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    Porto-Vecchio

    France

    Porto-Vecchio

    City

    This stylish seaside resort in southern Corsica is known for its chic marinas, the charming upper town, and proximity to the island's most beautiful beaches.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Corsica
    9. Porto-Vecchio
    This stylish seaside resort in southern Corsica is known for its chic marinas, the charming upper town, and proximity to the island's most beautiful beaches.

    Sights in Porto-Vecchio

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Azur Évasion - location de bateaux sur le port de Porto Vecchio ouvert de Mai à Octobre

    1Azur Évasion - location de bateaux sur le port de Porto Vecchio ouvert de Mai à Octobre

    Azur Évasion is a boat rental in the port of Porto-Vecchio, open from May to October. With rented boats, you can reach the bays and beaches south of the city, such as Palombaggia or Santa Giulia, from the water. Our Tip: Find out beforehand about licensing requirements, weather, and rules in protected areas, for instance around the Lavezzi Islands. In summer, it's best to book early.
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    Crique « isolée »

    2Crique « isolée »

    This small cove on the coast east of Porto-Vecchio is less visited than the area's main beaches. Clear water and Macchia define the area; there are no facilities. Our tip: Bring water and provisions and come early morning or late afternoon, when it's quietest.
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    Marais du Benedettu

    3Marais du Benedettu

    The Marais du Benedettu is a protected wetland on the coast north of Porto-Vecchio. Lagoons, salt marshes, and maquis provide habitat for waterfowl; the area is also a resting place for migratory birds. You can explore the landscape on its trails. A practical tip: For birdwatching, early mornings and late afternoons are best; binoculars are worthwhile.
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    Panorama de Punta d'a Rena

    4Panorama de Punta d'a Rena

    From the viewpoint at Punta d'a Rena, you gaze across the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, the Old Town with its citadel, the harbour, and the mountains in the background. If you're lucky, you'll spot ferries and sailboats entering and leaving. Our Tip: In the early morning, warm light bathes the bay and it's still peaceful.
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    Citadelle de Porto-Vecchio - Citadedda di Portivechju

    5Citadelle de Porto-Vecchio - Citadedda di Portivechju

    The Citadel of Porto-Vecchio, in Corsican *Citadedda di Portivechju*, stands on a hill above the Gulf. The Genoese founded the fortified town in 1539 to secure the bay against pirate attacks. Parts of the walls, the Bastion de France and the Porte Génoise, the old city gate, are preserved. Within the walls lies the old town with narrow streets, shops, cafés, and restaurants around the Place de la République. From the walls, you look out over the harbour, the salt pans, and the Gulf.Practical Tip: Early morning or late afternoon offers the most beautiful light and is quieter. You get a good view of the walls and harbour near the Bastion de France.
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    City walks in Porto-Vecchio

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Historic Heights & Harbor Breeze: A Walk Through Porto-Vecchio

    Discover Porto-Vecchio on a leisurely walk that leads you from the lively old town on the hills down to the charming harbor. Enjoy breathtaking views, historic lanes and the maritime flair of the Corsican coastal town.

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    Stops (6)

    Food & Beverages

    Stella Marina

    Restaurant in 1 Rue Pasteur.
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    Daniel Pizza Porto-Vecchio

    Restaurant in La Matonara - Rue Giudice di Cinarca.
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    Beth Habad Porto Vecchio Centre Cacher/Kasher

    Restaurant in 1 Rue de la Bcr.
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    Restaurant Furana Porto Vecchio

    Korsische Gerichte in einem gehobenen Restaurant mit Blick auf den Golf von Pinarellu von der Terrasse.
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    La Terrasse du Shegara

    Restaurant in Av. Georges Pompidou.
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    Food and Drink

    Porto-Vecchio combines beachside dining with Corsican mountain cuisine. In the upper town, cuisine is more traditional than along the bays.

    Corsican Antipasto Platter

    Free-range pork charcuterie, sheep's cheese, and pickled vegetables kick off almost every meal. This is served with fig or strawberry tree confiture.

    Fish and Marine Delicacies

    From the sea come sea bass, sea bream, and squid, often simply grilled. At beach restaurants, prices are significantly higher than in town.

    Salt from salt pans

    Below the old town, on the gulf, lie the salt pans where sea salt was formerly extracted. They remain part of the city's image to this day.

    Myrtle liqueur

    From the berries of the Macchia, a dark, slightly bitter liqueur is created, to be enjoyed ice-cold after dinner.

    Wines from Figari

    The wine region west of the city is one of Corsica's warmest. The white wines from Vermentinu pair well with coastal fish.

    Porto-Vecchio: historical heritage and Corsican identity

    Porto-Vecchio is situated on a sheltered gulf, a location that has shaped the city's history. Archaeological sites from the Bronze Age Torre culture in the surrounding area, such as Castellu d'Araghju, bear witness to very early settlement.The modern city dates back to 1539, when the Genoese founded a fortified settlement here to protect the coast. This era is clearly evident in the citadel and its fortifications: walls, narrow streets, and robust stone houses still form the core of the old town. For a long time, the area suffered from malaria originating in the surrounding swamps; it only grew into a major holiday destination in the 20th century.The local culture is shaped by Corsican traditions, evident in its language, cuisine, and music, especially its polyphonic singing.

    Nightlife

    The nightlife in Porto-Vecchio is as diverse as it is charming, offering the perfect atmosphere for every taste to end the day in style. From relaxed beach bars and upscale lounge clubs along the coast to cozy wine bars and lively pubs in the heart of the city – the possibilities are numerous. Especially around the Marina and on the picturesque beaches, you'll find numerous hotspots for unforgettable evenings.
    1

    My Eden Mare

    Bar in La Marine.
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    2

    Arcanu

    Bar in 8 Rue de la Citadelle.
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    3

    Marina Darje - Restaurant Bar Plage Lounge Chicha Corse

    Bar in Palombaggia.
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    Résidence hôtelière Le Balamina

    Bar in 21 Rue des Turriccioli.
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    4

    Shirley's Bar

    Bar in 4 Rue Joseph Pietri.
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    Hôtel Casadelmar

    Edle Zimmer mit Terrasse und Meerblick in Hotel mit Gourmetküche, Cocktaillounge, Außenpool und Privatstrand.
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    5

    La Canne à Sucre

    Bar in Quai Pascal Paoli.
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    6

    Camping Les Ilots D'or

    Bar in Route de Pezza Cardo.
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    7

    Bar a Biere Corse

    Bar in 14 Rue U Borgo.
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    8

    Les Plaisirs Du Vin Eurl

    Bar in 3 Rue du Général de Gaulle.
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    9

    La Taverne du Roi

    Bar in 43 Rue U Borgo.
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    10

    Les jardins d'Eden

    Bar in 18 Rue de la Prte Génoise.
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    Exploring locally

    The old town is best explored on foot. For the beaches and surrounding areas, a car is most practical. In high season, taxis and shuttle buses run to some popular beaches. The nearest airport is Figari; from the port, ferries go to Marseille, among others.

    Accommodations in Porto-Vecchio

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    Campgrounds in Porto-Vecchio

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      • 1Azur Évasion - location de bateaux sur le port de Porto Vecchio ouvert de Mai à Octobre3 days
      • 2Crique « isolée »4 days
      • 3Marais du Benedettu5 days
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    Nearby

    Bonifacio

    Bonifacio

    The city of Bonifacio in Corsica captivates with its spectacular location on white limestone cliffs that rise steeply from the Mediterranean Sea. The medieval citadel majestically overlooks the sea, inviting exploration with its narrow streets and historic buildings. Particularly impressive is the rock-hewn Stairs of the King of Aragon, a testament to the town's eventful history. From the upper part of the town, you'll enjoy expansive views over the Strait of Bonifacio to Sardinia, while the sheltered natural harbor forms a lively center. For the best perspective on the steep cliffs and sea caves, a boat trip is highly recommended. Plan your visit in spring or autumn to experience Bonifacio's unique atmosphere without the summer crowds.
    La Maddalena

    La Maddalena

    La Maddalena is the main town of the archipelago of the same name off Sardinia's northeast coast. From Palau, you can reach the port by ferry in 15 to 20 minutes. The town is a starting point for boat tours through the National Park and for excursions to Caprera with Garibaldi's house.
    Ajaccio

    Ajaccio

    Ajaccio, Napoleon's birthplace, offers historical and cultural highlights. Visit the Maison Bonaparte and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. The Vieille Ville, with its market at Place Foch, invites you to stroll. The Musée Fesch presents a significant collection of Italian painting, bequeathed by Napoleon's uncle. The harbor promenade, with views of the Îles Sanguinaires, is particularly charming at sunset; avoid the summer high season.
    Corsica

    Corsica

    Corsica, the "Île de Beauté", is a mountainous Mediterranean island with its own administrative region within France, the Collectivité de Corse. It boasts rocky coasts, sandy coves, mountain villages, chestnut forests and high mountains with peaks over 2,700m. Featuring Genoese citadels, port cities like Ajaccio and Bastia, UNESCO World Heritage, Gulf of Porto, and a distinct culture with its own language.
    Olbia

    Olbia

    Olbia is located on a bay in northeastern Sardinia. The port is the island's most important passenger harbor, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport lies south of the city.CityThe most significant building is the Romanesque Basilica di San Simplicio, mostly of granite.HistoryPhoenicians and Greeks came to the coast; the Carthaginians built a fortified city, and the Romans followed later. The Archaeological Museum at the harbor displays Roman ship parts; nearby are a well sanctuary and a giant's tomb.

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