You want to visit Corsica and you wonder which city to choose: Calvi or Porto-Vecchio? The North or the South?
Here are the results of our battle Calvi vs Porto-Vecchio comparing, with photos:
- The charm,
- The most beautiful beaches,
- The best attractions and activities,
- The most beautiful day trips,
- …
Where will you go?
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.
Calvi or Porto-Vecchio – Summary of the comparison
Short answer
Both cities have a long history and a lot of charm. You can’t go wrong staying in one of them. They are among the most beautiful cities in Corsica.
So here is a summary of our personal opinion on the comparisons. In the article, you will find more details (with pictures).
- Access = equal (airport and ferries nearby)
- Charm of the streets = Calvi
- Most beautiful beaches in the city = Calvi
- Most beautiful beaches around the city = Porto-Vecchio
- Most beautiful attractions nearby = Porto-Vecchio
- Most beautiful excursions = Calvi
- Sea and land activities = equality
- Best atmosphere / gastronomic scene = equality
- Nightlife = equality
- If you travel without a car, Calvi has the most to offer.
They are both among the best cities to stay in Corsica.
Where are they located? – Map
Calvi is located in the north of Corsica, in Balagne.
Porto-Vecchio is located in South Corsica.
If your question is rather: North Corsica or South Corsica, see this other article that compares the 2 halves.
Here is a map to give you an idea of the driving times:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Accommodations intro
The 2 cities have very nice hotel offers.
We recommend hotels later in this article, but if you have already decided on your city:
City charm / Atmosphere
Explore the streets of Calvi
Calvi is a mixture of atmosphere:
The area of the citadel with its historic streets that offer a journey back in time.
The waterfront around the marina with its wider streets, restaurants, hotels and lots of life.
Explore the streets of Porto-Vecchio
In Porto-Vecchio you also have 2 main areas:
- the waterfront with the port
- the citadel and its old streets
Porto-Vecchio Corsica is one of the largest cities on the island and a medium-sized port on the east coast.
The citadel is of Genoese style, built in the 16th century. There are plenty of cafes, stores and restaurants.
Walking around is not as fascinating as in Bonifaico.
Porto-Vecchio is especially appreciated for its restaurants, bars, cafes, ice cream parlors… for its Corsican way of life by the sea.
Our opinion = Calvi
The views in Calvi, whether on the citadel or from the citadel are very nice in our opinion.
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Beach of Calvi or Beach of Porto-Vecchio
In this section we only talk about the beach in the city. The following section looks at the beaches around these cities.
Beach of Calvi
Calvi’s beach is truly unique in Corsica: a long stretch of sand, views of the mountains, views of a citadel, a pine tree border and easy access to the city.
It really offers a lot of advantages and we love the combination of nature and city. Here the city does not take over the beach. No skyscrapers.
On the other hand, we warn you, it is covered with people in summer…
- White sand
- Supervised beach in summer in some areas
- Rental of umbrellas, mattresses, pedal boats…
- Some sections are private beaches
- Restaurants on the beach and in the city nearby
Beach in the city of Porto-Vecchio
Technically, the beach of Palombaggia is on the commune of Porto-Vecchio but it is 20min by car from the city center (10km) – see the next section.
Here we focus on the beaches right next to the center.
Porto-Vecchio does not have a beach in the center either.
In Porto-Vecchio, the closest is the beach of Cala Verde. But it is still 3km from the center and does not make as much dream.
There are 4 beaches within walking distance, one of which is private. They all have several names, and it can get confusing…
Our opinion = Calvi
Here, there is no doubt. Calvi is the winner.
Having access to such a large beach in the middle of town is great. And we love the view of the city and the citadel.
Most beautiful beaches around Calvi and Ile-Rousse
Most beautiful beaches around Calvi
Calvi is in a bay where you will find other small beaches in coves.
They are not large but have charm with the views of the bay, the citadel and the mountains in the background.
For example you can go to:
- The beach of the Sainte-Restitude
- The beach of Arinella-Lumio
- The Punta di Spanu point with its big rocks and its Genoese tower
- The beach of Bodri and its ultra-fine sand
See our article on the most beautiful beaches around Calvi.
Beaches between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio
Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio are the most famous beaches of South Corsica and Corsica in general.
- The beaches of Palombaggia and Tamaricciu
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20min (without traffic jam)
Driving time from Bonifaico = 40min
The most famous, with several coves with long stretches of white sand lined with umbrella pines. See tips and photos
- The beach of Santa Giulia
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 15min
Driving time from Bonifaico = 25min
Beautiful protected bay with clear, shallow waters and all the facilities you could need. This beach is quite large with fine white sand. One of the most popular beaches of South Corsica.
- The beach of Rondinara
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 30min
Driving time from Bonifaico = 30min
Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree. It offers a variety of landscapes: white sand beach with shallow turquoise water, protected coves, very colorful rocks…
Read more about it.
And there are many more to discover. See our article on the beaches around Porto-Vecchio.
Our opinion = Porto-Vecchio
The Balagne region has very beautiful beaches but they are a little less fascinating than the southern beaches in our opinion. On the side of Porto-vVecchio, the umbrella pines, the colored rocks and the turquoise waters are really dreaming. And above all, there is a great choice of beaches and a nice variety around Porto-Vecchio.
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What to do around Calvi or Porto-Vecchio (less than 1 hour drive)
The most beautiful places around Calvi
Around Calvi, the unavoidable are:
- Visit the citadel of Calvi
- Visit the very different neighboring town: L’Île-Rousse and the islands of Pietra
- Visit the charming villages of Balagne: Pigna, Sant’Antonino…
- Enjoy the beach train
- Take the height for beautiful views on the bay of Calvi
See our complete guide on What to do in Calvi.
The most beautiful places around Porto-Vecchio
Around Calvi, the unavoidable are:
- Visit the Citadel of Porto-Vecchio
- Discover the beautiful beaches
- Climb the mountains to see the needles of Bavella
- Visit the citadel of Bonifacio at the top of high white cliffs
- Visit Sartene, the most Corsican of Corsican cities
- To go to refresh in a river in Solenzara
See our complete guide on What to do in Porto-Vecchio.
Our opinion = Porto-Vecchio, but it depends on your interests
We were fascinated by the 2 regions.
However, we have a small preference for the south and the variety of its offer at less than 1 hour drive from the city.
THE BEST OF THE Balagne
Discover our articles on the region:
Discover our articles about L’Île-Rousse:
Discover our articles on Calvi:
Excursions from Calvi or Porto-Vecchio (more than one hour drive)
Calvi: Piana and the Agriates
To the South:
From Calvi it is easier to explore the famous calanques de Piana and the reserve of Scandola.
The place is a must of Corsica. These beautiful pink cliffs and rock formations are listed by Unesco.
- Take the road to Porto Ota (1h45) and take one of the boat tours – book
- Choose a boat departure directly from Calvi – see if the tours are active this year
To the North:
You can also discover Saint-François and the Agriates desert, a magnificent protected area with fine white sand beaches.
And you can also go to Bastia for the day
Porto-Vecchio: Lavezzi islands and Sardinia
From Porto-Vecchio you can enjoy many beautiful places to discover in half a day or a day:
- The archaeological sites Cucuruzzu, Filotea, Cauria…
- The mountains with the needles of Bavella
- But the main and most famous excursion is to the Lavezzi Islands, a preserved area. It is a small archipelago where the islands are covered with huge blocks of different colors, shapes and sizes. A fascinating world!
- You can also go to Sardinia, and discover a little piece of Italy! – see details and book
Our opinion:
Calvi has a small advantage here with 2 exceptional natural sites. But we also love the Lavezzi Islands.
Sea and land activities
Activities in Calvi
In the region you can do:
- snorkeling – more information
- learn to dive – learn more
- go out in 4WD in the mountains – See program and availability
- Canyoning in beautiful valleys, including the Fango valley – see programs and availability
- Via Ferrata to cling to the mountain walls with breathtaking views. There are different courses depending on your level (including juniors) – see programs and availability
- Rafting with 2 levels of intensity depending on your adrenaline search (family or X-tra) – see programs and availability
- Hiking
Activities in Porto-Vecchio
In the region you can do:
- Introduction to canyoning in Pulischellu – read more and see availability
- Complete canyoning experience in Pulischellu – read more and see availability
- Or sport canyoning in Purcaraccia – learn more and see availability
- Sea kayaking near Propriano (west coast) – learn more and see availability
- Mountain bike rental
- Hiking
Hotel offer – where to stay
Where to stay in Calvi – accommodation suggestions
- Hotel Onda
Onda On the beach side, we found the decoration of the Onda hotel very successful. It’s warm, modern and soothing. A great experience!
see pictures and availability - Kasano Hotel
Right next to the citadel, this host and his artwork offered us an elegant and inspiring experience, and we think you’ll love it too.
see pictures and availability - Luxury
Hotel La Villa Calvi with beautiful perspective effects
see prices, pictures and availability - Camping
Camping La Pinède is just a few minutes walk from the beach.
They have small, clean and affordable bungalows.
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in Calvi
Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – accommodation suggestions
- Hotel Restaurant Casa Santini, right on the water
see pictures and availability - Luxury in the North Bay
A little far from its center, the Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca, right on the beach
see pictures and availability - Hotel Mariosa
The most complete with place, pool and restaurant.
see photos and availability - Residence with all services
At the Residence U Pirellu, we enjoy spacious villas, beautiful views of the maquis and the sea. There is a heated swimming pool and all activities. It is only 10min from Palombaggia and 10min from Porto-Vecchio.
see pictures and availability - Camping bungalows
For those who are looking for the camping atmosphere but with a little more comfort, consider the Asphodele bungalows.
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in Porto-Vecchio
Our opinion = equality
Both cities have a great offer of hotels and rentals.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
Catering offers
Corsica has many delights.
Enjoy the stores and restaurants with : Cookies (canistrellis, courellinis…), cold cuts, cheeses…
Restaurants in Calvi
In Calvi, we recommend, among others
- Restaurant A Casetta
If you are looking for delicious Corsican charcuterie, look no further. - Restaurant Il Capitano
And if you are looking for more developed dishes with one of the most beautiful views of Calvi from the terrace on the 5th floor. Here is the right choice for you; - Marine Life Restaurant
In a very pleasant setting, with the soft sound of the halyards of the pleasure boats moored nearby, you will be able to taste a creative cuisine as we like them. The prawns will be cooked with soy and citrus caramel, sprinkled with peanut chips, while the pork loin will be topped with a honey spice juice…
Restaurants in Porto-Vecchio
In Porto-Vecchio, we recommend, among others
- The Don Cesar restaurant (gastronomic)
In a 5 star hotel, Corsican specialties and Italian inspiration. All the flavors of the Mediterranean in your plate. - Le Belvédère (Gastronomic)
A romantic decor, feet in the water; a kitchen with seasonal products and aromatic plants of the soil. - Casadelmar brunch (brunch)
for a fresh produce brunch with beautiful views of the bay - Santa Marina (gastronomic)
a gastronomic restaurant with feet in the water with colorful and fresh dishes.
Access – how to get to Calvi or Porto-Vecchio
Both cities are easily accessible:
In Calvi, you find:
- a small airport – in summer you have flights from Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris Orly, Toulouse, Brussels Charleroi, Paris CDG, Vienna, Salzburg, London Stansted
- a car-ferry port in L’Île-Rousse at only 30min
- and the airport and port of Bastia are not so far (2h)
In Porto-Vecchio, you find:
- the airport of Figari
- the car ferry ports in Porto-Vecchio and Propriano
- and the airport and port of Ajaccio are not so far (2h30)
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
