Porto-Vecchio, in the south of Corsica, is a popular destination for its heavenly beaches and Mediterranean ambience. If you’re planning to visit this region, it’s essential to know the options for getting there.
The nearest airport is Figari-Sud Corse Airport (FSC), just a 25-minute drive from Porto-Vecchio. Here’s a complete guide to this airport and how to get to Porto-Vecchio.
Figari-Sud Corse Airport: A gateway to Porto-Vecchio
Located around 19 km southwest of Porto-Vecchio, Figari-Sud Corse Airport is Corsica’s third most important airport, after Ajaccio and Bastia. It mainly serves national and international flights, notably from major French cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.
The airport is particularly appreciated for its proximity to tourist destinations in southern Corsica, notably Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. With an annual capacity of around 550,000 passengers, it offers modern services while retaining a human scale that facilitates travel.
Airlines serving Figari
The airport is home to several airlines, including Air Corsica, Air France, Volotea, and low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair. These airlines offer regular and seasonal flights to Figari, making it a convenient option for reaching Porto-Vecchio.
In the high summer season, traffic increases considerably, with direct flights from several major European cities. This makes Figari a strategic hub for travelers wishing to explore southern Corsica and its campsites.
How do I get to Porto-Vecchio from Figari Airport?
Once you’ve arrived at Figari-Sud Corse airport, there are several options for getting to Porto-Vecchio. Here are the main options:
1. By car
The most convenient way to get to Porto-Vecchio from the airport is by car. The distance of around 25 minutes is easily covered via the T40 territorial road. If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are a number of car rental agencies directly at the airport, including Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
Having a vehicle is highly recommended if you want to explore Porto-Vecchio’s surroundings, including famous beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, or the Ospedale forest.
2. By cab
Cabs are available from the terminal exit to take you directly to Porto-Vecchio. The average fare is between 40 and 60 euros, depending on the time of day and the season. It’s advisable to book your cab in advance in high season to avoid waiting times.
3. By shuttle or bus
The Communauté de Communes du Sud Corse offers a regular service between the airport and downtown Porto-Vecchio. This economical option is ideal for travelers who don’t wish to rent a car. Timetables vary according to the season, so it’s advisable to check the latest information on the official local transport website.
Other airports near Porto-Vecchio
Although Figari airport is the closest, there are other options if you can’t find a direct flight to this hub:
Ajaccio Campo Dell’Oro (AJA)
Located around 130 km northwest of Porto-Vecchio, Ajaccio airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. However, the drive from Ajaccio to Porto-Vecchio takes around 2h30, which can be a disadvantage if you want to get there quickly.
Bastia Poretta (BIA)
Bastia airport lies around 140 km northeast of Porto-Vecchio. Although further away than Figari, it also offers good connections to several major European cities. The drive from Bastia takes around 3 hours, but it takes in some magnificent scenery that’s well worth the detour.
Services available at Figari-Sud Corse Airport
Figari airport offers several practical services to make your arrival or departure easier:
- Parking: Over 500 spaces available, some covered.
- Car rental: Several agencies on site.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal.
- Catering: A snack bar featuring local produce.
- Stores: Sale of Corsican souvenirs and regional products.
What’s more, the airport makes a point of respecting the environment through ecological initiatives such as the preservation of local species in its protected natural areas.
Why choose Figari to visit Porto-Vecchio?
Figari-Sud Corse airport is the ideal choice for quick access to Porto-Vecchio. Its geographical proximity allows travelers to arrive directly in the heart of southern Corsica without wasting too much time on overland journeys.
What’s more, its modest size makes arrival and departure formalities a breeze. This is a major advantage over large, often congested airports.
Whether you’ve come for the paradisiacal beaches or to explore the mountains, choosing Figari-Sud Corse airport makes your journey to Porto-Vecchio a whole lot easier. Thanks to its numerous air connections and services tailored to travelers’ needsthis airport is the ideal gateway to one of the jewels of southern Corsica.
