Between granite mountains with rugged peaks and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in southern Corsica, lies the 'City of Salt': Porto-Vecchio. The island’s third largest town, its winding cobbled streets lined with boutiques, seafood restaurants, bakeries and gelaterias and a marina bursting with luxury yachts, this is a hugely vibrant food and nightlife destination. Accommodation options reflect a real sense of timeless glamour, with the best places to stay in Porto-Vecchio offering chic rooms and suites with ocean views, infinity pools and terrific cuisine.

Founded by the Genoese in 1539, Porto-Vecchio is named for the presence of an old Roman harbour. Repeatedly attacked by pirates and plagued by malaria, the town faded into relative obscurity until the Second World War, and has fewer historic landmarks than nearby Bonifacio. A boom in salt production revived the town, which has since become famous for its white sandy bays and sparkling waters set under forested mountains. Venture inland for hiking and cycling trails around the villages of Zonza and Levie, as well as the challenging Xtreme Sud’s high ropes course. The Santa Guilia and Cala Rossa beaches are gorgeous for lazy days of sunbathing and swimming, whilst scuba divers will be fascinated by the nearby Reserve Naturelle des Iles Cerbicales.

Return to the marina for mouth-watering seafood suppers and big nights out at trendy bars and clubs. Many of the best places to stay in Porto-Vecchio also boast top-notch eateries of their own.

The Best Places to Stay in Porto-Vecchio

For a Central Stay

• Le Balamina is a trendy 54-room hotel with minimalist and vintage touches. Set close to Porto-Vecchio's centre, it's ideal for on-foot explorers, or families and friends looking for a more affordable city base. Some rooms can sleep up to four guests. Enjoy the gym and indoor pool, and dine on flavoursome fare at La Cantina restaurant.
• Citta di Lumé offers smart apartments for up to eight guests, with private parking, as well as a shared terrace and heated swimming pool. Brilliant for groups as well as couples, spaces have well-equipped kitchens, sitting rooms and cosy bedrooms. Expect an industrial-chic style with all the mod-cons.

For a Rural Escape

• Hôtel San Giovanni is a fantastic, family-friendly hotel in the countryside close to Porto-Vecchio. Modern rooms and suites open onto leafy gardens and offer flexible spaces for those travelling with little ones. Unwind in the pool, sauna and hot tub after challenging the kids to a game of pétanque, tennis, table tennis or football. Fun and relaxed.
• Casa di L'Oru has just three stylish rooms, with crisp, clean lines, panoramic sea views and an enormous outdoor pool. Kick-start your day with big breakfasts featuring homemade jams and cakes, before enjoying rejuvenating aromatherpay treatments. An intimate countryside B&B. Book the whole house if travelling as a group.
• Le Roc E Fiori is a delightful haven, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Charming and individually-designed, the hotel's 14 rooms and suites are set within lovely Mediterranean gardens, with a swimming pool, hammam and laid-back eatery. Pick this place for the striking sea views and convivial atmosphere. Rural, yet just 6km from town.
• Les Bergeries de Palombaggia offers 14 rooms and seven suites set within acres of gardens overlooking the ocean. An exceptional luxury hotel with an acclaimed gourmet restaurant — La Table de Mina — this is a hugely romantic holiday choice, also popular with fans of minimalist design and fun-loving families. Exquisite.

For Beachfront Luxury

• Hôtel Le Belvédère is a magical waterfront hotel on the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Boasting two gastronomic restaurants, an infinity pool, two hot tubs and direct beach access, this is a very romantic choice. Interiors ooze classic charm, with vaulted ceilings, tiled floors and private terraces.
• Casadelmar is a sleek five-star hotel featuring 32 rooms with generous sun terraces and bright pops of colour. Soak up the sun alongside the infinity pool, read in the Italian-style gardens or amble down to the small private beach and dock. The two-Michelin-starred Le Casadelmar restaurant is a destination in itself. Grown-up luxury.
• La Plage Casadelmar invites guests to retreat to spacious contemporary rooms housed in individual villas with gorgeous ocean views. Discover the hotel's private beach, lovely restaurant and wonderful massages. Sister hotel Casadelmar is a short boat ride away.
• Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa sits in its own private cove on the Cala Rossa peninsula. An elegant, family-owned gem, the hotel has big bedrooms done in earthy tones, a gourmet restaurant, and heaps of watersports and wellness treatments. Barefoot bliss.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Figari Sud-Corse Airport, 20 minutes by bus or taxi from Porto-Vecchio. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance.
• Corsica is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the warmest weather, with temperatures peaking around 27°C in June to August — although this is also the busiest time of year. Avoid the school holidays or visit in May or September for a quieter trip.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Bonifacio.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Corsica.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Porto-Vecchio