an elegant bell tower reminiscent of that of the village village Quenza, Alta Rocca. Inside, we delight ourselves from the magnificent Christ of the 16th century procession, as well as beautiful stained glass from 1960.

4. ♪ beaches de Porto-Vecchio

By returning to the ancient city, a spectacular panorama awaits you. Borrow paths hiking on the edge of the hot sand and visit the many beaches of the coast of Porto-Vecchio!

The beach of Palombaggia

A small paradise area, the beach of Palombaggia gathers turquoise water and white sand, with on the edge a pine forest parasols. Set in red rocks, this must-see beach in Porto-Vecchio offers a sumptuous view of the Cerbicale Islands.

The beach of Santa Giulia

In the south of Porto-Vecchio, this sandy beach stretches for kilometres. It is one of the best known beaches in South Corsica. To make the most of the bay’s costume atmosphere, stay in one of the local residences!

The beach of Cala Rossa

Close to Porto-Vecchio, Cala-Rossa Beach is renowned for its luxury residences in the 1970s. On the other hand, many beach restaurants come to enjoy your holidays by making you discover the local gastronomy.

The beach of Tamaricciu

Less known than its neighbors, Tamaricciu Beach remains a must-see in Porto-Vecchio. In addition to its white sand and bright turquoise waters, it is distinguished by a dunaire cord planted with oaks, pines and junipers.

5. A boat ride

If you are on the island of beauty, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: the boat rental in Porto-Vecchio ! It is a dream afternoon that will then offer to you...

On the programme you can then admire the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, and understand why this destination has become one of the true must-sees in Corsica. On the outskirts of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio are 8,000 hectares of the Natural Reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio . But this is not all, with a little more time, you will even have the opportunity to access the famous Lavezzi Islands This sublime Corsican archipelago...

6. The tip of the Chiappa

In the southwest of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, the tip of the Chiappa is a beautiful coastal area composed of a multitude of tourist sites.

From the Chiappa semaphore, admire the views of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, its mountainous hinterland, the tip of San Ciprianu and the bay of Stagnolo. But the most famous monument of the tip remains its lighthouse. It signals the approach of mouths of Bonifacio south.

7. Lake Ospedale

At half an hour from Porto-Vecchio and its beaches, the Ospedale is the first small mountain village at 900 m altitude. He owes his name to the former hospital in the area that was once there. A sumptuous forest of 733 hectares is also known as the green lung of Porto-Vecchio.

But the nail of the show is Lake Ospedale and his dam. In order to feed the region in drinking water, swimming is therefore prohibited in the basin. However, you can walk around for a natural parenthesis.

8. The cascade of Piscia di Gallu

In the heart of the Ospedale Forest, the waterfall of Piscia di Gallu or Piscia di Ghjaddu is one of the most frequented natural sites in Corsica.

Easy access, this 80-metre high waterfall is discovered after driving along the Ospedale Dam. In high season, this natural site is very popular with tourists. We advise you to visit the waterfall in early September.

9. Prehistoric sites

Another characteristic of the region of Porto-Vecchio lies in its many prehistoric sites. Here are some unmissable vestiges to visit in Porto-Vecchio:

• The Castellu d’Araghju : this former fortress has a complex architecture. With its ramparts of more than 2 m, it has over 4,000 years overlooked the vast plain that stretches under its feet;
• The site of Ceccia : with its superb vestiges dating from 1350 BC, you can go on a small path in the heart of the village;
• Cucuruzzu and Capula sites: despite a paid entry 5,50€, this double site is worth a visit to its fortress dating from the age of bronze and its medieval fortifications built in the Xth century;
• The site of Tappa: climb to almost 60 m above sea level to discover its treasures and find you facing a circular enclosure around a small village and a huge tower.

10. The nightclub Via Notte

Want to spice up your stay in Porto-Vecchio? Take a tour in a nightclub emblematic of the porto-vecchian nights!

Via Notte is Europe’s largest open-air discotheque. From June to September, she hosts the world's largest DJs: Bob Sinclar, David Guetta, Martin Solveig, Lost Frequencies... All come to make you vibrate the time of a night endiablée under the stars.

11. Water sports

To enjoy the coast and beaches of Porto-Vecchio, nothing like practicing water sports around the corner!

• diving : playing a lot on the influx of visitors, the waters of Porto-Vecchio are very well known for their diverse fauna. Go to meet them during a baptism or an aquatic hike;
• The windsurf: this sensational alternative to surf exploits the sea wind of the coast. Break the generous waves of the coastline at any speed with a monitor;
• The jet ski : explore the coastline from the marina. No boat permit to practice this must-have nautical activity!

12. The specialties of Porto-Vecchio

Finish this guide with a gourmet break! local cuisine gathers fish, charcuterie and pastries. Here are examples of dishes to be enjoyed alone or several:

• The prisuttu: This dry and raw ham, quite flat and coated with fat, is among the flowers of the Corsican charcuterie;
• The denti: whether roasted on braise, fried in fillets or cooked in the oven, this fish is always an exquisite flavour;
• The canistrellu: This dried cake, based on white wine and oil, is used on any occasion.

How to get to Porto-Vecchio?

To reach Porto-Vecchio, several transport options are available.

By ferry

From the south of France, you will have the choice to go by ferry to the island of Corsica:

• From Marseille : from the port of the city, 8 crossings per week are organized to take you to the island. Count on average 11 a.m. to reach Rousse Island, Bastia and Ajaccio;
• From Nice : 5 ferry departures depart daily from the port of Nice to Corsica. You will be able to board with your personal vehicle;
• From Toulon : the port of Toulon is the least frequented of the group. With 6h the boat also accommodates passenger cars.

By plane

However, the most efficient and rapid solution remains the aircraft. We recommend the following two airports:

• L’airport of Ajaccio-Napoléon Bonaparte : it is best served for travellers from Paris ;
• L’aerodrome of Figari-Sud-Corse : closer to Porto-Vecchio, it can accommodate flights from Marseille, Nice and Paris

Depending on your location, adapt your airport choice. If you want to find the most convenient flight offer, do not hesitate to consult a flight comparison like Ulysses .

But one of the best ways to visit Corsica is by car! There is nothing like an authentic road-trip on the territorial roads of the island. Drive under the Corsican sun and discover sublime coves and picturesque villages along the coast. If you have not had the chance to come to Corsica with your personal vehicle, you can still rent a car at the airport!

Where to stay in Porto-Vecchio?

The city of Porto-Vecchio lack of hotels, residences or Airbnb to welcome you during your stay. Whether you’re staying in the old city or in the citadel, you’ll be spoiled for choice. For more information, it is always useful to consult one Compare hotels !

But we also recommend that you stay in the different coastal towns to see the landscape and enjoy a more picturesque atmosphere. We recommend Sotta, Lecci or Palombaggia by the sea.

From now on, play the stars and come and delight you in the paradise environment of Porto-Vecchio!