Casa Castera

Casa Castera is situated 2.5km inland from Cargèse, a popular seaside resort on the west coast of Corsica between Ajaccio and Porto. The villa is surrounded by a small handful of neighbours and has stunning rural views, located just off the road heading north and within 250m of a local supermarket.

Cargèse is an attractive town of white houses with blue shutters in a picturesque setting overlooking the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Sagone. Founded by Greek immigrants in the 17th century, it is best known for its two Greek and Latin churches, the Church of St. Spyridon and the Church of the Assumption, dramatically facing each other with their bell towers against the sky.

Roads are often narrow and winding, especially north of Piana, so car travel might take longer than expected. Start your holiday locally in Cargèse enjoying its restaurants and sandy beaches - the Plage de Peru just north of the town is one of the best and most accessible. There are plenty of opportunities here for summer watersports and activities such as paddle boarding, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and speed boat trips.

Walkers will enjoy the scenic circular walk to Cargèse Hafen or the slightly more challenging 7 mile hike to the ruins of the Genoese Tower of Omigna. An easy way to view the landscape is to take a boat trip from Cargèse around the gulf of Sagone and along the coast. There is a semi rigid inflatable boat which visits the wonderful Scandola Nature Reserve, the old fishing village of Girolata and the dramatic Piana creeks, with a welcome swimming break along the way.

The Scandola Nature Marine and Terrestrial Reserve has regulated access, only possible by sea. It is part of the regional natural park of Corsica and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the cliffs with their small caves and amazing rock formations, you may spot an osprey or peregrine falcon.

The Calanches di Piana, around 19kms northwards, is an unusual rocky landscape south of Porto where the coastal red granite rocks rise dramatically 400m above sea level next to the blue sea and green pines. There are several amazing trails here for experienced hikers and a mountain biking section between Piana and Porto.

Intrepid drivers only may now be tempted to take the car further afield. Heading northwards along the D81, the Calanques de Piana is a very narrow, winding and often busy scenic balcony road (road cyclists go off season), said to be one of the greatest and most challenging drives in Europe.

Alternatively, drive the 53km southwards to the very pleasant port city of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon with its many statues, restaurants, bars, museum and airport to remind you of this famous French leader. It has great shops, a lively daily market, picturesque boulevards and tree lined squares.

Read more about Southern Corsica

From the family-friendly beaches of Porto Vecchio to the dramatic mountain peaks of the Col de Bavella, the southern region of the Mediterranean’s fourth largest island offers you the diverse landscapes, historic towns and iconic coastline that Corsica is so famous for.

Starting in the south-eastern corner of the island, the coastline is truly impressive with turquoise coloured water and soft sand often backed by beachside restaurants and shady trees. Embrace the scent of salt air and pines at Plage de Pinarellu with its crystal-clear sea or spend the day at Plage de Saint Cyprien famed for its gently-shelving shores and summer watersports. On the other side of Porto Vecchio bay are the two famous beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia – head out early to avoid the many visitors who flock to these photogenic beaches in the height of the summer. Further south, Plage de Rondinara is yet another idyllic bay with shallow clear water and fine white sand.

Experience the glamour of Porto Vecchio, once a historic harbour and citadel, now a vibrant town increasingly loved by jet-setters who appreciate its character and natural beauty. It’s a joy to potter around Porto Vecchio’s old town in the evening with boutiques, bars and a range of restaurants for every taste (seafood, pizzas, salads as well as more traditional Corsican dishes).  

The jewel of southern Corsica is arguably the exquisite town of Bonifacio with its historic citadel perched above dramatic limestone cliffs and the most incredible vistas of the sea. The citadel’s warren of medieval lanes will enchant you and there is a wealth of restaurants to choose from showcasing some of Corsica’s delicious cuisine – imagine lamb and rosemary, wild boar casserole with chestnuts, cannelloni au brocciu and Mediterranean seafood. Boats from the marina whisk you away to the Lavezzi Islands for more serene beauty. Meanwhile, keen golfers will already be familiar with the prestigious Golf de Spérone in a spectacular setting with views towards Sardinia.

Heading towards the south-west of the island, pass the wilder shores of the Figari coastline (Plage de la Tonnara is a  favourite) and venture through the mountainous landscapes of forest, vineyards and olive groves towards the mountain village of Sartène with its charming squares, restaurant terraces and wonderful market on a Saturday morning. Don’t miss pristine bays along the Valinco Gulf such as Campomoro and Porto Pollo as well as the pre-historic menhirs of Filitosa, before eventually arriving into the handsome city of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The rugged interiors of southern Corsica are also not to missed from the pine and beech forests of the Forêt de l'Ospédale near Porto Vecchio to the mountain village of Zonza and the incredible Col de Bavella peaks. Discover walking trails, hiking routes, rock-climbing, canyoning  and other adventures amidst the awe-inspiring scenery of Corse-du-Sud.

Whether you choose a rural bergerie near Porto Vecchio, a more contemporary abode overlooking the sea or a beautiful getaway with mountain views, Oliver’s Travels is proud to offer a range of hand-picked villas in southern Corsica.