Porto-Vecchio

Porto-Vecchio, in southern Corsica, is known for its fortified old town overlooking the gulf and for a hinterland made for walking, taking in the Ospedale, the Bavella pass and the Coscione plateau. The natural pools of Cavu, reached on foot or explored by canyoning, are among the area's must-see spots, alongside the beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Rondinara bay, prized for their turquoise waters and fine sand. A full-day boat trip allows visitors to reach the Lavezzi islands and Bonifacio, famous for its citadel perched atop limestone cliffs. The nearby salt marshes add to this classic stretch of southern Corsican coastline. In the evening, Porto-Vecchio's old town comes alive around its narrow streets and central square, where you can stop for an ice cream at the parlour just before the church. For a simpler daytime break, the Mama Giulia food truck, based in Lecci, serves fresh, homemade dishes at reasonable prices. Between beaches, wild coves and hilltop villages, the region offers a fine sample of Corsica's most iconic landscapes.