10 Best Things to Do in Porto Vecchio

Plage de Palombaggia is one of Porto Vecchio’s top beaches. The idyllic beach is a paradise of turquoise seas, long, sandy beaches and a relaxing backdrop of trees. You’ll find shallow waters for kids to swim safely and soft sand for hours of sunbathing or reading under an umbrella. 

Water sports are popular on Plage de Palombaggia, especially boating, fishing, windsurfing and snorkeling in the clear waters. In the evenings, you can dine in waterfront restaurants and take in the views of the sunset over the sea for a romantic night out.

Nestled in the citadel of Porto Vecchio is Eglise de Saint Jean Baptiste, or the church of Saint John the Baptist. The granite church was constructed on the historic ruin site of the old Genoese church, which dates back to the 19th century. 

It’s known for its elegant bell tower perched above the church. Within its walls, you’ll find gorgeous stained-glass windows, majestic sculptures and statuary, and a processional Christ statue from the 16th century. There are also historic mid-century frescoes that have been restored.

Plage de Tamaricciu is a stunning white-sand beach with a pine and juniper backdrop and crystal-clear waters. Located on the edge of Plage de Palombaggia, Plage de Tamaricciu is a popular spot for sunbathing, bathing and spending time with the family in the sun.

Water sports are also popular, especially windsurfing in the ideal conditions and snorkeling in the turquoise waters to encounter unique marine life. The scenery is beautiful as well, perfect for photography, painting or romantic evenings watching the sunset.

Found just outside Porto Vecchio is the Foret de I’Ospedale, or Ospedale Forest, which is one of the best hiking spots in the area. The forest is composed of pine, beech and larch trees, all of which rest along easy hiking trails. 

Along the way, you’ll find waterfalls, rock walls and an artificial lake. Ospedale Forest is a popular spot for adventurers, and you can do anything from tree climbing and rock climbing to horseback riding and mountain biking in the diverse terrain.

Located on the edge of the Santa Giulia gulf, Plage de Santa Giulia is a white-sand beach with crystal-blue waters and plenty of space for sunbathing and bathing. The water is shallow near the beach, making it suitable for children to wade and swim, and you can reach deeper points for snorkeling and diving offshore. 

With rock formations all around and a backdrop of trees, the beach has a secluded feel. Plenty of resorts are nearby, so you can grab a bite to eat or have a drink while gazing out at the coastal scenery.

Le Glacier de la Place is a terrace bar and restaurant in Porto Vecchio with a wide selection of beers, cocktails and wine in a serene setting. You’ll also find unique options for food at Le Glacier de la Place, such as artisan ice cream in both classic and original flavors. 

With a trip to Le Glacier de la Place, you can relax indoors and take in the views, or you can immerse yourself in the energy of the city by sipping beverages on the terrace.

Only accessible by boat or a long hike, Plage de Porto Novo is an unspoilt beach that offers a touch of wild nature on your vacation. The hike to the remote beach is well worth the effort since you’ll be greeted by spectacular rocky cliffs, dense forests and shimmering waters. In the distance, you can see the dramatic mountain landscape along the coast and ships and boats in the water. 

Whether you want to explore nature or you’re looking for a private spot for some couple’s time or a relaxing afternoon of contemplation, Plage de Porto Novo is it.

Cala Rossa is a stunning, upscale area of Corsica that's just north of Porto Vecchio. The area is prized for its private estate, tranquil bay and numerous luxury tourism options. You’ll find plenty of waterfront restaurants with fine dining and several resorts with activities and events, excellent shopping and white-sand beaches with oaks and umbrella pines. 

If you want a quiet spot to relax that still provides plenty of luxurious critter comforts, Cala Rossa is the perfect place to visit on your trip.

The towering Cascade de Piscia is the highest waterfall in Corsica. You can take a short hike to the waterfall along Cascade de Piscia di Ghjaddu, which offers beautiful scenery along the way. During the hike, you’ll cross rivers and streams running among pine trees and rock formations. Before you reach the falls, the plateau offers fantastic viewing spots for the vistas over the Alta Rocca mountain range. Make sure to take plenty of pictures on your trip to capture the beauty of the scenery.

Via Notte is one of Porto Vecchio’s top nightclubs. The open-air club offers a range of musical styles for energetic and exciting nights out, including deep house, R&B, hip-hop, 80s, 90s and electro to dance the night away. 

You can also try the restaurant, which has vintage, Corsican and continental wines, Italian delicacies and rich desserts from an onsite pastry chef in an authentic trattoria environment. Via Notte hosts numerous events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule during your trip.