Villa U Sole

Just 5km from south-eastern Corsica’s stunning coastline, in a semi-rural setting surrounded by maquis and other holiday dwellings, is Villa U Sole. 12km from the much-loved town of Porto Vecchio, here you have some of the island’s finest beaches, natural spaces and towns to explore making this a brilliant place to stay with friends or family.

If you are planning to spend your summer break on the island of Corsica, you are sure to be seeking a beautiful beach to visit. The closest beach is Plage de Saint Cyprien, 5km by car. Saint Cyprien is a breathtaking bay with everything you could wish for, adored by locals and tourists alike. This stretch of coastline has lots of space for unwinding on a sunlounger, clear and shallow water for taking a swim as well as seasonal watersports on offer. Here you can spend the day snorkelling and windsurfing or maybe you would prefer to hire your own boat to explore the rugged coastline.

Further south, another option is the lovely Santa Giulia beach which is 20km away from the villa, close to the famous Palombaggia Beach. Santa Giulia looks exactly like a tropical beach and is lined with atmospheric seafood restaurants open in the summer months. Both Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are popular beaches, best visited as early in the day as possible.

As well as the incredible coastline, Corsica has lots more natural beauty to be seen. Within driving distance you can visit woodland, mountain ranges and protected parkland where you can walk, cycle or hike through the unique Corsican landscapes such as the Col de Bavella and the Forêt de l'Ospédale. For a fun-filled day out you could even see the terrain on a 4x4 or quad bike tour with a local guide.

When it comes to amenities such as supermarkets, small shops and restaurants, you can find a selection within a short drive from the villa, dotted around the surrounding hills and little hamlets. Around the beach at Saint Cyprien there are also some lovely summer bars and restaurants that you can visit after a day at the beach.

12km away from Villa U Sole you can reach Porto Vecchio which a large, thriving harbour town and has all the shops and eateries you could need. This pretty town was initially a Roman town which was later settled by the Genoese. Porto Vecchio has a rich history which can be seen as you wander around the streets of the old town, lined with mostly medieval buildings. The lanes wind up to the hill-top fortress which was involved in countless battles – also look out for the 16th-century fortress, the old town gates and old Roman structures. In the newer part of town, you can spend the afternoon pottering around the artisan shops and picking up fresh produce at the markets before dining at one of the charming restaurants.

If you would like to take a day trip to another area, then head 40km south to Bonifacio which sits dramatically on the cliffside. This ancient town was founded around 800AD making it Corsica’s oldest town. Visit the underground rooms and the tower of the fortress which is one of the tallest in France or see the unique Escalier du Roi d’Aragon, a 15th century staircase built into the cliffs which once famously led the invading army straight to their awaiting opponents who captured them immediately. Bonifacio also has a wealth of quaint bistros and street side cafes, many with unrivalled sea views where you can tuck into local delicacies such as chestnuts, brocciu and wild boar.

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.