Corsica Guide: The Most Beautiful Places, Beaches & Tips in the South

For me, the south of Corsica is one of those regions where you really can’t go too wrong. Turquoise blue sea, white sandy beaches, little coves, impressive coastlines and pretty towns full of Corsican charm. What I particularly love is the lack of huge hotel complexes lined up one after another. This guide is mainly about Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio and the beautiful coastline in between. I’ve also included my favourite beaches, some special places to stay, restaurants and a few tips for lovely day trips.

Because that’s exactly what makes southern Corsica so special to me: you can spend the morning lounging on a dreamy beach, wander through an old town in the afternoon and enjoy dinner somewhere with a view of the sea in the evening. And if you simply don’t feel like doing anything in between, that’s also a pretty good plan.

Getting to Southern Corsica: Figari Airport

For a trip to southern Corsica, Figari Airport is a great option. It’s conveniently located between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, making it a great starting point for exploring the southeast coast.

There are also bus connections from the airport to Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and Ajaccio. However, they only run a few times a day. Public transport in Corsica is generally rather limited, so for a trip around southern Corsica, I’d definitely recommend renting a car. Especially if you want to explore different beaches, little coves, restaurants and day trip spots, having your own car gives you much more flexibility.

→ Compare rental cars for Corsica*

Bonifacio: Corsica’s Spectacular South

Right at the southern tip of the island lies Bonifacio. And if you ask me, it’s definitely one of those places you should see when travelling through southern Corsica. The town sits spectacularly on white limestone cliffs high above the Mediterranean. Even the drive in is pretty impressive. And once you catch your first glimpse of the old town and its fortress walls, it’s easy to see why Bonifacio is one of Corsica’s most famous places.

Strolling Through the Old Town of Bonifacio

The best way to explore Bonifacio is to take your time and wander around on foot. The historic old town lies within the old fortress walls and is made up of narrow streets, old houses, stairways and plenty of beautiful viewpoints along the way. It’s the kind of place where you can simply wander around without much of a plan. Along the way, you’ll come across little shops, cafés and restaurants. Just find yourself a nice spot, grab a drink and enjoy a bit of people-watching.

Bonifacio’s Old Cemetery

One of the more unusual places to visit in Bonifacio is the Cimetière Marin de Bonifacio, the town’s old sailors’ cemetery. Perched right above the sea, it almost feels like a little village of its own, with tiny chapels and family tombs lining the narrow paths. And then there’s the incredible setting overlooking the water. It’s peaceful, a little different and definitely worth stopping by while exploring Bonifacio.

Bonifacio from the Water

Bonifacio looks completely different from the water. On a boat trip, you get to see the white cliffs, the old town and the coastline from a whole new perspective. The famous rock formations and caves around Bonifacio are especially impressive from the water. There are plenty of boat operators offering different types of trips, from full-day excursions and short boat tours to romantic dinner cruises. There’s pretty much something for everyone.

→ Activities and Boat Tours in Bonifacio

Porto-Vecchio: Old Town, Sea & Holiday Vibes

Further north, you’ll find Porto-Vecchio on Corsica’s southeast coast. For me, the town is the perfect base for exploring the many beautiful beaches in the area. But Porto-Vecchio itself is also well worth a visit.

Porto-Vecchio

The historic old town sits on a hill overlooking the sea and is surrounded by old fortress walls. Inside, you’ll find narrow little streets lined with restaurants, cafés and shops. It’s the perfect place to wander around for a while, browse the little shops and then grab a table somewhere for a drink or a bite to eat. I especially like it in the late afternoon and evening, when the old town starts to come alive. In high season, though, things can get pretty busy even in the morning, so don’t expect to have the streets all to yourself.

Porto-Vecchio as a Base

What I find particularly convenient about Porto-Vecchio is that many of the best beaches in southern Corsica are just a short drive away. You can head to the beach in the morning, stop somewhere for a relaxed lunch and then wander through the old town in the evening. And if you fancy a change of scenery, you can simply head in a different direction. The mountains and the landscapes of Alta Rocca are also easy to reach from Porto-Vecchio.

Porto-Vecchio also has plenty of boat trips on offer if you want to explore the coastline from the water. But how about trying something a little different for a change, like a unique boho-style beach picnic*? Or what about a sunset photoshoot*?

→ Activities and Experiences in Porto-Vecchio

Unique Places to Stay in Southern Corsica

Southern Corsica isn’t just about dreamy beaches. There are also some pretty special places to stay. From sleeping under the stars to staying in a little holiday home right next to a lighthouse, there are some seriously unique options to discover.

Dôme Zingarabella: Boho Vibes in the Heart of Nature

Dôme Zingarabella was one of my most memorable stays in Corsica. The dome is a real eye-catcher from the outside, but inside it feels surprisingly spacious and incredibly cosy. Add to that the beautiful views, complete peace and quiet, and a seriously comfy bed. You can even watch the sunrise right from bed when you wake up. Definitely worth getting up early for!

You can also have a breakfast basket delivered to the dome if you like. What I loved most, though, was the atmosphere. I was definitely in Corsica, but stepping inside the dome somehow made me feel like I had landed in a little mix of Ibiza, Mykonos, Bali and Tulum all at once.

La Chiappa Lighthouse Room: A Little Holiday Home by the Sea

Right next to the La Chiappa lighthouse, you’ll find this charming little holiday home. It’s tucked away on a quiet hillside and offers beautiful views of the sea. Inside, there’s a small living room, a bedroom and a bathroom. One of my favourite details is the view of the lighthouse from the bed. Once the light comes on in the evening, this already special little place gets an even more magical atmosphere.

My personal highlight, though, was the outdoor area. There’s a lovely sun terrace, an outdoor shower and a really great outdoor kitchen. Add a few cosy spots to sit and plenty of space to relax outside and look out over the sea. There’s no Wi-Fi here, and mobile reception is pretty limited too. So if you’re looking for a little digital detox, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

The Wooden Chalet with Jacuzzi

This little wooden chalet is part of CasaEva Residence, just a few kilometres from Porto-Vecchio and close to Cala Rossa and Saint-Cyprien. Tucked away from the other properties, it offers plenty of privacy and a spacious outdoor area.

The chalet is designed for two people and has a simple, understated interior. The real highlight, though, is the spacious 50-square-metre terrace with sun loungers, a dining area, an outdoor shower and your own private Jacuzzi. There’s a small kitchenette with the basics for preparing simple meals, but don’t expect a fully equipped kitchen.

The residence also has a pool and a sauna, which you can use for an additional fee. If you fancy a little more than just relaxing, you can also book massages, catamaran trips, sunset cruises and other excursions.

Domaine de Chiterbio: Bergeries in the Heart of the Maquis

A little more traditional, but still anything but ordinary, are the stays at Domaine de Chiterbio. Set across a spacious property, old Corsican bergerie have been lovingly restored and transformed into unique holiday homes. The traditional stone houses combine their original character with modern comforts, while private pools and a beautiful setting in the heart of the Corsican maquis make them even more special.

Even the welcome is a little different here. Guests arrive at a small treehouse with a bar, where they can settle in and enjoy a drink. What I particularly loved was how personal and thoughtfully designed everything feels across the spacious property.

Of course, there are plenty of other beautiful hotels, holiday homes and unique places to stay in the region. Have a look around and get inspired.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Southern Corsica

And now we get to the part that probably brings most people to southern Corsica in the first place: the beaches. Around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, one beautiful stretch of coastline seems to follow the next. Turquoise water, soft sandy beaches, rocky coves and those classic Corsican pine trees create postcard-perfect scenery and plenty of Mediterranean holiday vibes.

Plage de Maora: A Relaxed Beach Near Bonifacio

Plage de Maora is located at the end of the Gulf of Sant’Amanza, just around a 15-minute drive from Bonifacio. The roughly 800-metre-long sandy beach has soft, pale sand, shallow waters and exactly that classic Corsican feeling you hope to find along the southern coast.

There are several restaurants right on the beach, making it easy to settle in for a while. I particularly liked La Bohème. This little beach bar, with its beautiful boho style, natural materials and relaxed atmosphere right by the sea, is a real highlight for me, and not just because it looks so good. Maora Beach is also right on the sand, making Maora a great stop if you want to combine some beach time with a relaxed meal. Depending on your mood and the wind, you can also try out different water sports here.

Plage de Santa Giulia: Turquoise Waters & Serious Holiday Vibes

Plage de Santa Giulia is one of the most famous beaches around Porto-Vecchio and honestly looks exactly like you’d imagine a dream beach in Corsica to look: fine white sand, turquoise water and a large, sheltered bay. The water is also lovely and shallow, making it a great spot for an easy swim or a relaxed dip in the sea.

For me, though, the beach itself wasn’t the only highlight. I particularly loved Parad’Isula right by the water. You can grab a spot on the beach, enjoy something to eat or simply sit back with a drink and take in the view across the bay. Or treat yourself to one of the beautiful sun loungers at Køstën Plage. They’re not exactly cheap, but they definitely make for a very relaxing beach day.

My tip: Walk all the way to the northern end of the bay. It’s a little quieter there, and I thought the views were especially beautiful.

Plage d’Acciaju: My favourite beach

Plage d’Acciaju is definitely one of my favourite beaches around Porto-Vecchio. This small, sheltered bay sits at the southern end of the Palombaggia peninsula and has everything you could want from a Corsican beach: fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and those classic Corsican pine trees and dunes. What I particularly liked here was the more relaxed atmosphere. It feels a little smaller and less busy than Palombaggia, with a special charm of its own.

Right on the beach, you’ll also find Le Dune, a lovely beach restaurant with a terrace overlooking the turquoise water. It’s the perfect spot for a long, relaxed lunch with your feet in the sand before heading straight back to your towel for some sunbathing or a dip in the sea. Plage d’Acciaju was definitely a highlight for me. If I had to pick just one beach around Porto-Vecchio, this is where I’d lay down my towel.

Plage de Folaca & Plage de Palombaggia: Two Classic Corsican Beaches

If you’re exploring the coastline around Porto-Vecchio, it’s pretty hard to miss Palombaggia. The famous bay flows into several other beautiful stretches of beach, including Plage de Folaca.

Palombaggia is the more famous of the two and, as you’d expect, tends to be pretty busy. I found Folaca a little more peaceful and at least as beautiful. You can stroll along the water between the sand, rocks and pine trees, easily combining the two stretches of beach in one walk.

My tip: Don’t just stick to one stretch of beach. Take a little walk along the coastline instead. You’ll get to see it from different angles and are bound to find your own favourite spot.

Plage de Fautéa und Plage de Favona: Zwei Strände an der Küste nördlich von Porto-Vecchio

If you head north from Porto-Vecchio, you’ll come across a few beaches that are a little less famous than the big-name spots around Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. Two of them are Fautéa and Favona.

Plage de Fautéa is particularly special because of its old Genoese tower. Perched on a small rocky outcrop above the sea, it offers beautiful views along the coastline. There are two different stretches of beach around the tower: the northern one is a little livelier and perfect for a relaxed day by the sea, while the southern beach is quieter and feels a bit more untouched.

Further north, you’ll find Plage de Favona, a wide, sweeping bay along the Côte des Nacres. It’s a little more laid-back here than at the famous beaches around Porto-Vecchio. If you’re travelling by car and fancy checking out a beach that’s a bit less crowded, it’s definitely worth the detour.

Restaurants in Southern Corsica

Of course, no Corsica guide would be complete without talking about food. Around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, you’ll find plenty of lovely restaurants and beach bars that are perfect for combining with a day by the sea or a little day trip.

Casa Cantina

Casa Cantina in Porto-Vecchio is a lovely spot for a relaxed evening, serving Corsican dishes and delicious food cooked over the large open fire. I especially loved the atmosphere: cosy, lively and with the option to sit outside under a huge olive tree. There’s also live music on a regular basis, plus the smell of the wood fire that hits you as soon as you arrive and immediately gets you in the mood for dinner. For me, it’s a great spot to head to after a day at the beach when you’re looking for a relaxed dinner.

Le Dune

Le Dune sits right on Plage d’Acciaju, making it one of my favourite spots for a relaxed lunch by the beach. You can enjoy something delicious with a view of the sea, all while keeping your feet in the sand. I especially loved the beautiful boho décor and laid-back atmosphere, which give the place so much character. The combination of a gorgeous beach and a relaxed beach restaurant is exactly what makes Acciaju one of my favourite stops around Porto-Vecchio.

La Bohème near Bonifacio

La Bohème at Plage de Maora was an absolute highlight for me, even before I’d tasted anything. Rattan, natural materials, sand under your feet and plenty of boho vibes make this beach bar such a lovely spot for a little break by the sea. There’s so much attention to detail everywhere you look. The menu features Mediterranean dishes with a Corsican twist, along with chilled wine and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere right on the beach. For me, La Bohème is definitely one of the prettiest beach spots around Bonifacio. Actually, let’s just say it: probably one of the prettiest in all of Corsica.

Restaurants in Bonifacio und Porto-Vecchio

For an evening in Bonifacio, I’d recommend U Castillé. The restaurant is right in the heart of the upper town and serves Corsican classics such as Aubergines à la Bonifacienne, lamb and fresh fish. The view from the balcony is especially beautiful, stretching across the cliffs and the sea all the way to Sardinia. Seriously spectacular! There’s also a small, cosy terrace out front overlooking the charming old town streets.

In Porto-Vecchio, A Stadda is a great spot if you’re craving Italian food. They serve pizzas straight from a Neapolitan oven, along with a selection of other Italian dishes. The restaurant is tucked away on a little street near the main square, making it a perfect stop if you fancy wandering through the old town afterwards. It’s especially lovely in the evening, when the boho-style lights cast a warm, cosy glow over the terrace.

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