Villa Mare E Monti

Villa Mare E Monti enjoys wonderful sea views from its hillside position around 200m above a little beach, 9km from the heart of Porto Vecchio and a good location for reaching Corsica’s famous beach, Palombaggia, 7km by car.

If arriving by aeroplane, fly into Figari Airport (26km) or you could drive all the way down the east coast road from Bastia Airport (136km). Ferries from mainland France, Italy and the island of Sardinia arrive into Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Bastia and Ajaccio.

Porto Vecchio is a joy to explore with its historic quarter of winding lanes and atmospheric restaurants alongside its upmarket marina – no wonder it’s one of Corsica’s most popular destinations, especially in the height of the summer. Porto Vecchio is also home to good-sized supermarkets on the outskirts and other useful amenities. Even closer to your holiday home, gastronomes take note that there are two highly regarded hotel restaurants around 4-5km away, both overlooking Porto Vecchio Bay (pre-booking is essential).

As well as a little beach you can walk to below the villa (if you don’t mind the walk back up the hill), there are other little bays dotted along the coast within a short drive and this area is a paradise for scuba-diving enthusiasts. After around 7km you will reach one of Corsica’s most iconic beaches, Plage de Palombaggia, with sandy shores and gently shelving sea backed by beautiful pine trees. In the summer there’s a range of watersports on offer – drive there early to get a parking space!

There are so many other gorgeous bays further afield, either north of Porto Vecchio (Cala Rossa, Saint-Cyprien and Pinarellu) or heading towards Bonifacio and Figari (Rondinara, Tonnara and so many more). Look out for all sorts of seasonal watersports, boat tours and idyllic beachside restaurants or simply pack a picnic and shade for a wonderful day out by the turquoise coloured sea.

Bonifacio (33km) is a fine day out – explore its enchanting citadel perched above limestone cliffs, packed with little shops, restaurants and incredible sea views. Enjoy a drink of chestnut beer or Corsican rosé by Bonifacio’s marina or hop on a ferry to the remote Lavezzi Islands.

Take time to admire the beauty of southern Corsica’s rugged interiors whether hiking through La Forêt de l'Ospédale, taking part in various outdoor adventures in the Col de Bavella, looking out for rock pools by the Solenzara and Cavu Rivers or simply enjoying authentic Corsican cuisine in a mountain auberge with amazing views.

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.