Porto-Vecchio holidays

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Best things to do in Porto Vecchio

Rated by James Boswell as one of “the most distinguished harbours in Europe”, Porto Vecchio is a fantastic base for exploring Corsica’s southeastern coast; its hilltop citadel has bags of character and myriad shops, restaurants and nightlife options to choose from.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Palombaggia Beach viewpoint: This iconic spot offers breathtaking views–and superb photo opportunities–of the turquoise waters and powdery white sand, the whole ensemble framed by umbrella pines.

• Santa Giulia Bay: A short drive from Porto Vecchio, the views over this crescent-shaped bay with its calm, shallow waters are something else.

The best districts

• The Old Town: Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Porto Vecchio’s historic centre, packed with artisan shops, restaurants and cafés, many with raised terraces overlooking the harbour.

• The Marina: This lively area is the spot for an evening stroll, with a decent selection of seafood restaurants and bars overlooking the yachts.

Historical monuments

• The Citadel: Built in the 16th century, Porto Vecchio’s citadel is a well-preserved reminder of the town’s Genoese past; its ramparts offer excellent views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

• St Jean-Baptiste Church: Located in the heart of the old town, this small but picturesque church is worth a visit for its simplicity and restful atmosphere.

• Casteddu d’Araggiu: One of the island’s best-preserved Bronze Age sites, this fine monument stands on a ledge overlooking the gulf to the north of town.

Day trips in the area

• Bonifacio: Less than an hour away, and enjoying a superbly isolated location at Corsica’s southernmost point, Bonifacio’s old town forms one of the most arresting spectacles in the Mediterranean, and warrants at least a day trip.

• Filitosa menhirs: A short hop over the west coast, these are among the western Mediterranean’s greatest archaeological treasures, unique for their carved faces.

• Alta Rocca mountains: Take time to explore the lush forests, waterfalls and traditional villages of this mountainous region; time permitting, go for a hike.

Activities for families in Porto Vecchio

Families won't be short-changed for things to do on their Porto Vecchio holidays, thanks to a plethora of fantastic activities, mostly of the outdoors variety.

• Beaches: A golden semicircle of sand edged by short, twisted umbrella pines and red rocks, the plage de Palombaggia is south Corsica’s trademark beach and indisputably one of the most beautiful bays in Europe; facilities are excellent for kids too.

• Water sports: Older kids will love trying paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkelling at the local beaches, where equipment rental is widely available.

• Adventure parks: Corsica Park, located near Porto Vecchio, offers zip lines, climbing walls and other thrills and spills, primarily for older kids and teens.

• Boat trips: Hop on a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the marine life of Santa Giulia Bay, or take a family-friendly excursion to the Îles Lavezzi.

Free things to do in Porto Vecchio

You could spend weeks in and around the resort and not worry about having to dip into your wallet too often, with beaches galore and some of the country's most accessible sites to explore.

• Free events: During the summer months, the town hosts free outdoor concerts and cultural events in the main square.

• Beach days: The majority of beaches in and around Porto Vecchio are free to access. Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are particularly popular, with plenty of space to lay down your towel; the only extra costs are likely to be sun loungers and umbrellas.

• Hiking trails: Take to the Sentier des Bruyères, a coastal path offering fantastic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.

• Markets: Wander through the weekly market in Porto Vecchio to soak up the local atmosphere and browse for Corsican delicacies and crafts.

Nature and outdoor activities

Porto Vecchio and its environs are one giant outdoor playground, boasting some of the island’s most stupendous mountains (for hiking and cycling) and beach resorts (for watersports).

• Snorkelling and diving: Discover Corsica’s underwater world, with several diving centres offering trips to explore reefs and shipwrecks.

• Hiking: The Ospedale Forest, just a short drive away, offers plentiful trails, taking in lush pine forests and cool, shimmering lakes.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the scenic coastal roads or venture into the Alta Rocca mountains for a more challenging ride.

• Kayaking: Paddle along the coastline to discover hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Guided tours are available for all levels.

Beaches to explore on your Porto Vecchio holidays

Porto Vecchio is a haven for beach lovers, boasting some of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in Corsica. From pristine white sands to crystal-clear waters, the beaches here are perfect for relaxation, water sports, or simply soaking in the stunning scenery.

• Palombaggia Beach

  Frequently ranked among Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Palombaggia is a true slice of paradise. Its soft, powdery sands are fringed by red granite rocks and shaded by pine trees, creating an idyllic setting. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, making it a popular spot for families and couples.

• Santa Giulia Beach

  A short drive from Porto Vecchio, Santa Giulia is another picture-perfect beach with turquoise waters and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a hotspot for water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling. The beach is lined with cafes and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day here.

• Rondinara Beach

  Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped bay, Rondinara Beach is famed for its calm waters and untouched beauty. The beach’s unique shape provides a sheltered environment, perfect for swimming or picnicking. Its more remote location makes it a quieter option, ideal for those seeking tranquillity.

• Cala Rossa Beach

  For a luxurious beach day, head to Cala Rossa, known for its clear waters and upscale vibe. It’s a great choice for those staying in Porto Vecchio’s nearby luxury resorts or visitors looking to enjoy beachside dining in style.

• Tamaricciu Beach

  Just south of Palombaggia, Tamaricciu offers similar stunning scenery with fewer crowds. Its signature pine tree perched on a rock makes it a popular photo spot, while the shallow waters invite leisurely swims.

With its array of stunning beaches, Porto Vecchio is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind by the sea, explore Corsica’s natural beauty, or indulge in water-based adventures.

Local dishes in Porto Vecchio

It’s the herbs–thyme, marjoram, basil, fennel and rosemary–of the maquis that lend the island’s cuisine its distinctive aromas and it’s a fair bet that you’ll spend a lot of time on your holidays to Porto Vecchio eating fantastic food.

Some typical dishes

• Charcuterie: Corsican cured meats, such as coppa, lonzu and figatellu, are simply delectable. They are often served on sharing platters with local cheeses.

• Civet de Sanglier: The island’s signature dish is a scrumptious wild boar stew slow-cooked with carrots, chestnuts, fennel and lots of red wine.

Meat dishes

• Figatellu: A calorific Corsican sausage made from pork liver and flavoured with garlic and spices, and typically cooked over an open flame.

• Agneau Corse: Corsican lamb, much prized for its tenderness, roasted with rosemary and garlic.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Stufatu di Pezzu: A scrummy fish stew packed with a variety of fish, to which tomatoes, onions and herbs are added.

• Stuffed squid: Tender squid filled with breadcrumbs, garlic and herbs, often served with a tomato-based sauce.

Street food

• Farinata: A savoury chickpea pancake with crispy edges and a delicious custardy centre.

• Bastilles: Salty cakes stuffed with onion, spinach and brocciu cheese, these have a powerful taste.

Sweets and desserts

Canistrelli are Corsican biscuits made with flour, sugar and white wine, and come in various flavours, such as lemon, almond and anise. Fiadone is a local cheesecake made with brocciu cheese, eggs and a touch of lemon zest.

Local drinks

• Corsican wines: Porto Vecchio is surrounded by vineyards producing excellent wines; some of the best are the robust reds and refreshing rosés from the Sciaccarellu and Vermentinu grape varieties.

• Myrtle liqueur: A sweet and aromatic digestif made from Corsican myrtle berries, often enjoyed after a meal.

• Chestnut beer: Unique to Corsica, this craft beer offers a nutty, malty flavour and pairs well with local charcuterie.