Southern Corsica

Among the most beautiful beaches and calanques in Southern Corsica, we recommend:

• Piana and its splendid calanques listed as a World Heritage site
• Santa Giulia beach
• Palombaggia beach

Beaches welcome many tourists in summer in Southern Corsica: pinewoods, fine sand and turquoise waters conjure up exotic places. In June and September, however, the atmosphere is calmer and the water temperature is just as pleasant.

Must-visit in Southern Corsica

Southern Corsica is full of towns, villages and places in which the Corsican soul shines through, but also numerous exceptional natural sites.

Southern Corsican towns to visit

Propriano

To reach Propriano from Marseille, you can board a ship from the La Méridionale fleet. The church of Notre Dame de la Miséricorde dominates the town. Recently renovated, it boasts a splendid, brightly-colored interior. On the forecourt you can then take time to admire a superb panorama of Propriano's rooftops and the sea.

A few kilometers from Propriano lies the magnificent Bay of Campomoro with its fine sandy beach with clear waters and surrounded by luxurious nature.

The port of Propriano is an excellent starting point for boat trips, notably to the Gulf of Valinco or the Sanguinaires Islands.

Ajaccio

Time now to visit the capital of Corsica: Ajaccio.
It was also here that Napoleon was born, which is why numerous monuments to the Emperor's glory dot the town.

Ajaccio's marine cemetery is a true architectural gem. Built like a city, it houses numerous mausoleums adorned with imposing sculptures.

Porto-Vecchio

Porto-Vecchio is an ancient Genoese citadel that exploited the surrounding salt marshes, hence its name "City of Salt". After strolling through the old town, continue your walk to the Chiappa lighthouse, which offers an outstanding view over the sea.

Bonifacio

We no longer need to introduce Bonifacio, the town perched on limestone cliffs. The old town is very interesting to visit and we recommend you make a small detour to visit its marine cemetery "Campu Santu" one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

Another curiosity: the Aragon staircase and its 187 steps carved into the limestone of the cliffs.

Lavezzi Islands

To reach the Lavezzi Islands, an archipelago of 8 islands, head to Bonifacio to catch the shuttle boat. Lavezzu is the ultimate paradise island, with its turquoise-water beaches and creeks. Numerous trails provide access to the lighthouse and the ruins of the Santa Maria Chapel.

Sanguinaires Islands

Near Ajaccio lies the archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands, a classified Natura 2000 site. It comprises 4 isles offering an exceptionally rich fauna and flora. The Parata peninsula is famous for its Genoese tower dating from the 16th century.
Then follow the Gulf of Ajaccio to the island of Mezzu Mare, where you can admire the Alphonse Daudet lighthouse and take time to admire the islands, which turn red at sunset.

Les Aiguilles de Bavella

Just 30 minutes from Porto-Vecchio you'll find Les Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles).

This site, part of the Corsica Regional Naturel Park, makes for great family hiking. Wait until sunset to see the grey needles adorned in red hues.
 

Piana calanques

Not far from Ajaccio, in the Gulfe of Porto lie the magnificent Piana calanques.

Numerous trails allow you to stroll through the calanques and admire splendid landscapes such as the "Heart" of the calanques of Piana.

The Scandola Nature Reserve

The Scandola Nature Reserve, listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is only accessible by boat.

Let yourself be carried by the waves and admire the caves and sculptures shaped by nature. If you're looking for a family hike, take the "Chemin du facteur" (the postman's trail).