Located on the southeastern coast of Corsica, France, Porto-Vecchio is a stunning port town that draws people from all over the world. The town is renowned for its rich history, spectacular natural beauty and culture, and is also a popular location for those who want to explore Porto-Vecchio sailing by boat, thanks to its well-equipped marinas and sailing infrastructure. Read on for some of the best tips for a boat trip in Porto-Vecchio and around!
Things to do in Porto-Vecchio
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town of Porto-Vecchio is located on a gigantic hill that overlooks the harbor. It’s full of charming houses that intertwine with narrow alleys, and you can gaze at the beautiful churches for hours on end to get a glimpse into the town's rich history and culture. To get the full experience of Porto-Vecchio’s Old Town, visitors arriving in their Porto-Vecchio yacht rentals can wander around the town's narrow streets, explore the ancient walls and. fortifications, and admire the panoramic views of the port.
Visit the Citadel
The Citadel is a massive fortress built in the 16th century to defend the town from invaders at that time. Located on a hill overlooking the town, the Citadel offers stunning views of the harbor and surrounding hills. As a visitor, you can explore the fortress' thick walls, towers, and underground passages, which provide excellent insights into Porto-Vecchio’s military history.
Hike in the Alta Rocca and Bavella Mountains
The nearby Alta Rocca and Bavella mountain ranges offer numerous hiking trails that will take you through lush forests, rugged hills, and picturesque villages. The mountains also offer breathtaking views of the island's rugged terrain. It’s definitely something you should do while visiting, so pack your hiking gear!
Take a Boat Tour
After checking Porto-Vecchio boat rentals prices, hire a yacht in Porto-Vecchio and tour around the coast! This is an amazing opportunity to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine creatures up close. Besides this, the Porto-Vecchio yacht rentals tours also provide stunning views of the island's coastline, and close-ups of Porto-Vecchio’s cliffs, coves, and hidden bays.
The Best Beaches in Porto-Vecchio
Palombaggia Beach
This long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is one of the most popular beaches in Porto-Vecchio. Located about 6 km away from the town, the beach offers plenty of amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and restaurants, and is a great spot for watching yacht charters in Porto-Vecchio. It is perfect if you rent a boat in France and are looking for a bit of relaxation, plenty of swimming, and, of course, sunbathing.
Santa Giulia Beach
Another popular destination near Porto-Vecchio, Santa Giulia Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with fine white sand and shallow waters, making it the ideal spot for families with small children, as there are plenty of water sports activities here to keep them entertained. Santa Giulia Beach is also surrounded by several restaurants and bars, offering delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. Don’t miss out on the catamaran rentals in Porto-Vecchio if you want a different view of Santa Giulia Beach.
Rondinara Beach
This picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay is a must-visit spot in Porto-Vecchio. The beach offers crystal-clear waters and fine sand, is surrounded by rocky cliffs, pine trees, and lush vegetation, which give it an overall intimate feel. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, and you can often see people on their luxury yacht rental in Porto-Vecchio dropping anchor here. There are also several hiking trails nearby for those who want to explore the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Best Destinations Around Porto-Vecchio
Ajaccio
Ajaccio is the capital city of Corsica, located on the west coast of the island. The city is famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and you can visit Maison Bonaparte - his childhood home - which has been nowadays turned into a museum. You can also explore the old town, visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, and stroll along the lively harbor and wonder at the many sailboat rentals in France. Ajaccio is a great starting point for a boat trip in yacht rentals in Corsica, with many boat rentals in Ajaccio options available in the area.
Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a glamorous coastal region located in the south of France. The area is famous for its nightlife, stunning beaches, and luxurious resorts. Visit the city of Nice, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, and explore the old town. If you want to blend in, visit the iconic Cannes Film Festival Palace, stroll along the Croisette Boulevard, and enjoy the chic atmosphere of this famous city. The Cote d'Azur is a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay, having many marinas and ports from which you can get Côte d'Azur yacht rentals and tours.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a historic port city located on the Atlantic coast of France, boasting a picturesque harbor, an impressive aquarium and a delightful old part of the city. You can explore the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Porte de la Grosse-Horloge, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the harbor, and when you’re done, rent yacht charters in La Rochelle for an amazing trip around.
French Riviera
The French Riviera, or Cote d'Azur, is a world-famous coastal region located in the south of France. The area is renowned for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and overall posh vibe. You can visit the city of Saint-Tropez in yacht rentals in the French Riviera, stroll along the Vieux Port, and enjoy the chic atmosphere of this famous city. If you’re around, make sure to visit the picturesque village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, stroll along the quayside, and admire the colorful houses and boats. If you have the time, we highly suggest getting one of the many yacht charters in Villefranche-sur-Mer and have a nice trip around Cote d’Azur.
Saint-Tropez
Located in the south of France, Saint-Tropez is famous for its luxurious resorts, high-end boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. While here, make sure to explore the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Vieux Port and the Citadelle, stroll along the quayside, and admire the luxury yacht charters in Saint-Tropez, France and catamaran rentals in France, while also taking in the stunning views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Antibes
Antibes is best known for its picturesque old town, stunning beaches, and beautiful marinas from which you can get beautiful Antibes boat rentals. When here, you can stroll along the ramparts of the Old Town, visit the Picasso Museum, and enjoy the views from Fort Carré. Antibes is also a great destination for foodies, with many restaurants serving delicious local specialties such as bouillabaisse and ratatouille, among many other signature dishes.
Marseille
Conveniently located on the Mediterranean coast of France, Marseille is a delightful town famously known for its lively markets, historic landmarks, and absolutely delicious cuisine. Visit the Old Port, get Marseille boat rentals, or stroll along the Corniche and admire the stunning views of the sea and city skyline. Marseille is also a great destination for history buffs, with many museums and landmarks showcasing the city's rich history, such as the Marseille History Museum and the Marseille Cathedral.
Cannes
Cannes needs no introduction. A glamorous city known for its high-end lifestyle, Cannes has been building its reputation along the years with the help of its annual film festival, which attracts celebrities from all over the world. To get into the city’s vibe you can always arrive here in party boat rentals in France or get yacht charters in Cannes, and, when on land, take a stroll along the Croisette Boulevard, visit the Cannes Film Festival Palace, and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Island of Cavallo The island of Cavallo, located off the coast of Porto-Vecchio, is a very popular destination for day trips and is best known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and luxury villas. You can get plenty of boat rentals in Porto-Vecchio or yacht charters in Nice, France, then sail here to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, or take the nature trail and explore the island's hidden coves.
Town of Bonifacio
Bonifacio is a historic town located on the southern tip of Corsica, about 22 nautical miles from Porto-Vecchio. The town is famous for its location, as it sits perched on a white limestone cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. As you approach Bonifacio in private boat charters in Porto-Vecchio, you'll be amazed by the stunning view of the town's medieval citadel and the turquoise waters of the Bonifacio Strait. While here, you can also sail around the strait’s cliffs and caves in
Bonifacio yacht charters, and focus on the impressive limestone formations and crystal-clear waters.
Final thoughts
Porto-Vecchio is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a boating trip to Corsica, France and around. With its stunning beaches, charming architecture, rich history and culture, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful town. Plan your adventure now and get ready to be amazed!