Mer Et Montagne

Mer et Montagne enjoys stunning views of Porto Vecchio bay from its hillside setting in southern Corsica, around 20-minute drive from Porto Vecchio. You may even be able to see as far as Sardinia on a clear day.

Figari Airport (24km) is only half an hour away whilst Bastia and Ajaccio airports are also worth considering, both around 2 hours 30 minutes away (the road from Bastia Airport to southern Corsica is fairly straight and more direct). Ferries from mainland France and Italy arrive in Ajaccio, Bastia and Porto Vecchio ports.

The nearest village is 5km by car, home to a restaurant-bar usually open six days a week for lunch and dinner. There are walks from your doorstep as well as hiking trails further afield - the Mare a Mare Sud crosses this region and the Forêt de l'Ospédale is around half an hour away. Come across characterful mountain villages, traditional Corsican cuisine and the most incredible mountain scenery as you discover the island’s captivating rugged interiors.   

Porto Vecchio (12km) is only 20 minutes by car and there are good supermarkets, tennis courts and other amenities on the town’s outskirts. Porto Vecchio itself is one of the island’s most popular destinations, loved for its glamourous ambience in the height of the summer as jetsetters flock to the town and its surrounding beaches. Try out one of the many restaurants and café-bars in the citadel and old town, then stroll by the attractive marina taking in the glorious scenery.

Some of southern Corsica’s iconic beaches can be reached within half an hour, depending on summer traffic (head out early in July/August to get a parking place). Most offer a good range of seasonal watersports and summer beachside restaurants. The small bay of Santa Giulia (18km) is especially lovely, as is the famous Plage de Palombaggia (21km) backed by pine trees. It is also worth heading to Plage de Rondinara (31km) for more idyllic landscapes and azure-coloured sea or venture to the slightly wilder bays around the Figari coastline. To the north of Porto Vecchio, Plage de Saint Cyprien (20km) and Plage de Pinarellu (25km) are two other favoured beaches of south-eastern Corsica.    

Elsewhere, a day trip to Bonifacio’s citadel is a must – be enchanted by it’s incredible natural beauty and historic charm. It is also close to the world-renowned Golf Club de Spérone designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and often claimed to be one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

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.