Porto-Vecchio, nicknamed the “City of SaltCity of SaltPorto-Vecchio, nicknamed the “City of Salt”, is a popular destination in southern Corsica, seducing visitors with its dual identity of sea and mountains. This seaside resort perfectly combines fine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters and a wild hinterland with impressive relief. In 2025, Porto-Vecchio continues to reinvent itself to offer visitors authentic and memorable experiences.
Between idleness on heavenly beaches, cultural discoveries in the old town, sporting adventures in the maquis and gastronomic delights, this pearl of southern Corsica promises a holiday rich in emotions and discoveries. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at activities such as accrobranche, hiking, quad biking, via ferrata, boat trips and scuba diving.
Porto-Vecchio’s exceptional beaches
Porto-Vecchio is renowned for boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. These stretches of fine sand bordered by turquoise waters are one of the region’s main attractions.
The mythical beach of Palombaggia
Palombaggia, a veritable postcard of Corsica, was voted one of Europe’s ten most beautiful beaches in 2025 by several international travel guides. This emblematic beach captivates visitors with its fine white sand, transparent turquoise waters and distinctive red granite rocks. The umbrella pines that line the beach provide natural shade, much appreciated on hot summer days.
For 2025, the beach will benefit from innovativeecological developments designed to preserve this exceptional site while improving visitor comfort. In particular, an electric shuttle system has been set up from Porto-Vecchio to limit traffic and uncontrolled parking. During the summer season, supervised swimming areas are set aside to ensure a safe experience for families.
Santa Giulia and its lagoon
Santa Giulia beach, with its perfect crescent shape, is another jewel of the Porto-Vecchi coastline. Its special feature is a shallow lagoon with calm waters, ideal for families with young children. In 2025, a new interpretation trail will enable visitors to discover the lagoon’s unique ecosystem, with explanatory panels on the local flora and fauna.
The site has recently undergone ecological rehabilitation to protect the dunes and endemic vegetation. Wooden walkways have been installed to channel the flow of visitors while preserving the fragile natural areas. What’s more, environmentally-friendly water sports such as paddleboarding and transparent kayaking allow visitors to observe the seabed without disturbing it.
Inland exploration and nature activities
Beyond its heavenly beaches, Porto-Vecchio offers a wild, unspoilt hinterland that’s well worth exploring. The surrounding mountains, forests and rivers are an ideal playground for nature lovers.
The Bavella peaks and the Ospedale forest
The Aiguilles de Bavella, impressive granite peaks rising to over 1,600 meters, offer breathtaking scenery just 45 minutes from Porto-Vecchio. In 2025, new signposted hiking trails will enable visitors to discover this exceptional site from different angles, with itineraries suitable for all levels.
The Ospedale forest, meanwhile, is a particularly popular haven of coolness in summer. Its man-made lakes, including the Ospedale dam, offer picturesque scenery and freshwater bathing opportunities. The forest is also home to century-old trees and a remarkable biodiversity, highlighted by a new interpretation center to be inaugurated in 2025.
Canyoning and adventure sports
In 2025, the Porto-Vecchio region became a leading destination for adventure sports in Corsica. Canyoning in the Solenzara Gorge takes you into otherwise inaccessible landscapes, with abseiling down waterfalls, jumping into natural basins and water-sculpted rock slides.
For thrill-seekers, several accrobranche courses have been set up in the Ospedale forest, including a new premium course inaugurated in 2025 featuring zip lines over the lake. These activities are supervised by qualified professionals who ensure the safety of participants while promoting environmental awareness.
Heritage and culture in Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio’s rich historical and cultural heritage bears witness to its eventful past, with its Genoese and Corsican influences. The upper town, perched on its promontory, has many treasures to discover.
The citadel and the old town
The Genoese citadel, founded in the 16th century, is the historic heart of Porto-Vecchio. Its massive ramparts, portions of which have been remarkably preserved, offer exceptional views of the gulf. In 2025, a new scenographic route will enable visitors to discover thehistory of the citadel through interactive installations and historical re-enactments.
The picturesque lanes of the old town, with their colorful facades, are an invitation to stroll. The Place de la République, completely renovated in 2024, has become the vibrant heart of the city, with its cafés, restaurants and local craft stores. In fact, this square now hosts a night market in summer, where local craftsmen and producers showcase their creations and specialties.
Museums and cultural sites
The Bastion de France, an imposing, recently restored defensive tower, has been home to Porto-Vecchio’s Maritime History Museum since 2025. This new cultural space traces the evolution of the port and sea-related activities, from salt mining to traditional fishing techniques.
The Maison des Arts, housed in a former Genoese palace, offers a varied cultural program throughout the year. In 2025, it will host a permanent exhibition dedicated to contemporary Corsican artists, as well as temporary exhibitions of international scope. To this end, creative workshops are organized on a regular basis, allowing visitors to learn about different artistic techniques inspired by Corsican culture.
Gastronomy and local flavours
Porto-Vecchio’s cuisine, a blend of Corsican and Mediterranean influences, is one of the unmissable pleasures of a stay in the region. From local produce to local specialties, the flavors of Porto-Vecchio promise a true voyage of taste.
Culinary specialities to discover
Porto-Vecchese gastronomy is characterized by exceptional products and recipes handed down from generation to generation. Among the unmissable specialties are :
- prisuttu, a dry-cured ham matured for at least 18 months in the Corsican maquis ;
- cannelloni with brocciu, topped with the island’s signature fromage frais.
These traditional dishes are being revisited by a new generation of chefs who combine respect for tradition with creativity. In 2025, several restaurants in Porto-Vecchio were singled out in gastronomic guides for their innovative approach to Corsican cuisine.
Vineyards and wineries
The Porto-Vecchio region is home to a number of renowned wineries producing wines of character that reflect the Corsican terroir. Domaine de Torraccia, a pioneer of organic viticulture on the island, offers guided tours of its vineyards and winery, followed by commented tastings of its award-winning cuvées.
In 2025, a new wine tourism itinerary was created, linking the region’s various wineries. The route can be travelled by electric bike, allowing visitors to discover the winegrowing landscape while tasting the local produce. Several estates now offer immersive experiences, such as blending workshops where visitors can create their own cuvée.
Nautical and maritime activities
With its exceptional coastline and crystal-clear waters, Porto-Vecchio is a paradise for water sports of all kinds. The sheltered bay and favorable sailing conditions make it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Sailing and sea excursions
Boat rental, with or without a license depending on the craft, is one of Porto-Vecchio’s flagship activities. This formula allows you to explore inaccessible coves by land, and discover the coastline from a privileged angle. In 2025, several service providers are offering electric or hybrid boats, combining the pleasure of sailing with respect for the environment.
Organized excursions to the Lavezzi islands and the Cerbicales archipelago offer the chance to discover these protected marine nature reserves. These wild islets are home to exceptional terrestrial and marine biodiversity. These excursions are now led by naturalist guides who make visitors aware of the fragility of these ecosystems.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Porto-Vecchio’s well-preserved seabed, rich in biodiversity, offers exceptional diving sites for all levels. The Cerbicales nature reserve, with its posidonia meadows and vertiginous drop-offs, is a prime spot for observing groupers, barracudas and gorgonians.
For beginners or those who prefer snorkeling, several marked underwater trails have been set up near the beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. These aquatic trails, equipped with explanatory buoys, enable visitors to discover the underwater flora and fauna in complete safety. In 2025, an augmented reality mobile application will enhance the experience, providing detailed information on the species encountered.
Events and nightlife in Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio offers a lively cultural and festive life, particularly during the summer season. Between festivals, concerts and parties, the city of salt knows how to thrill its visitors right through to the end of the night.
Festivals and cultural events
The July“Porto-Vecchio en Scène” festival transforms the citadel into an open-air theater. Concerts, plays and dance performances take over the squares and alleyways of the old town. For the 2025 edition, the program features Mediterranean artists, building bridges between the different cultures of the Mediterranean basin.
Every year, the Nuits Musicales de Porto-Vecchio classical music and jazz festival attracts international artists to the exceptional setting of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church square. In 2025, this emblematic festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with an exceptional program, including several original creations inspired by Corsica.
Trendy bars and clubs
Porto-Vecchio’s nightlife is particularly lively in summer, with many trendy establishments offering a festive atmosphere until the early hours of the morning. The marina is home to several lounge bars where you can enjoy a cocktail while admiring the yachts and the sunset over the bay.
For those who want to keep the party going, there are several well-known clubs on the outskirts of town. These establishments regularly host international DJs and offer themed evenings throughout the summer. Since 2025, a night-time shuttle service has been running to the main party venues, allowing you to enjoy the nightlife in complete safety.
Conclusion on what to do in the city
Porto-Vecchio, with its unique blend of heavenly beaches, unspoilt nature and cultural heritage, is set to become a must-visit Mediterranean destination by 2025. The city of salt has preserved its authenticity while developing a modern and diversified tourism offering. Whether you choose to bask on its idyllic beaches, explore its wild hinterland or immerse yourself in its historic heritage, Porto-Vecchio promises memorable experiences.
The beauty of its coastline, the richness of its gastronomy and the diversity of itsactivities are just some of the reasons to discover or rediscover this pearl of southern Corsica. So, whether you’re a leisure enthusiast, a water sports enthusiast, a nature lover or a history buff, Porto-Vecchio is waiting to reveal its many facets and offer you an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Isle of Beauty.
