Villa Ombre

Villa Ombre enjoys an enviable location above one of Corsica’s most popular beaches, Plage de Palombaggia, 10km from Porto Vecchio in the south-eastern corner of this beautiful island.

Just a short drive away, find seasonal beachside restaurants and summer watersports along the pine-backed Plage de Palombaggia with idyllic white sand and clear water. The beach is especially popular in the summer months and it is a real privilege to be so near – whilst the house is 700m above the beach as the crow flies, there is no direct access on foot so a car is needed.

Just 3km along the coast, Plage de Tamaricciu is another picture-perfect beach to enjoy or venture further to Plage de Santa Giulia (11km) with yet more beachside restaurants and watersports. Around half an hour away, spend the day at Plage de Rondinara (23km), a gorgeous bay between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, or drive towards the glorious and usually less-crowded beaches around the Figari coastline including Plage de Tonnara (35km).

Soak up the ambience of Porto Vecchio (10km) with its 16th century citadel, bustling marina and a warren of historic lanes in the old town featuring delightful cafes, restaurants and bars. The exquisite town of Bonifacio (32km) is another must-visit during your stay – its beauty and character will take your breath away whether pottering around the artisan shops and restaurants of the perched citadel or admiring the incredible views out towards the sea.

To experience the dramatic scenery of Corsica’s interiors, hike through the Col de Bavella or venture to the Forêt de l'Ospédale, coming across pretty mountain villages just perfect for lunch in a traditional auberge serving delicious authentic Corsican fare.

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.