Porto-Vecchio

Discover one of Corsica’s most beautiful seaside towns

Combining a charming historic old town with a stylish marina and some of Corsica’s finest beaches, Porto-Vecchio is one of the island’s most popular holiday destinations. Situated on the south-east coast, it offers the perfect blend of history, Mediterranean atmosphere and easy access to spectacular beaches, making it an ideal base for a camping holiday.

Whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, dining in lively piazzas, exploring the marina or spending the day on nearby beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, Porto-Vecchio offers something for visitors of every age.

At a Glance

Region: South Corsica (Corse-du-Sud)

Population: Approximately 13,000

Best For: Historic streets, beaches, shopping, dining and camping holidays

Highlights: Old Town, Marina, Palombaggia Beach, Santa Giulia Beach

Nearest Airport: Figari Sud-Corse Airport (approximately 25 km)

Time to Spend: One day to several days

Why Visit Porto-Vecchio?

Often described as the “Jewel of Southern Corsica”, Porto-Vecchio combines rich history with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Its hilltop old town is surrounded by impressive Genoese fortifications and filled with inviting cafés, restaurants, boutiques and lively public squares.

Below the historic centre, the modern marina welcomes yachts, ferries and pleasure boats, creating a vibrant waterfront where visitors can enjoy restaurants overlooking the harbour or simply watch the boats come and go.

Porto-Vecchio is also perfectly positioned for exploring many of Corsica’s best-known beaches and natural attractions, making it one of the island’s most convenient and rewarding places to stay during a camping holiday.

Highlights

The Historic Old Town

Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques, cafés and traditional stone buildings. The old town is full of character and offers wonderful views across the harbour and surrounding countryside.

The Marina

The lively marina is the heart of modern Porto-Vecchio, with waterfront restaurants, cafés and shops creating a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day and evening.

Gateway to Southern Corsica’s Beaches

Some of Corsica’s most famous beaches are only a short drive away, including the white sands of Palombaggia, the sheltered waters of Santa Giulia and the stunning horseshoe-shaped bay at Rondinara.

Local Restaurants and Shopping

From traditional Corsican cuisine to fresh seafood and Mediterranean dining, Porto-Vecchio offers one of the island’s widest selections of restaurants alongside stylish boutiques and local artisan shops.

Perfect For…

Families

With nearby family-friendly beaches, safe swimming, ice cream parlours, markets and welcoming restaurants, Porto-Vecchio is an excellent destination for families.

Couples

The romantic old town, lively marina and beautiful evening atmosphere make Porto-Vecchio one of Corsica’s most popular destinations for couples.

Groups

Whether you’re exploring the beaches, dining together in the old town or enjoying boat trips along the coast, Porto-Vecchio offers plenty to see and do.

Camping Holidays

Many of southern Corsica’s best campsites are located within easy reach of Porto-Vecchio, making the town an ideal base for exploring the surrounding coastline and mountains.

Top Tips

Explore in the Evening

As the temperatures cool, Porto-Vecchio comes alive with bustling restaurants, open-air cafés and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the old town.

Visit the Local Markets

Browse local produce, Corsican cheeses, charcuterie and artisan products to experience the island’s culinary traditions.

Combine Town and Beach

Spend the morning exploring the historic streets before heading to one of the nearby beaches for the afternoon.

Book Restaurants in Peak Season

During July and August, Porto-Vecchio is one of Corsica’s busiest destinations, so booking ahead is recommended for popular restaurants.

How to Get There

Porto-Vecchio is located on Corsica’s south-east coast and is easily reached by road from across the island.

Figari Sud-Corse Airport is around 30 minutes away by car, while Porto-Vecchio also has a busy ferry port with seasonal services. The town is approximately two and a half hours’ drive from Bastia and around 30 minutes from Bonifacio.

Nearby Places to Explore

Porto-Vecchio is perfectly located for discovering many of southern Corsica’s most famous attractions.

• Palombaggia Beach
• Santa Giulia Beach
• Rondinara Beach
• Bonifacio
• Aiguilles de Bavella

Stay Nearby

Porto-Vecchio is surrounded by an excellent selection of family campsites, beachside holiday parks and peaceful countryside camping destinations. Whether you’re looking for easy access to Corsica’s famous beaches or a convenient base for exploring the island, you’ll find plenty of handpicked campsites nearby.