Visit Porto-Vecchio and its surroundings

Natural sites near Porto-Vecchio

Take advantage of your vacation in Porto-Vecchio to explore the emblematic sites of the Isle of Beauty.

The salt marshes of Porto-Vecchio

In Corsica, Porto-Vecchio is nicknamed "the city of salt". Until the early 2000s, its salt marshes supplied a third of the island's production. The salt workers have now ceased their activity, but they have left behind a few memories. If you keep your eyes open, you'll see traces of the rails once used by wagons loaded with white gold, an old pumping system and the relics of storage buildings.

Nature has now reclaimed these ten hectares. In the tiled ponds live rose flamingos, seagulls and a few cormorants. But the master of the house is Harris, a grey pelican. Having escaped from a reserve in the south of France, this great wading bird has taken up residence in the salt marshes. Here, he lives happily alongside grey herons and wagtails.

The archaeological site of Tappa

After playing ornithologist, become an archaeologist. Tappa is a fifteen-minute drive from the port of Porto-Vecchio. This wild and little-visited archaeological site is over 4,000 years old. At the top of a hill, you'll discover a "torra", a typical Bronze Age monument and the remains of several dwellings.

The Alta Rocca region

It's impossible to visit Porto-Vecchio and the surrounding area without exploring the Alta Rocca. Bounded by the Bavella and Ospedale massifs and the Cuscionu plateau, the "Haut Rocher" is a condensation of the most beautiful things Corsica has to offer. Forests, waterfalls, villages and beaches await you just thirty minutes from the city of salt.

The Ospedale forest

In the 19th century, the people of Porto-Vecchio, fleeing malaria, came to the mountains in search of pure air. They took refuge at the Ospedale. Today, the hamlet and its forest welcome visitors in search of calm and nature.

Hiking trails criss-cross between laricio pines and beech trees. They are frequented by walkers, but also by mouflons, pigs and a few frogs. One of the routes takes you to the barrage de l'Ospedale at an altitude of almost 1,000 meters. The reservoir forms an artificial lake whose azure blue contrasts with the dark green of the pine forest. But no swimming! The reservoir supplies the entire Porto-Vecchio region.

The Bavella Needles

You've probably heard about them from other travelers on your Marseille Porto-Vecchio crossing. You'll have noticed them as soon as you hit the road leading to the Alta Rocca. The Bavella Needles are the jewel of the region. Indeed, how could you not be drawn to these massive rocky spires? Grey or reddish, they stand out against the blue of the sky and the green of the laricio pines.

But don't just contemplate them from afar! Many hiking trails invite you to observe, from below, these jagged ramparts. Their captivating silhouette tends to steal all attention. Try not to be hypnotized during your excursion. You'd miss out on the mouflons, peregrine falcons and golden eagles that call this place home.

The Trou de la Bombe

Destination the Alta Rocca for a hike among the pines. The Trou de la bombe is an eight-metre wide opening, carved by erosion into the Bavella Needles.

You can reach it by taking a five-kilometre trail. The more adventurous (and better-shod) will try to climb up to the hole and take a few photos. But there's no need to be a daredevil to fully appreciate the walk. This walk, in the heart of the rock walls, offers breathtaking views of the Bavella Needles.

Beaches of Porto-Vecchio

If you've decided to visit Porto-Vecchio, it's undoubtedly for its beaches. Those of the city of salt are among the most beautiful in Corsica.

Palombaggia

Ask any Corsican "What to do in Porto-Vecchio?", they'll almost always reply "Go to Palombaggia". With its translucent waters and white sand, the Palombaggia beach is one of the most renowned on the Isle of Beauty. The shallow waters allow children to swim in complete safety.

Older visitors, take advantage of this calm sea to paddleboard, kayak or snorkel. Beneath the sand and underwater grasses lives a fauna that you'd never suspect when you're on shore. Often all you need is a mask and a little patience to set off and meet striped lizardfish and long-snouted seahorses.

Santa Guilia

Santa Giulia also boasts fine sand and turquoise waters. In summer, lay your towel in the shade of the umbrella pines and swim in the lagoon. Off-season, enjoy the view of the Cerbicale Islands while enjoying a coffee or a plate of Corsican charcuterie in one of the seaside restaurants.

Are you not the type to sit still? You'll find plenty to keep you busy in Santa Giulia. A nautical base offers an introduction to diving, canoeing, water skiing and flyboarding!

Tamaricciu

Located just beyond Palombaggia beach, Tamaricciu beach has nothing to envy its famous neighbor. Here, you'll find the same clear waters and white sand. But Tamaricciu can count on its stone rotunda to set it apart. Crowned by a parasol pine, it has become the symbol of the beach.

Tamaricciu is a haven for swimmers seeking calm and marine life. It doesn't take long for snorkelers to spot wrasses, black-headed sea bream and starfish.

Cala Rossa

Located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, Cala Rossa beach has the feel of the French Riviera. It stretches out in front of luxurious villas built in the 70s. But don't let that fool you! The beach, its fine sand and clear blue waters are open to all.

Unlike other beaches in Porto-Vecchio, the waters at Cala Rossa are deep. Children will often prefer a pedalo boat ride to swimming here.