Visit Corsica and its eastern coastline, beaches and seaside resorts: here’s an overview of the best places to stay in Porto-Vecchio!
Corsica, Pisan from the 11th to the 13th century and Genoese for almost 500 years from 1299 to 1768, was strongly influenced by Tuscan and Italian culture: it has only been French for 250 years. Porto Vecchio means « old port » in Italian, so the Genoese didn’t go out of their way to found this town. Located in the south-east of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio – nicknamed « the city of salt » – is the third most populous town in France. – is the island’s third most populous town, with 11,826 inhabitants (2015). Sitting on the Ospedale and Cagna hills, the town is anchored by the Tyrrhenian Sea and is the largest city in southern Corsica. Most people come to Porto-Vecchio for its splendid beaches (Cala Rossa, Palombaggia, Santa Giulia), but the city has other faces and charms to offer. Looking for a place to stay in Porto-Vecchio? Founded by the Greeks of Syracuse (now Sicily) around the 6th century BC, Porto-Vecchio attracts thousands of tourists every year. Here’s where to stay in Porto-Vecchio.
The port
Photo credit: Flickr – jean françois bonachera
Close to the Quai Pascal Paoli – an emblematic figure who fought against Genoa for Corsican independence before it became part of France – and on the Quai de Syracuse, you’ll find the Porto-Vecchio harbor, where ferries from Civitavecchia, Naples and Marseille dock, and the marina. Why choose the port for accommodation in Porto-Vecchio? From the quayside, you have a splendid view of the heights of the town, where the Genoese Citadel has stood since the 16th century. The marina is the perfect place to relax in summer, with bars, ice-cream parlors and restaurants that sell out during the summer season. It’s a lively place to stroll.
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The Citadel
Photo credit: Flickr – Patrick Nouhailler
Almost 500 years old, the Citadelle was built by the Genoese in 1539 – although the walls date back to 1589 – to protect the city from outside aggression, and features five bastions and a landmark monument: the Porte Génoise. The Citadel overlooks the sea and the surrounding Corsican mountains. Place de la République is the town’s central square, surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants. During the day, the shops keep their customers busy – sometimes until midnight in summer – while in the evening, an entirely different category of people fill the alleyways: night owls on the lookout for wine bars, lounge bars, traditional bars where you can listen to Corsican polyphony and discos where you can dance the night away. The old town can be reached by walking up the Porte Génoise, where a unique architectural heritage is revealed to passers-by. As this is a very touristy area, there are of course several hotels where you can stay at La Citadelle.
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Palombaggia
Photo credit: Flickr – jean françois bonachera
Situated between the villages of Bocca dell’Oro and Piccovaggia, the famous Palombaggia beach offers crystal-clear, warm waters in summer, fine sand, a tropical beach setting and (alas) a large number of tourists: the sublime beach can be literally overrun by summer visitors. It’s an idyllic place to stay close to Porto-Vecchio, strolling along the red rocks dominated by umbrella pines: Palombaggia is reputed to be one of Corsica’s most beautiful wild beaches. Along the way, you’ll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the mountains and the turquoise-green sea. Then on to Santa Giulia beach, the other must-see. Numerous hotels and apartments where you can stay in Palombaggia can be found along the coast and roads.
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Main photo credit: Flickr – Pascal POGGI