Villa Bambino

Villa Bambino is around 5km from the heart of Porto Vecchio in south-eastern Corsica, a short drive from some of the island’s most popular beaches. Figari Airport is 28km by car or you can fly into Bastia, 125km away, following the main road down the east coast of the island.

In a private domaine overlooking the Bay of Porto Vecchio, there is a little beach around 2km below and a couple of seasonal restaurants. You will pass two large supermarkets en route to Porto Vecchio, 4km from the villa, meaning you are never too far away from useful amenities.

Driving slightly further north, two of southern Corsica’s most popular beaches can be reached in around 8km by car. Plage de Saint Cyprien is a long bay backed by a small handful of restaurants and also offers water-based activities whilst Plage de Cala Rossa is slightly smaller but equally beautiful, partly owned by an upmarket hotel. The crystal clear sea and gently shelving water makes these bays much-loved by families – head there early in the height of the summer to get a parking space.

Plage de Pinarellu (13km) is another Corsican gem, backed by pine trees, or you could drive further south to the two famous beaches, Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, both best visited in quieter months. Of course, the whole south coast of Corsica enjoys idyllic beaches – look out for some stunning coastal spots en route to Bonifacio and Figari including Plage de la Tonnara and Rondinara Beach.

Back to Corsica’s much-loved towns, Porto Vecchio is a delight to explore with its warren of historic lanes, restaurants and bars, alongside its upmarket marina. Bonifacio (34km) is absolutely stunning – walk up to its citadel for all sorts of charming shops and exquisite views of the sea below.

You should also try and find time to discover the interiors of the island, even if just driving to a local hillside village for delicious local fare in beautiful surroundings. The more adventurous can hike through La Forêt de l'Ospédale or partake in all sorts of outdoor activities in the Col de Bavella, a fantastic way to experience the beauty of inland Corsica.

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.