Where to stay in South Corsica to enjoy the beaches and mountains?
The region has a lot to offer and you can spend your time in a town, surrounded by scrubland or just above a beach.
Here is our guide with the best places to stay in South Corsica:
- the best towns and destinations to go to,
- map for orientation,
- the best hotels, and other accommodations where to sleep in South Corsica,
- …
We hope to help you find that special someone for your dream vacation!
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.
We’ll be back in the next few months to share even more photos and information about the hotels.
Where to stay in South Corsica – summary + map
If you don’t want to read the whole article describing all the best places to stay in Southern Corsica, here are our simple answers.
Where to base yourself in South Corsica – Map
To help you find your way, here is a map that will help you locate all the cities selected in our list below.
Note that the numbers do not indicate a preference, they are just numbered to better navigate this article.
And if you are not yet south if South Corsica is the right option, go and see our articles:
Our 4 top picks: best hotels in South Corsica
Bonifacio: Hotel Cala di Greco
The swimming pool with one of the most beautiful views of the citadel possible (photo at the top of this article), a design all in roundness and elegance, surrounded by nature, terraces and space, attentive service…
See prices, pictures and availability
In Porto-Vecchio: Hotel Mariosa
Access to a beach, a lovely pool, a good restaurant, refined decor and a beautiful view of the bay of Porto-Vecchio. What more could you ask for?
See prices, pictures and availability
In Santa Giulia: Hotel L’Alivi
Its terrace with a magnificent view of the bay and its turquoise waters, the colorful, elegant decor and the circular swimming pool.
See prices, pictures and availability
Bonifacio: Hotel A Cheda
We really appreciated the team’s warm welcome and their passion for the place. Staying here is an enchanting experience, set in the heart of a Mediterranean garden, we love the elegant design and authentic charm. In addition, you will find one of the best restaurants in Bonifacio, just a few steps from our room. Our taste buds are still shaking!
See prices, pictures and availability
Where to stay in Corsica
Where to stay in South Corsica without a car
It is possible to spend a vacation without a car in South Corsica, but this will limit you quite a bit.
If you stay more than 4 days, we recommend you to rent a car.
Bonifacio (location 1)
With its impressive cliffs, its citadel and its unforgettable sunsets.
The city offers many activities on site.
see the best rated accommodations
Santa Giulia (location 6)
Only if you want to stay at the beach all the time – In southern Corsica, you can fly to Figari, take a cab to your accommodation right next to the beach and just enjoy the crystal clear water and beach activities.
see the best rated accommodations
Porto-Vecchio (location 3)
In summer, there are some buses that can take you to the beaches (Palombaggia, Santa Giulia). This allows you to alternate between city, activities and beaches.
see the best rated accommodations
Where to stay in South Corsica with your family
You can find excellent places to stay with your family in southern Corsica. However, for an easygoing style of vacation full of activities for all ages, our favorites are:
Porto-Vecchio (location 2)
With beaches, theme parks and quick access to the mountains.
see the best rated accommodations
Bays north of Porto-Vecchio (location 8)
With young children, Saint-Cyprien and Pinarellu are quieter with large beaches with gentle slopes. And you can easily go up into the mountains to look for coolness.
see the best rated accommodations
Where to go in South Corsica for 2 or 3
If you have to see only a small part of Corsica, you might as well see the most spectacular part. With only 3 days in South Corsica, it is better to stay in the cities.
Our preference is for Bonifacio (location 1)
With its impressive cliffs, its citadel and its unforgettable sunsets.
see the best rated accommodations
And see how to occupy yourself for a weekend or 3 days in Corsica.
Where to stay in South Corsica for the beaches
There are beautiful beaches all around South Corsica.
Wherever you are, you will be within a 30 minute drive of at least 10 beautiful beaches.
To help you choose between the east (Porto-Vecchio) and the west (Bonifacio), see our articles:
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.
Where to sleep in South Corsica: hotels, resorts…
Our top 3 – best luxury hotels in South Corsica
- Hotel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia
Located near the most famous beach of the island, it offers splendid views, a beautiful pool and a lot of charm.
See photos and availability - Hotel & Spa Version Maquis Citadelle
In Bonifacio, with a peaceful atmosphere
See photos and availability - Grand Hotel of Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca
With its private beach, feet in the water!
see pictures and availability
Hotel ideas near the most beautiful beaches
- Luxury
Close to the most famous beach of the island, Les Bergeries de Palombaggia are splendid with beautiful views, a nice pool and a lot of charm.
See photos and availability - Luxury Apartment
Residence Santa Giulia Palace offers splendid views of Santa Giulia beach and 3 pools – plenty of choice if you like to soak in the water.
See photos and availability - Hotel
Hotel le Pinarello – Right next to the beach in the bay of Piranellu
See photos and availability
Charming hotels in South Corsica
- Hotel Cala di Greco
In Bonifacio, luxury atmosphere and small store
See photos and availability - Cadadelmar Beach
In Porto-Vecchio, with splendid views
See photos and availability - Hotel Restaurant Mariosa
With its small beach and its serene atmosphere.
see prices, pictures and availability
Campsites in South Corsica
You can also find many campsites all around South Corsica.
Most of them offer mobile home rentals.
For example:
- Camping Des Îles not far from Bonifacio
- Camping La Pomposa not far from Bonifacio
- The Rondinara campsite, just above the magnificent bay
- Camping Arutoli near Porto-Vecchio
- Camping Les Chênes not far from Porto-Vecchio
- …
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
Location 1 – Where to sleep in Bonifacio
Why stay in Bonifacio
Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful places I have had the chance to see during my travels.
The whole region is in the process of being classified as a Unesco heritage site.
Imagine: the old medieval town is perched on white limestone cliffs over 70m high!
Nearby attractions:
- Take the famous one-hour boat tour to see the cliffs and how the city is suspended above the water.
- Go down the King of Aragon’s staircase that crosses the cliffs (be careful, it is 189 steep steps)
- Walk on the cliffs for great views – there is a beautiful walk from the old town along the cliffs to Capo Pertusato
- Explore the citadel and the marine cemetery
- Explore the surrounding coastline, including the beautiful beaches.
- Learn more in our guide to visit Bonifacio.
Where to sleep in Bonifacio – accommodation suggestions
- Along the marina
The Solemare hotel with its swimming pool facing the citadel wall.
see prices, pictures and availability - Old town
Another option inside the old town is the Hotel Genovese with a cliff top location and lots of charm.
see pictures and availability - At the top of the Citadel
The Santateresa hotel offers exceptional views of the cliffs and citadel, especially at sunset.
see pictures and availability
See the best deals on hotels and rentals in Bonifacio // or read our full article on where to stay in Bonifacio
Location 2 – Base yourself in the maquis around Bonifacio
If you are looking for more peace and quiet, there are also beautiful hotels in the maquis around Bonifacio.
Our photos are coming in the next few months!
- Hotel Cala di Greco
4 stars and splendid views… the dream pool!
see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Version Maquis Santa Manza
All the charm of Corsica…
see prices, pictures and availability - Charming Lodge A Cheda
A small atypical hotel with a lot of charm.
see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle
For a 5 star stay not far from the marina, see the spacious and beautiful design.
see pictures and availability
Do not make
THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE
On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi.
So our trip began with a “card blocked” call… Not funny at all!
Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry.
Location 3 – Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – center
Why stay in the center of Porto-Vecchio
The main city of South Corsica is Porto-Vecchio.
It is a big city with everything you could need: restaurants, bars, stores…
And a short drive from the most beautiful beaches of Corsica: Palombaggia, Tamaricciu…
Nearby attractions
- Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the cafes/restaurants along the marina.
- Climb the hill, pass the Genoese gate and explore the narrow streets of the Citadel with its unique stores and the charming St. John the Baptist church. You can visit the Bastion and, from there, have a breathtaking view of the gulf.
- By car – in less than 2 hours, you can discover villages, gorges, mountains, prehistoric sites…
- Learn more in our guide to visit Porto-Vecchio
Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – accommodation suggestions
- Golden Tulip
Modernity and magnificent view on the bay. With everything you may need.
see prices, pictures and availability - 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
See the best deals on hotels and rentals in Porto-Vecchio // or read our full article on where to stay in Porto-Vecchio
Location 4 – Where to stay on the road to Palombaggia
Why stay on the road to Palombaggia
If you are looking for residences with a sea view and do not need access to the city center, you can find very nice offers all around the peninsula south of Porto-Vecchio.
The main road is called the Palombaggia Road because it joins Porto-Vecchio and the beach of Palombaggia.
You have the advantage of the proximity of the most beautiful beaches of southern Corsica, but you feel more in the nature, without the hubbub of the city.
There are many residences with small villas that allow you to cook.
Hotels and residences along the road
- Hotel Restaurant Mariosa
With its small beach and serene atmosphere.
see prices, pictures 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.
see pictures and availability
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Location 5 – Where to sleep in Palombaggia
Why stay at Palombaggia beach
And at the end of the road, you can find some accommodations just above the beach of Palombaggia.
We have separated them from the road, because they offer different advantages: you can reach the beach on foot, which is considered the most beautiful in Corsica!
Where to sleep – Hotels in Palombaggia
- Hotel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia – probably the most famous luxury accommodation in the area. It is within walking distance of the beach and offers fantastic views and a heated pool.
see pictures and availability - Ambassador Palombaggia Hotel
A beautiful setting, connected to nature.
see prices, pictures and availability - Palombaggia Hotel
a small hotel, but a warm atmosphere and a large pool. Everything for a quiet vacation.
see prices, pictures and availability
Location 6 – Where to sleep in Santa Giulia
Why stay in Santa Giulia
Many of the famous beaches of South Corsica are not developed. They do not have accommodation near the beach.
In Santa Giulia you can stay close to the beach and the lagoon. Perfect to relax and enjoy the Corsican landscapes.
You can walk down to the beach!
Where to sleep in Santa Giulia – accommodation suggestions
- 4 star resort
The Santa Giulia Palace offers beautiful views of Santa Giulia beach and 3 pools – plenty of choices if you like to soak in the water.
see pictures and availability - 4 star hotel
Hotel Alivi di Santa Giulia is smaller and offers an excellent breakfast.
see pictures and availability - Apartments in the beach house
Costa Nera Beach house is very close to the water with a modern design
see pictures and availability - Villa
For a whole house, see Vallia Les Hameaux Di Santa Giulia
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
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!
Location 7 – Where to stay in Propriano
Why stay in Propriano and its surroundings
If you are looking for a relaxed beach vacation, the Propriano area is an excellent choice.
It is not far from the airport of Ajaccio.
The beaches are beautiful, but less known than those of South Corsica, so the atmosphere is less frenetic.
And since you are a little further away from the famous southern beaches, you can find options at lower prices.
Nearby attractions
- Beaches
- Village of Sartene
- Historical towers
- Walking tour
Where to sleep in Propriano and its surroundings – accommodation suggestions
- Seaside in Portoglio
U Liventi offers beautiful cabins, under the trees and near the beach. The site has a restaurant offering a perfect view of the wild beach
The campground is environmentally conscious, and the cabins are actually quite large. It’s really nice!
see pictures and availability - Luxury Villas
At Residence Terra Thea, you can enjoy a resort with several villas overlooking Propriano.
see pictures and availability - Apartment-hotel
At Residence & Hotel Aria Marina, you can enjoy convenient apartments not far from the beach
see pictures and availability - Unique
Micalona Genoese Tower where you can stay in one of the historical defense towers, not far from Propriano!
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers // or read our full article on where to stay in Propriano and Sartène
Location 8 – Where to stay around the bays north of Porto-Vecchio
Why stay in the north of Porto-Vecchio
To the north of Porto-Vecchio, you will find some other beautiful bays facing east.
These beaches are less known than Palombaggia and Santa Giulia but they are quite large with gentle slopes, so they are ideal with children.
Our favorite is Pinarellu, but Saint-Cyprien offers more activities around.
You are not far from Porto-Vecchio but in a more quiet place.
Where to stay
We suggest you:
- The Pinarello
At the beach of Pinarellu
see prices, pictures and availability - The Saint Cyprien beach residence
For small modern houses, ideal for families
see prices, pictures and availability - Son de Mar Hotel
2 minutes walk from the beach of Saint Cyprien
see prices, pictures and availability
BEST THINGS TO DO IN Southern Corsica
Discover our articles on the region:
Discover our articles on Bonifacio:
Discover our articles on Porto-Vecchio
Location 9 – Where to stay in Sartene
Why stay in Sartene
It is a town with a village spirit.
It is considered as the most Corsican of the Corsican cities, because it is very representative of the Corsican rustic spirit.
Its history dates back to medieval times, and part of the city was built in the early 16th century.
You will find several views of the mountain and the city, charming streets and a photogenic church.
Where to sleep in Sartene
- Hotel Best Western Plus San Damianu
with its views over the valley
see pictures and availability - Hotel Des Roches
see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Rossi
see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel du Golfe
At the seaside (in the gulf of Sartene) at 15min from the city, the feet almost in the water!
see prices, pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Location 10 – Where to stay in the mountains of southern Corsica (Zonza and around)
Why stay in the mountains
If you want to avoid the heat and enjoy all the beautiful hikes in the south of Corsica, choose one of the villages around between the gorges of Solenzara and the needles of Bavella: Zonza, Levie.
Even if you stay in the mountains, you can enjoy the beach. Palombaggia is less than 1h15 away!
Where to sleep – hotels in the mountains of South Corsica
- Hotel A Fontana, 3 stars with open views of the mountains
see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Cantu di Fiumu, spacious rooms and a quiet retreat surrounded by mountains
see prices, pictures and availability - Hostel U n’Antru Versu, stones and wood for a decor with character
see prices, pictures and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio
Personally, we fell in love with Bonifacio.
If you like history, culture and cliffs, choose Bonifacio.
If you prefer easy access to beaches, bars and outdoor and water activities, choose Porto-Vecchio.
See our complete comparison.
Palombaggia or Santa Giulia
This is a very difficult question. Especially since the feelings on these beaches depend on the light, the weather conditions, the world, the seaweed conditions.
Both have restaurants, water activities, sand, rocks, turquoise waters…
Palombaggia has its umbrella pines along the beach while Santa Giulia has its lagoon aspect.
In our opinion Palombaggia transports us more into another world than Santa Giulia.
Places to avoid in South Corsica
Not really a place to be discouraged.
There are beautiful beaches all around the southern tip of Corsica.
So far, we have not had any unpleasant surprises.
