Bergerie Gioia

Bergerie Gioia is located in south-eastern Corsica around 7.5km from Porto Vecchio. The stone cottage is surrounded by grazing cattle and authentic countryside. Arrive by plane into Figari (29km) or via Bastia Airport (122km) which is a 2 hour drive down the east side of the island. 

The nearest village is 3km by car, home to a couple of authentic restaurants, whilst in the other direction is the main road (about 1km away) which leads north towards Lecci or south to Porto Vecchio (7.5km) and beyond. Therefore, despite its rural setting, it is relatively easy to drive around this part of the island and useful amenities, including a supermarket, can be quickly reached.

Plage de Saint Cyprien (8km) is a beautiful sandy beach backed by summer restaurants and wild landscapes and there is a little village/resort with shops and places to eat. It’s one of southern Corsica’s most loved beaches and there is a good range of seasonal watersports. Families love how the sea is clear and shelves gently.

Other idyllic spots include the pine-backed shores at Plage de Pinarellu (13km) and Grande Plage de Cala Rossa, home to an upmarket hotel. Further south are other iconic beaches including Plage de Santa Giulia (15km) and Palombaggia (18km). All of these wonderful beaches can be crowded in the height of the summer so head out early or enjoy out of season! There are yet more stretches of magnificent coastline towards Bonifacio and Figari.

Keen walkers can follow coastal trails or head inland towards the Forêt de l'Ospédale and Col de Bavella for hiking and spectacular landscapes, also a paradise for outdoor adventurists.

Closer to home, soak up the charm of bustling Porto Vecchio (7.5km) with its many restaurants and bars dotted around its historic quarter, and stroll around its picturesque marina. Venturing further south, find the time to visit Bonifacio (35km), a truly enchanting town in southern Corsica, home to an exquisite citadel with pretty restaurants, little shops and the most sensational sea views from its limestone cliffs.

Read more about Corsica

Known as the l'Île de Beauté, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean and home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Europe. Come across picture-perfect beaches, magnificent mountain peaks and dense forest as well as perched villages, historic towns and delicious island cuisine. With so many beachside activities and outdoor adventures, this captivating island appeals to every age from keen hikers and history enthusiasts to kids and teens seeking crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.   

Starting in northern Corsica, be mesmerised by the vistas of the sea from Calvi’s citadel where it’s said Christopher Columbus was born before relaxing on a restaurant terrace overlooking the baroque façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure. From Calvi, U Trinichellu, a charming little train, chugs past beautiful sandy beaches as far as L'Île-Rousse. Watch locals play boules accompanied by a chilled chestnut beer, before dining in one of L'Île-Rousse’s characterful restaurants – tantalise your tastebuds as you try Corsican lamb with rosemary, wild boar or Cannelloni au brocciu. Meanwhile, be enchanted by the hilltop villages of the Balagne and follow old donkey trails on foot as you appreciate the glorious scenery and rich heritage of north-western Corsica.

Pass wild Plage de l'Ostriconi as you drive north-east, then follow the winding road towards the glistening bay of Saint-Florent, an attractive historic town sheltered by the dramatic mountains of the Cap Corse. From vibrant Bastia, drive around two and a half hours south until you reach the south-east of the island, perhaps detouring to explore the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia or the gorges and rock pools of the Solenzara River.

Now in southern Corsica, Porto Vecchio is one of the island’s most popular destinations, especially in the height of the summer when visitors flock to relax on the iconic beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Saint Cyprien with a vast range watersports and scenic beachside restaurants. To escape the coastal jetsetters, venture inland to the hiking trails of the Ospedale forest or the stunning Col de Bavella – the landscapes are truly incredible.

Fall in love with Bonifacio’s citadel with its limestone cliffs, medieval lanes and spectacular sea views, before playing golf at one of the most famous courses in the world, Golf de Spérone. Appreciate the wild Figari coastline with more pristine beaches, try the wines of Sartène nestled in the mountains, then continue along the south-western coast to the very handsome town of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon.  

Whether you choose to stay in one of our stylish abodes with private swimming pools, traditional bergeries with rural views or gorgeous retreats overlooking the sea, once you fall head over heels in love with Corsica you will yearn to return again and again.