Corsica Lovers

To awaken your senses in Corsica - Claire et Manu’s Blog

Home » Porto-Vecchio and its region

Where to stay in South Corsica: 10 places (+ hotels)

by Claire | | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (détails)

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!

where to sleep in south corsica hotels

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.

Content
Where to stay in South Corsica – summary + map
Where to sleep in South Corsica: hotels, resorts…
Location 1 – Where to sleep in Bonifacio
Location 2 – Base yourself in the maquis around Bonifacio
Location 3 – Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – center
Location 4 – Where to stay on the road to Palombaggia
Location 5 – Where to sleep in Palombaggia
Location 6 – Where to sleep in Santa Giulia
Location 7 – Where to stay in Propriano
Location 8 – Where to stay around the bays north of Porto-Vecchio
Location 9 – Where to stay in Sartene
Location 10 – Where to stay in the mountains of southern Corsica (Zonza and around)
Frequently asked questions

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.

map where to stay south corsica

And if you are not yet south if South Corsica is the right option, go and see our articles:

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

cliffs of Bonifacio and citadel on top

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:

Need to rent a car in Corsica?

Renting a car in Corsica is not always easy….

See our 35 tips for renting a car in Corsica without worrying

Find great deals today on my favorite platform: DiscoverCars.com

And save up to 70%.

how to rent a car in Corsica
See the cars →

Where to sleep in South Corsica: hotels, resorts…

Our top 3 – best luxury hotels in South Corsica

Hotel ideas near the most beautiful beaches

South coast of Corsica
  • 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

arrival on the bay of Rondinara with turquoise water and maquis around

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
  • …

Plan a dream trip to Corsica!

Corsica travel guide s
  • 7 maps that make planning easier
  • 130+ pre-selected locations
  • Practical advice
  • 220+ photos to help you choose

LEARN MORE

Location 1 – Where to sleep in Bonifacio

Why stay in Bonifacio

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 stay in Bonifacio - Santateresa hotel room
Hotel Santateresa

Where to sleep in Bonifacio – accommodation suggestions

See the best deals on hotels and rentals in Bonifacio

View from our room
View from our room

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!

Ne faites pas la même erreur que nous!

VPN-error

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.

See our favorite VPN offer

Location 3 – Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – center

Why stay in the center of Porto-Vecchio

Porto-Vecchio marina

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
View on Porto-Vecchio

Where to sleep in Porto-Vecchio – accommodation suggestions

See the best deals on hotels and rentals in Porto-Vecchio.

Location 4 – Where to stay on the road to Palombaggia

Why stay on the road to Palombaggia

Where to stay in Porto-Vecchio
Swimming pool of the Residence U Pirellu

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.

Residence U Pirellu
Residence U Pirellu

Hotels and residences along the road

One of us likes coffee…

Do you enjoy all the free content you find on our blog?
All our tips and practical information, without intrusive ads …

Claire Manu Region Lovers
Buy us a coffee!

Location 5 – Where to sleep in Palombaggia

Why stay at Palombaggia beach

Beach of Palombaggia

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!

Transparent waters in Palombaggia

Where to sleep – Hotels in Palombaggia

Location 6 – Where to sleep in Santa Giulia

Why stay in Santa Giulia

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!

Santa Giulia Lagoon

Where to sleep in Santa Giulia – accommodation suggestions

See the best hotel and rental offers

How to get to Corsica

Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy – see all options in our article
or directly compare schedules, prices and availability
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 prices and availability ofairline tickets
And then rent a car: see our favorite comparator

If you are traveling in the summer, remember to book early to get the best prices and choices!

Need more help choosing?
See our advice on how to go to Corsica

Location 7 – Where to stay in Propriano

Why stay in Propriano and its surroundings

Propriano
Propriano

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
cabin in U Liventi
cabin in U Liventi

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

Beach of Propriano
Beach of Propriano

Location 8 – Where to stay around the bays north of Porto-Vecchio

Why stay in the north of Porto-Vecchio

Beach of Saint-Cyprien
Beach of Saint-Cyprien

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.

Beach of Pinarellu
Beach of Pinarellu

Where to sleep

We suggest you:

Best things to do in South Corsica

Discover all our articles on the region:

  • Que faire à Porto-Vecchio – lire
  • Que faire à Bonifacio – lire
  • Plage de Palombaggia – lire
  • Plage de Tamariccu – lire
  • Baie de Rondinara – lire
  • Visiter les îles Lavezzi – lire

Location 9 – Where to stay in Sartene

Why stay in Sartene

View of the city of Sartene with orange roofs

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.

central square of Sartene with church

Where to sleep in Sartene

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

Aiguilles de Bavella

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!

Village of Levie in South Corsica with mountains around

Where to sleep – hotels in the mountains of South Corsica

The best of Corsica

Plan an unforgettable trip!

  • Where to sleep in Corsica – read
  • The most beautiful beaches of Corsica – read
  • The most beautiful villages of Corsica – read
  • The most beautiful cities of Corsica – read
  • The most beautiful destinations in Corsica – read
  • Best things to do in Corsica – read
  • Ajaccio or Bastia? – read
  • Planning a road trip in Corsica –read
  • Which ferry for Corsica – read
  • How to get to Corsica – read
  • itinerary: 3 days – 4 or 5 days

See all our tips for a successful trip to Corsica

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.

About the bloggers…

Les blogs de Claire et Manu

Une sœur passionnée de voyages, un frère épicurien, des valeurs familiales bien ancrées… des blogs que nous avons construits à notre image et au service des voyageurs du monde entier.