Villa Laporta

Around 5km from Bonifacio, Villa Laporta is in southern Corsica, very close to idyllic beaches as well as the prestigious 18-hole Golf de Spérone, designed by Robert Trent Jones and known to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

Bonifacio itself is a jewel of southern Corsica, an historic harbour town full of charm. Wander around the warren of cobbled lanes in the medieval quarter, catching dramatic glimpses of the sea below from lookout points, then head down to the marina with its restaurants, bars and impressive yachts.

Pack a picnic, plenty of water and pick up a boat excursion to be whisked away to the idyllic Lavezzi islands. Other boat tours will guide you past Bonifacio’s cliffs and caves or take you fishing, diving or simply swimming in the crystal-clear sea.

The picture-perfect beaches dotted along the coastline are some of the best on the island including the incredible Plage du Grand Spérone and it smaller neighbour Plage du Petit Spérone, both boasting white sand and breathtaking scenery, partially reached on foot - get there early to avoid the summer crowds. Look out for kayaking, sailing and windsurfing at nearby Plage de Piantarella in the summer months whilst Plage de Sant'Amanza is another pretty spot for watersports and home to a beautifully positioned beachside restaurant.

Heading north towards Porto Vecchio (30km) are some of Corsica’s iconic beaches such as Palombaggia and Plage de Santa Giulia, certainly worth visiting outside of late July and August. Closer to home is the amazing coastline between Bonifacio and Figari or drive a little further towards Propriano and stop off at the spectacular Plage de Roccapina around 40km away.

Corsica is also a paradise for hikers with some of the most wonderful walks through the maquis between beaches or through the island’s rugged interiors – come across rock pools, chestnut forests and the most incredible mountain scenery.

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.