Horseshoe bays of white sand and crystal blue waters, sophisticated resorts with a hint of Italian flair and breathtaking harbour towns perched precariously on white limestone, L'Extrême Sud is a dreamers paradise of sun and sea on the southernmost tip of Corsica.

Things To See & Do in L'Extreme Sud

Drive inland to the spectacular Col de Bavella and the surrounding mountain villages
Take a boat from Bonifacio to explore the caves around the coast
Choose from a myriad of water sports on the numerous sandy beaches
Play a round of gold at the illustrious Sperone Golf Course
Take the ferry across to Sardinia for the day
Have a day shopping in the many boutiques of Porto Vecchio

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L'Extreme Sud Region Map

Porto Vecchio

Porto Vecchio is an attractive old town sculpted on to a dramatic hilltop, with views across its own deep bay and its small harbour below. It grew up around its 16th-century citadel, and the rampart restaurants offer splendid views. The towns old centre, a maze of narrow streets, has kept its charm. It still has the atmosphere of the fortress town it once was.

Today Porto Vecchio is a lively centre for shopping, cafe-sitting, menu browsing and is one of Corsica's most fashionable towns. Excellent food shops are one of the attractions, from supermarkets to fascinating stores crammed with French and Corsican specialities. Up in the old town there is a wide range of boutiques and other shops for browsing plus many cafes which easily lure you in for a spot of people watching with a cool drink. In season, the bars and restaurants in and around town are always busy, giving the town a lively atmosphere.

Along the coast to the north and south of Porto Vecchio visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, many backed by the splendor of the southern mountains and surrounded by wild perfumed maquis. Within 10 minutes drive north of Porto Vecchio lies the Cala Rossa headland, quiet and remote with sandy coves, and San Ciprianu, a long curve of gently shelving sand. Pinarellu is a pretty hamlet with shops and restaurants and a long, side beach of beautiful golden sand and shallows for children to play in.

Palombaggia, Rondinara and Santa Manza

Heading south down the coast there is a series of spectacular sandy bays, all breathtaking in their natural splendour. Palombaggia, a marvellous curve of white sand and possibly one of the most famous beaches on the island; Rondinara, a natural formed horseshoe bay with fine white sands which slope gently into the turquoise waters; and Santa Manza, a gently shelving shore which is perfect for children and popular with watersports enthusiasts.

Massif de l'Ospedale

The hinterland of Porto Vecchio is covered with the Massif de l'Ospedale, a forested upland where you'll find some of Corsica's most breathtaking mountain beauty spots. This is a rewarding area for short hikes, culminating in spectacular views across the gulf.

Bonifacio

Just a short hop from Sardinia at Corsica's 'lands end' sits the fortress town of Bonifacio. Established in 833, its rich history offers visitors a fascinating and bustling base from which to explore the south of the island, its isolated position with ramparts perched high on the limestone plateau, give Bonifacio a timeless charm. Mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, the precipitous cliffs overhanging the sea are honeycombed with old watery grottoes. These cliffs enclose the restaurants and the smart yachts in the marina and the views of the citadel from here are impressive, however it must be said that the most amazing view of the town and port is from the sea. Excursion boats head out from the town throught the day to the best vantage points, including the Lavezzi islands a scatteing of islets just out to sea.