Southern Corsica

A microcosm of Corsica itself, the south boasts two of the island's most alluring port towns – the cliff-hugging citadel of Bonifacio and the glamorous resort of Porto-Vecchio – along with its most remarkable megalithic sites (Filitosa and Cucuruzzu), some of its most breathtaking mountains (Aiguilles de Bavella) and its most beautiful beach (Palombaggia).

Explore Southern Corsica

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southern Corsica.

  • Historic Site

    Citadel

    The great joy of visiting Bonifacio lies in strolling the tangled medieval lanes of the citadel. The paved steps of montée du Rastello and montée St-Roch…

  • Mountain

    Aiguilles de Bavella

    The high pass by which the D268 crosses the mountains, the Col de Bavella (Bavella Pass; 1218m), is overlooked by the magnificent silhouettes of the…

  • Historic Site

    Filitosa

    Corsica's most important prehistoric site, 20km north of Propriano, preserves extraordinary granite menhirs (standing stones) that were originally erected…

  • Beach

    Plage de Palombaggia

    When it comes to longing for the archetypal 'idyllic beach', it's impossible to think past the immense Plage de Palombaggia, southeast of Porto-Vecchio…

  • Archaeological Site

    Cucuruzzu & Capula

    A side turning north from the D268, 3km west of Levie, arrives after 4km at a beautiful forest, where an easy 2.5km loop trail leads past two remarkable…

  • Island

    Îles Lavezzi

    Paradise! If you love to splash in tranquil lapis-lazuli waters, this protected clutch of uninhabited islets was made for you. The largest, the 65-hectare…

  • Historic Site

    Escalier du Roi d’Aragon

    Only accessible from the top, this impressive staircase cuts down Bonifacio's southern cliff-face. Legend says that during the siege of 1420, Aragonese…

  • Archaeological Site

    Cauria Plateau

    The desolate and beautiful Cauria plateau, 15km south of Sartène, holds several intriguing prehistoric sites. To find them, take the D48 south then follow…

  • Museum

    Musée de l’Alta Rocca

    This low-slung modern museum, below the D59, is primarily devoted to Corsican archaeology, with especially good displays on its megalithic sites. Its…

  • Museum

    Bastion de l’Étendard

    Inside the citadel’s old gateway, the Porte de Gênes, the Bastion de l’Étendard was the town's main stronghold. Built to hold heavy artillery, it now…

  • Village

    Ste-Lucie de Tallano

    Interesting monuments in Ste-Lucie de Tallano, 9km west of Levie, include the well-proportioned Église Ste-Lucie and the imposing, Renaissance-style…

  • Church

    Église Ste-Marie

    Rising above Sartène's attractive, lively main square, this granite church houses the 34kg cross and 16kg chain borne by the penitent during Good Friday's…