Villa Verdure

Villa Verdure is located in the beautiful South-East of Corsica; surrounded by woodland, mountain scenery and a sweeping coastline this is a fantastic place to stay for a holiday with family or friends.

Due to the serene, leafy surrounds, you are perfectly placed for getting close to nature whilst staying at this villa. There is a botanical garden, mountain hiking trails, oak and pine woodlands where you can enjoy a leisurely picnic and also dramatic coastal walks up to focal points such as the Punta di Pilatogu. Whether you like walking, cycling or even paragliding you will find something you enjoy doing in this diverse landscape.

As well as having a unique inland terrain, Corsica is well-known for its incredible beaches which is the main attraction for many visitors. The nearby coastline has a wide range of beaches including tucked away coves, pebbled bays and sandy beaches. The closest beach to the villa is Villata beach which is a mere 2km away and backs on to a lake and wetlands.

A little further at 4km away is Pinarello Beach which is a truly stunning beach with turquoise water and fine powdery sand. The calm, clear water of the gulf is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding or pedalo hire and the beach also borders a lush pine forest which offers welcome shade in the afternoon. From the rocky outcrops close by you can try a spot of fishing or gaze out at the 16th-century Genoese tower which is located on its own island.

A little further along the coast from the beaches you will find the Marine village of Pinarello which is a lovely place for an evening meal with breath-taking sea views. Make sure to try one of the quaint seafood restaurants for a taste of authentic Corsican cuisine followed by a cocktail in one of the atmospheric bars. If you visit in the summer months you can even join in the festivities at the Pinarello Jazz festival which is great fun, with a programme packed with open-air musical performances.

When you need to stock up on groceries or pick up some fresh pastries for breakfast, you will find a few supermarkets dotted around between nearby villages, though the village of Sainte-Lucie has a good range of amenities and is just 7km away. The typical Corsican hillside village has a small supermarket, butchers, pharmacy, greengrocers, bakery and a number of restaurants.

For a wider selection of shops and eateries why not drive over to Porto-Vecchio which is 14km away by car. The town was once a Roman settlement which can still be seen in some of the architecture as you stroll around the pretty streets. There are also medieval attractions in town such as the original town gates, historic churches and the imposing defensive fortification which was constructed in the 1500s as the area was often invaded. Today you are much less likely to find invading armies as you explore the town; instead you can discover rows of artisan shops, a bustling market and plenty of welcoming cafes and restaurants. Porto-Vecchio also has some beautiful beaches so make sure to pack your swimwear when visiting.

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.