Villa A Torra

Just a short walk to the idyllic sandy shores of Plage de Pinarellu, Villa A Torra enjoys a wonderful location in south-eastern Corsica, around a 18km drive from Porto Vecchio.

Wander past neighbouring villas to reach a trail that leads through the Corsican maquis towards the pine-backed beach at Plage de Pinarellu. It’s a glorious place to spend time with a small handful of seasonal beachside restaurants dotted along the 2km long beach as well as summer watersports such as jet-ski, paddle-boarding, pedalos and sea-kayaking. The gently-shelving sea will appeal to families and there are ample snorkelling opportunities.

It's a 5-minute drive to two supermarkets and from there you can head south towards Porto Vecchio (18km) with its bustling bars, cafes and restaurants across its old quarter. It’s one of the island’s most popular destinations – stroll by the marina looking out for luxurious yachts and take advantage of boat excursions including trips to the remote Lavezzi Islands. Furthermore, Bonifacio (47km) is a must-visit if you can find the time – its exquisite citadel is perched above limestone cliffs and you can descend the famous steep staircase all the way down the sea.

The coastline around Bonifacio and Figari features many brilliant beaches, some wilder and possibly less crowded than those around Porto Vecchio in the height of the summer. Slightly closer to home, the iconic beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are just over half an hour by car whilst gorgeous Plage de Saint Cyprien, another one of the island’s most popular beaches, is only 7km south of your villa.

Heading north instead, Solenzara (26km) is loved by outdoor adventurists with canyoning opportunities in the Solenzara valley. Keen walkers will adore the landscapes of southern Corsica’s Forêt de l'Ospédale or venture further towards the dramatic scenery of the Col de Bavella, around an hour away. It’s also worth noting that the famous GR20 walking route ends in the charming village of Conca, only 10km from Villa A Torra.

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.