Villa Pina

In the south-east of the beautiful island of Corsica, Villa Pina is 2km from Plage de Pinarellu, a much-loved beach backed by pine trees, approximately 18km from Porto Vecchio and 40km from Figari Airport. If arriving by plane or ferry, Bastia is also worth considering – traffic dependent, the airport and ferry terminal are 2 to 2.5 hours by car.

Facing the sea and an iconic Genovese tower, the villa is set within an attractive domaine with other residences scattered across the hillside - catch glimpses of the sea from the upper terrace.  It’s around 2km to Plage de Pinarellu with its white sand and turquoise coloured water ideal for snorkelling. The setting of this beach is truly spectacular, backed by pine trees, and along this long stretch of coastline you will find seasonal watersports (jet-ski, paddle-boarding, pedalos, sea-kayaking) and summer beachside restaurants.

In the other direction, there is a hamlet/village (3.5km) with a restaurant (seasonally open) and tourist office, then continue to the main road (leading to Porto Vecchio) where you will find a bakery, a couple more restaurants and a good-sized supermarket, about 10 minutes by car.

This is also a great location for venturing into the island’s rugged interiors. The Forêt de l'Ospédale is a fantastic area for walking or head towards the Col de Bavella for spectacular scenery, hiking and other adventurous pursuits. Look out for natural rock pools in the Solenzara valley, old granite villages and traditional auberges serving delicious Corsican fare (goats cheese, charcuterie, wild boar, veal and chestnuts, for example).

Back to the coast, Porto Vecchio (18km) is one of the island’s most loved destinations, famed for its glitzy ambience. Take time to wander around its citadel, admire the marina and take a boat trip out to the bay or beyond. Bonifacio (47km) is another must-see during your time in southern Corsica, around an hour by car, with its incredible citadel and limestone cliffs.

Meanwhile, beach lovers have so many other options to complement Plage de Pinarellu. Plage de Saint Cyprien (9.5km) is another favourite with watersports and beachside restaurants whilst the iconic Palombaggia (30km) and Santa Giulia (27km) are the other side of Porto Vecchio Bay – head out early if visiting in the busier summer months.

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.