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.
