The town of the big beaches of the south-east, with its Genoese citadel, its gulf and the mountains of the Ospedale and Bavella.
Porto-Vecchio is the third-largest commune in Corsica by population, after Ajaccio and Bastia. In the south-east of the island, between Solenzara and Bonifacio, this seaside resort is known for its beaches: Cala Rossa, Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara. Tourism is not its only business: the gulf has a commercial port and, until 2000, had salt pans.
The area is fertile, but for a long time it was deserted because of malaria, which was rife in the marshes. Even so, the Genoese founded a fortified town here in 1539, which struggled to attract settlers.
Photo : SlimMars 13 / Pexels
The disease held the town back for centuries. It was only after the marshes were drained, following the Second World War, that it began to grow, driven by Jean-Paul de Rocca Serra, mayor from 1950 to 1997. The opening of Figari airport in 1975 turned it into one of the island’s main tourist centres.
Photo : Bernard BINDER / Pexels
Porto-Vecchio is the best base for the far south: the beaches south of the town, Bonifacio and the Lavezzi on one side, the Ospedale forest and the Bavella needles on the other. Keep at least one day for the mountains: it makes a change from the beach, and it is cooler up there. Our guide to south Corsica compares Porto-Vecchio with the other bases in the south, from Ajaccio to Bonifacio, with driving times.
Updated 2 November 2026
The Genoese founded Porto-Vecchio from scratch in 1539 and built its citadel in the years that followed; its bastions look out over the gulf. Listed as a historic monument since 2019, the upper town is easy to explore on foot, from the Genoese gate to the bastion de France, with its lanes, shops and restaurants.
IllustrationBelow the citadel, the Marine area has the marina and the fishing harbour. On the shore of the gulf, the salt pans produced salt until 2000; their basins are still a familiar sight on the way into town.
IllustrationSouth of the town, a long beach of fine sand lined with umbrella pines and red rocks, facing the Cerbicale islands. It is one of the best-known beaches on the island: in summer, arrive early.
IllustrationFurther south, the bay of Santa Giulia is very busy, with its shallow water and water-sports centre. It is equipped for visitors with reduced mobility (Una Piaghja per Tutti label). A few rocks break the surface a few strokes from the beach, enough for a little snorkelling.
IllustrationIn the commune of Bonifacio, the bay of Rondinara almost closes in on itself. The access road is narrow and in summer the car park fills up early. Come before or after the high season and you will have it almost to yourself.
IllustrationOn the north side of the gulf, in the commune of Lecci, the beaches of Cala Rossa and Saint-Cyprien are quieter, with clear water. Further north, in the commune of Zonza, see also Pinarello beach and Fautea beach.
The main sites nearby each have their own page: here is what you need to plan your days.
Photo: SlimMars 13 / PexelsNorth-west of Porto-Vecchio, through the Ospedale forest, the Bavella pass (1,218 m) opens onto jagged peaks, great walls of granite and pines twisted by the wind. The GR20 trail passes through. See our page on the Bavella needles.
Further into the Alta Rocca, this high plateau at an altitude of about 1,500 m, covered in grassland and peat bogs, is shepherd and walking country. See our page on the Coscionu plateau.
Photo: jackmac34 / PixabayTo the south, in the commune of Bonifacio, the Lavezzi archipelago is a nature reserve where you may land only on the beaches and marked paths. Boats leave for the islands from Porto-Vecchio and Santa Giulia. See our page on the Lavezzi islands.
Into the mountains by 4x4 or out to sea to the Lavezzi: the most popular trips leave from Porto-Vecchio or Santa Giulia.
A day in the mountains, from the Ospedale forest to the Bavella needles, with a guide.
The tracks of the high plateau and the villages of the Alta Rocca.
A day at sea, with stops for a swim in the reserve.
A half-day trip combining the islands with the view of the clifftop town.
A first dive in the nature reserve, opposite Palombaggia.
Two hours in the bay of Porto Novu, with Corsican aperitifs on board.
Prices and ratings checked on GetYourGuide in October 2026.
The choice is between the town, lively in the evening, and the beaches, quieter but where a car is essential.
Inside the citadel, close to the restaurants and the evening bustle. Little parking.
In summer, the upper town is packed: ask your accommodation where to leave the car. The lanes are best explored on foot, from the Genoese gate to the bastion de France.
Photo: arnaud audoin / PexelsOn the port, below the upper town, convenient if you arrive by ferry.
The upper town and its restaurants are within walking distance, uphill. On the shore of the gulf, the pools of the old salt pans mark the entrance to the town.
Between the town and the beach, quiet among the pines. A car is essential. See also our beach guide.
In summer, Palombaggia fills up early: staying nearby lets you get there before the crowds. Expect to pay for parking near some beaches.
On the bay, for families and water sports. See also our beach guide.
Boats leave from here for the Lavezzi. The centre of Porto-Vecchio is about a quarter of an hour away by car, outside summer and without stopping.
On the north side of the gulf, more residential and quieter.
Both beaches, with their clear water, are in the commune of Lecci. Allow about half an hour to the centre of Porto-Vecchio, outside summer and without stopping.
Up in the forest, for cooler air in midsummer.
If you prefer to camp, our camping in Corsica page lists 4 rated campsites around Porto-Vecchio.
All places to stay in Porto-Vecchio→
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The nearest airport is Figari Sud Corse, 22 km away. The Communauté de communes du Sud Corse (the local council group) runs a shuttle bus all year between the airport and the Porto-Vecchio bus station, taking about 30 minutes. See flying to Corsica.
Porto-Vecchio has its own ferry port: La Méridionale from Marseille and Corsica Ferries from Toulon and Nice, overnight. See the ferry crossing.
Porto-Vecchio no longer has a railway. Via Corsica coaches C1 and C5 link it with Ajaccio, and the C10 with Bastia on certain days. See getting around Corsica.
In summer, the upper town and the big beaches are packed: arrive early in the morning, and expect to pay for parking near some beaches.
July and August are the hottest and busiest months: the beaches are overrun. June and September bring a warm sea and more space. See when to go to Corsica.
Three days for the town and the beaches, a week if you add Bavella, the Lavezzi and Bonifacio, half an hour away by road (outside summer and without stops).
Office de tourisme intercommunal de Porto-Vecchio. Tel. 04 95 70 09 58. Website: portovecchio-tourisme.corsica.
