Villa Ghjallu

Villa Ghjallu is in south-eastern Corsica, a short walk to the very beautiful beach, Plage de Pinarellu, and only 18km from Porto Vecchio.

In a semi-residential setting, a little path through the fragrant maquis takes you to Plage de Pinarellu in around ten minutes – you will soon reach the pine forest leading all the way down to the beach and gently-shelving sea. Along this 2km long stretch of idyllic coastline, find a handful of seasonal beachside restaurants as well as summer watersports such as jet-ski, sea-kayaking, paddle-boarding and pedalo hire.

In the other direction, a couple of good-sized supermarket can be found on the main road within a 5-minute drive – this road leads south to Porto Vecchio (18km) or north towards Solenzara on the east coast, the gateway to the Solenzara valley, a mecca for outdoor adventurists. You are also well placed for driving into the interior of the island - Forêt de l'Ospédale and its lake is around half an hour by car, a paradise for walkers, whilst the dramatic Col de Bavella is around an hour north-west of your villa. Hikers note that the GR20 route ends in the nearby village of Conca (10km).

Back to the alluring coastline, Plage de Saint Cyprien (7km) is another gem a little further south whilst the iconic beaches of Palombaggia (30km) and Santa Giulia (27km) are also worthy of a visit outside the height of the summer. If you feel like exploring even further, look out for some of the comparatively wilder shores around Figari such as Plage de la Tonnara and stunning scenery around Roccapina and the south-west coastline.

Porto Vecchio (18km) is another fine trip out with its citadel, historic quarter, marina as well as the town’s bustling bars, cafes and restaurants. Boat trips depart from the marina to the remote and very picturesque Lavezzi Islands. Bonifacio (47km) is another must-see in southern Corsica with its incredible citadel perched above limestone cliffs and steep stairs leading down to the sea.

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.