Day 1 in Southern Corsica

Welcome to the southern region of Corsica! Upon arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your day in Porto Vecchio, the Old Town. Wander your way through the grid of cobbled streets to the main square for an afternoon lunch at one of the outside restaurants tucked into the ancient stone fortifications. These restaurants offer precarious terraces that open onto breathtaking views of the sea below. As you walk around the walls and ramparts of the Old Town, stop in the trendy shops and take in your surroundings of picturesque ramparts and panoramic views across the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio and its salt flats.

The beaches around Porto-Vecchio are stunning, especially Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, their white sand contrasting with the turquoise Mediterranean and surrounded by lush countryside make for some amazing scenery.

Spend your evening at the harbor area of Porto Vecchio amongst the gleaming yachts, which offer a slightly more modern vibe than the rest of the town. Here you`ll find several waterfront restaurants and bars to enjoy. Take in the sunset and spectacular views from the harbor and indulge in some local Corsican cuisine at one of the marina restaurants.

Day 2 in Southern Corsica

Wake up early and head to the mountains of Southern Corsica, the Col de Bavella (Pass of Bavella) is where you can admire the spectacular scenery and stunning views over the coast below. The scenery at Bavella is among the most unique and remarkable to be found in Corsica, so although it is a little way from the main resort towns, it is accessible enough to get to and highly recommended!

On the way up to the col, stop at the charming village of Zonza. This little village is a popular place and has a number of restaurants and shops to explore. Take some time to enjoy one of the charming restaurants and take in the atmosphere of the village before a busy day of exploring the mountains.

Following the route of the Col de Bavella between Sartene and across Corsica towards the east (north-west of Porto-Vecchio), you pass through the Alta Rocca mountains. These provide a dramatic landscape of rocky needles (aiguilles), spires and cliffs that follow the horizon, with trees at higher levels often stunted by the weather and difficult climatic conditions.

Or, if you are feeling more adventurous, there are various walking and biking routes, plus rock climbing, hiking, canyoning and other activities. There are a few paths of different lengths so you can find something to fit your level and time constraints.

The Col de Bavella itself reaches an altitude of 3,996 ft. with the peaks of the `needles` reaching more than 4,000 ft. Below the col there are the extensive forests (mostly varieties of pine trees) of the Bavella forest. Weather permitting in the heart of this impressive landscape you can also see the Trou de la Bomb, a large hole through a cliff - there is a trail that leads here from the Col de Bavella and takes about three hours return trip - and a statue known as `Notre-Dame des Neiges`.

After exploring the mountains, finish your day in the quaint village of Figari. The village is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery which is dotted with vineyards. Located on the plains between the high Punta d`Ovace peak in the west and the low hills above Figari, Vin de Corse Figari wines are red, white and rose, with rose making up around half of the total output. The vineyards are the oldest on the island; some vines were cultivated in Roman times!

Within the town of Fagari, you`ll discover a pretty church, some nice restaurant and shops, and plenty to see and do within easy reach of the town. While here, make sure to enjoy some of the local wines.

Day 3 in Southern Corsica

Start your last day in southern Corsica in the most Corsican of Corsican towns, Sartene! The city is made of granite and deeply rooted traditions. It is authentic in every way and it certainly feels a long way from the glitter of the Corsican coast. Life still exists amongst its strict old traditions and continues to offer an authentic glimpse of how life used to be lived in rural Corsica. Enjoy a leisurely meal here at a café in the shady Place de Liberation where you will have lovely views across the surrounding valley and pleasure to be found in exploring the labyrinth of the Old Town. Make sure to try the delicious Sartene wine while you`re here.

Change your scenery by spending the remainder of your day in the oldest town in Corsica, Bonifacio, located at Corsica`s southernmost tip. Bonifacio is split into two parts: the seaside port town and the impressive citadel perched high upon the cliffs overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean. We suggest you start your visit by exploring the citadel walls and ancient houses of Bonifacio`s Old Town (the Upper city). The area offers interesting churches, narrow streets full of shops and cafes and fabulous views from the ramparts.

The center of the town is based around the Place d`Armes and Place du Viex Marché, and the surrounding streets. Important religious monuments in this part of Bonifacio include the 13th century Church of Saint-Dominique and the 12th century Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure (the oldest building in Bonifacio).

As night approaches, take the tourist train (leaves old town every 30 minutes) down to the marina to enjoy dinner. This area is a bustling and happening night spot in Bonifacio that offers a variety of outdoor cafes and great restaurants.

Additional Days in Southern Corsica

Should you be able to spend additional days in the southern region of Corsica there is plenty more to see and do. You may want to take a Bonifacio boat trip. You can opt for a day trip, including snorkeling in the warm waters around the Iles Lavezzi, diving a 19th-century shipwreck or sailing around Cavallo, the private island retreat.

Another option to explore some pre-historic civilization. West of Lecci is Levie where you will find an archaeological museum in the Town Hall, famous for its exhibit of the Lady of Bonifacio, human remains believed to be 8,500 years old. There are also various excavated sites nearby, including Cucuruzzu, a fortified Bronze Age settlement.

Alternatively, you may want to take a dip into the thermal baths of the area. Open from sun-up to sunset, Les Bains de Caldane are still used regularly by locals for their healing properties and people have been relying on these natural sulphur baths to cure various ailments since Roman times. There are changing rooms and a café there too.

For something more adventurous, take a hike up to Pisca di Gallu. Drive out of Porto Vecchio, passing the lake of Ospedale. The circular walk begins just beyond there and takes about two hours, with the reward of waterfalls en route. It`s not an easy walk, but the scenery, including some impressive giant rock formations, makes it worth the effort. Note: The walking trail can get busy so an early start makes sense.

Your Last Day in Southern Corsica

Depart your hotel for the train station, ferry or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Corsican adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the northeast region of Corsica.