SOUTH CORSICAN TOURIST COUNTRY
Breathtaking landscapes
Alta Rocca Intercommunal Tourist Office
Why plan this destination?
- To fill up on sensations.
- Experience slow tourism.
- Follow in the footsteps of a rich history.
- Enjoy Corsica's most beautiful beaches.
- Visit the authentic villages of southern Corsica.
Key points
- Proximity to sea and mountains: 1 hour.
- A wealth of nature activities, particularly mid-mountain hiking.
- Calm and serenity.
- Beaches.
- Marina.
Must-sees
- The archaeological sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula. Combine the visit with the Alta Rocca Museum in Levie.
- The Cavu valley at Sainte Lucie de Porto Vecchio.
- The oil mill and convent at Sainte Lucie de Tallano.
- The Viseo racecourse in Zonza.
- The Col de Bavella.
Its hidden gems
- The village of Serra di Scopamena with heritage trail and escape game for children around Rinucciu della Rocca.
- The Monastery of Sari Solenzara.
- The village of Aullène with a chance to discover its gastronomy, especially its charcuterie.
Services of interest
2-hour guided tours of inland villages, in season, once a week.
The tours are free and led by a tour guide.
Accommodation profiles
- Hotels, campsites, B&Bs, tourist residences, furnished accommodation.
Group accommodation
On the coast: Hôtel Maquis et Mer in Solenzara.
In the mountains: Sole e Monti hotel in Quenza.
Professional contact
VERONIQUE SANGES
v.sanges@alta-rocca.com
Zonza Santa Lucia Municipal Tourist Office
Why plan this destination?
- An Area of Exception: from Zonza, nestling at the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella, to the immaculate sandy beaches of Pinarello, via the natural pools of the Cavu valley, Zonza Santa Lucia offers a range of spectacular landscapes and unspoilt nature.
- A sports and wellness destination with a multitude of water sports and outdoor activities and numerous wellness service providers.
- Discover Corsican culture: a rich programme to discover its traditions, polyphonic songs, art, local produce and gastronomy.
- A destination that encourages slow tourism, promoting ecotourism with several Natura 2000 areas and partners committed to the protection of the environment. A local experience in towns of human scale.
- Professionals committed to maximum visitor satisfaction: the destination benefits from a network of dynamic, quality-focused players, to deliver a memorable experience. The Tourist Office is in the process of gaining the Qualité Tourisme certification.
Its strong points
More than just a tourist destination, Zonza Santa Lucia is a generous territory on a human scale, a land of beauty and tradition.
It's an ideal destination for travellers in search of excitement.
- Unspoilt nature, spectacular scenery and heavenly beaches.
- On the mountain side, the charming village of Zonza, typical and authentic, offers a panoramic view of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
- The Viseo racecourse, the highest in Europe, and its seasonal races.
Its hidden gems
- The natural pools on the Criviscia
- Criviscia bridge in Zonza for a dip in the River Saint Antoine.
- The long sandy beach of Lavu Santu, which stretches all the way to the mouth of the Cavu. Less frequented because it requires a bit of a walk to get there, it is a Natura 2000 site, preserved and natural. Beware, this beach is not recommended for young children due to its deeper waters.
- Authentic atmosphere, land of traditions.
- Rich cultural and historical heritage.
- A wealth of water sports and outdoor activities.
- Peaceful atmosphere, a great place to live.
Must-sees
- On the coast, Pinarello Bay with its pine forest, Genoese tower, beautiful sandy beaches and the small fishing village of Pinarello, which comes alive in season.
- Further north, the Genoese tower of Fautea, a historic jewel, watches over an exceptional natural area between sea and scrub: the sites of Fautea and Lavu Santu.
- Inland, the Cavu valley offers an ideal setting for outdoor activities, not to mention the coolness of the natural pools.
Key events
In season, popular festivals, sporting challenges, concerts (Mondays in the church of Sainte Lucie de Porto-Vecchio and Thursdays in the church of Zonza), theatre, exhibitions such as ‘Art in Pinareddu’ on 12 July, fireworks in the Bay of Pinarello on 16 July, events around the Museum of the Corsican Resistance in Zonza, Christmas market.
Services available
Discovery tours of the Genoese towers currently being planned.
Accommodation profiles
- Capacity of 10,000 beds.
- Hotels (1 to 5 stars).
- Campsites (mainly 2 and 3 stars).
- Tourist residences (2 to 4 stars).
- 4-star holiday villages.
- Numerous furnished tourist accommodation establishments, some of which are rated up to 5 stars.
Group accommodation
- Coast: hotels Les Regalia *****，le Pinarello ****; residences U Paesolu****, Via Mare****, Chiar di Luna ****; holiday village Kallisterra ****;
- Résidence Marina di A Testo***; California***, U Pinarellu***，Santa Lucia ***，Villatq** campsites
- On the mountain side: hotels Le Mouflon d'Or, relais châteaux ***** (reopening May 2024), Le Tourisme ***La Terrasse ***, Clair de Lune***; unusual accommodation such as yurts or lodges at Le Pré aux Biches in Zonza.
Professional contacts
CÉLINE MEYER
cmeyer.comomt@zonza.corsica
SANDRA AGOSTINI
sagostini.omt@zonza.corsica
Tel: +33 (0)4 95 71 48 99
Bonifacio Tourist Office
Why plan this destination?
- Exceptional setting.
- Historical heritage.
- Cultural heritage.
- Gastronomic heritage.
- A dynamic events scene.
Its strong points
- Heritage.
- The Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve.
- Meeting local people.
- The commitment to sustainable tourism.
- A wide range of activities.
Must-sees
- The Royal Staircase of Aragon.
- The bastion of the standard.
- The Torrione.
- The citadel.
- The helm.
Its hidden gems
- The Hermitage of the Trinity.
- The night tour of the citadel.
- Private viewing of a historic monument.
Key events
- End of March: A viranata (biodiversity days).
- April: culinary festival.
- Early July: Festi Lumi.
- Mid-September: European Heritage Days.
- December: Christmas market.
- April to October: polyphonic concerts every Thursday.
- October: Tour de Corse à la voile; Trail de Bonifacio.
Interesting services
- Various holidays can be tailor-made.
- Guided tour programme 2 to 6 times a week in season.
- Themed guided tours: theatrical or for children.
Accommodation profiles
Great diversity with all types of accommodation in all categories.
Extended opening dates; promotional offers.
Professional contact
MARJORIE ISTRIA
Marketing Manager
Porto-Vecchio Tourist Office
Why plan this destination?
- A change of scenery and a gentle way of life: nature is strong and omnipresent, offering beautiful landscapes and authentic, unspoilt sites.
- An environment where you can unwind and recharge your batteries.
- A local area made up of towns (Portivechju: 11,000 inhabitants), villages and hamlets, as well as shops and infrastructures on a human scale, all of which encourage calm, encounters, quality and authenticity.
- A rich and varied choice: the Portivechju region offers a wide range of accommodation (hotels, residences, campsites, from 2 to 5 stars, etc.) as well as a vast choice of leisure and service providers.
- Unique experience: thanks to its topography, this area is near both the sea and the mountains, giving it an incomparable diversity of landscapes and outdoor sporting activities that provide guests with a rare and unforgettable experience.
- Close and accessible: just 1h30 from Paris, 1h15 from Marseille, and 45 minutes from Nice by plane thanks to its international airport
- Figari Sud Corse, 15 minutes from Portivechju.
Its strengths
- A sublime coastline alternating between fine sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, scrubland and pine forests, surrounded by breathtaking colours reflected in translucent water.
- An authentic and invigorating hinterland with a rich historical heritage.
- A region with character, revealing an unsuspected natural, built and cultural heritage.
- A meeting of strong natures: men and women shaped by the region whose skills embody hard work, passion and tradition, as well as creativity, talent and a spirit of openness.
- A unique way of life, drawing its meaning from its roots and its history, and expressed all year round in a spirit of enterprise, hospitality, generosity and humour.
Must-sees
- The upper town of Portivechju, the heart of Porto-Vecchiais life, anchored around the ramparts of a 15th-century Genoese citadel.
- Shops, designers, cafes and restaurants welcome you all year round.
- Down below, a stroll along the quays from the marina to the mouth of the Stabbiaciu River offers beautiful views of the sea, the salt marshes and the mountains, while the terraces of the ice-cream parlours and restaurants offer a sunny, gourmet experience.
- The Palumbaghja peninsula stretches out in a magnificent series of coves and fine sandy beaches. Off the peninsula, you can see the Cerbicali archipelago, protected by the Bouches de Bonifaziu nature reserve.
- The U Spidali massif offers a remarkable change of scenery in all seasons.
- Perched at an altitude of 860 metres, the village of U Spidali, built of granite stone, has retained its charm of bygone days and offers panoramic views over the east coast and the plain. Above, the U Spidali dam, surrounded by a forest of century-old Laricci pines, it supplies the entire region with drinking water and provides a sumptuous backdrop.
- From the U Benedettu peninsula to the Portu Novu cove, the seabed is dazzling. A boat trip allows you to explore the coastline from the sea and discover the Cerbicali islands, a pure marvel within the Bouches de Bonifaziu Nature Reserve.
- Go as far as the Isle of Toro to drop anchor and dive into a brilliant shade of blue. The Chiappa lighthouse marks the entrance to the Gulf of Portivechju. Once you've entered the marina, where the light enhances the contours of the mountain and the bastions of the citadel, you'll discover another side to Portivechju.
Its hidden gems
- The permanent exhibition ‘In Portivechju’, at the Bastion de France, offers an immersion into the history and heritage of our town and territory.
- Through images and words, visitors discover the exceptional wealth of its natural and cultural heritage. Open all year round. Free admission. Tickets for the panoramic terrace sold for €2 per person, free for children under 12.
- ⁃ Hiking A Punta di A Vacca Morta, starting from the hamlet of Cartalavonu, in the U Spidali massif, taking part of the Mare à Mare Sud trail.
- Discover the island's wine estates and grape varieties: Domaine de Torraccia in Lecci, Domaine de Tanella in Figari...
Key events
- February: U Carnavali di Portivechju.
- April: Scen'è Sonniu, dream festival.
- May: Carruleddu Championship - A Festa di A Natura.
- June: European Archaeology Days - A Festa di A San Ghuvà - Festival In Portivechju - La Semaine de la Critique.
- September: Portivechju in Musica - European Heritage Days - A Fiera di Portivechju.
- October: Trail d'U Spidali - Le Tour de Corse Historique - Le Semi-Marathon de Portivechju.
- November: Sustainable Tourism Workshops.
- December: A Festa di A Nazioni - U Mercatu di Natali - City Trail Portivechju à corri corri.
Interesting services
- A Citadedda’ guided tour
A true incursion into the heart of the citadel to immerse yourself in the history of Portivechju. All year round on request. From May to September, every Thursday at 6.30pm. Full price: €10, adult group: €8. Free for children under 12.
- Group rate for 15 people or more.
- Guided tour ‘What if the walls could talk?
When night falls in Portivechju, the walls of the town tell you all about its history. An original tour with the projection of old images of the town.
All year round on request. From May to September, every Monday at 8pm.
Full price: €10, Adult groups: €8
Free for children under 12. Group rate for 15 people or more.
- À Spassu mobile application
Get your trainers on! À Spassu takes you on a tour of Portivechju! This application offers audio-guided walking tours through the heart of Portivechju and southern Corsica. Its aim is to pass on the region's heritage and history. Produced by the Portivechju Intercommunal Tourist Office, it's free and available all year round in French, Corsican, English and Italian.
Accommodation profiles
86 classified professional structures, including :
- 36 tourist hotels, rated between 2 and 5 stars,
- 27 tourist residences, rated between 1 and 5 stars,
- ⁃ 22 campsites, rated between 1 and 4 stars,
- ⁃ 1 holiday village, rated 2 stars.
Group accommodation
Hôtel Costa Salina *** - Hôtel Best Western - Hôtel Alcyon *** - Hôtel Don Cesar ***** - Hôtel Moby Dick ****- Hôtel Golden Tulip Porto-Vecchio - Hôtel Casadelmar *****-
Hôtel Shegara *** - Hôtel Le Mariosa ****- Hôtel Golfe Hôte| ***- Hôtel Kilina *** - Hôtel Le Goéland - Casa Santini x Roc Seven ****- Le Balamina - Résidence Hotellière *****
Contact pro
MARIE-PIERRE PAPI
direction@destination-sudcorse.com
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