Surreal beauty in South Corsica
South Corsica feels untouched by time, where authenticity and nature reigns. Explore this treasure trove at your leisure, from finding shade under the pines at a secluded cove to exploring South Corsica’s rich history.
Make this spectacular nature the backdrop to your stay in one of Le Collectionist’s luxury villas in South Corsica and explore our luxury concierge’s guide to the island’s unmissable addresses and activities.
1 - Dine at the famous Domaine de Murtoli in Sartène
Immerse yourself in the Corsican wilderness at Domaine de Murtoli, a 2500-hectare landscape that is best appreciated from above! Let us organise a helicopter ride that offers a bird’s eye view of the undulating hills, formidable mountains, expansive beaches and the green blanket of maquis. In this haven of agritourism, the landscape is honoured with every bite in one of their three restaurants, showcasing meat that has been reared on the domaine, cheese from the shepherds and olive oil produced in their mill.
In a nutshell
Helicopter ride / Nature reserve restaurant
2 - Discover Corsica’s wild beauty on a private yacht
In a nutshell
Private Yacht / Picturesque beaches
3 - Taste the famous vintages at Domaine Clos Canarelli
Discover the wonders of Corsica’s unique Mediterranean climate and rich soil at a wine tasting session at Domaine Clos Canarelli. This family-owned estate has a deep reverence for nature, harvesting their 14 grape varieties manually without using pesticides. Discover their natural methods of production that give each wine its distinctive character from delicate whites to deep reds.
In a nutshell
Wine tasting/ Traditional production
4 - Relax on one of South Corsica’s private beaches
In a nutshell
Private beach/ Evening festivities
5 - Immerse yourself in Corsican culture from the comfort of your own home
In a nutshell
Private chef/ Evening at home
Bonifacio
At the southern end of the island looking out towards Sardinia, Bonifacio is a treasure trove of secret beaches and caves waiting to be explored. The Old Town oozes charm with narrow serpentine streets, Medieavel buildings and a mesmerising citadel, perched on the cliffs, that seems to be defying gravity.
In a nutshell
Beaches/ Medieavel Old Town
Casa Gianca
Explore
Ajaccio
Ajaccio, the island’s capital, stands proudly on the west coast of Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, where down every pastel-coloured street you can unearth history and culture. Spend the day soaking up knowledge in the museums or marvelling at the monuments that decorate the city before retreating back to your seaside sanctuary.
In a nutshell
Capital city/ History
Villa A Nepita
Explore
Propriano
Half way between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, find yacht-lined Propriano along the south west coast. With Mediterranean-style architecture as well as spectacular fine-sand beaches, the glitzy port town still manages to preserve the authenticity of Corsica’s natural landscape and charm.
In a nutshell
Port town/ Authentic glamour
Casa Lucci
Explore
Porto-Vecchio
Wake up to the fresh smell of sea salt and follow the iridescent Mediterranean’s magnetic draw towards Porto-Vecchio. In the south east of Corsica, this is a landscape dreamed in technicolour, from its distinctive red rock, turquoise waters to the dense green carpet of maquis and parasol pines.
In a nutshell
Seaside town/ Natural beauty
Villa Laela
Explore
Da Mare
On the vast Plage de Palombaggia, in the south east of Porto-Vecchio, Da Mare has everything you could desire. With its spectacular white sands and turquoise waters, this trendy private beach is perfect for those who want to bask in the sun with a cocktail in hand.
In a nutshell
Trendy beach/ Vibrant bar
Le Dune
Another treasure found on La Plage de Palombaggia, Le Dune is a tranquil haven where the shimmering crystalline waters stretch out before you. On this private beach, recline with a book in hand before enjoying the mouth-watering grilled specials served at the beach’s restaurant.
In a nutshell
Tranquil beach / BBQ restaurant
Le Tamaricciu
Le Tamaricciu is an idyllic nine-mile private beach that embodies the very essence of Corsica. With the maquis-blanketed hills as your backdrop, sink your toes into the fine sand of La Plage de Palombaggia. With the melody of the rolling waves in the background, tuck into delicious tapas served in the beach’s restaurant or come the evening, head to the bar for a cocktail creation!
In a nutshell
Authentic beach / Tapas restaurant
The Lavezzi Islands
Facing Bonifacio at the southernmost point of the island, the Lavezzi Islands are a breathtaking archipelago, forming a constellation of small islands and reefs in the azure Mediterranean Sea. With Bonifacio within kissing distance, explore the crystal-clear waters, crimson rock formations that stand proudly like sculptures and wild vegetation that is painted in vibrant hues.
In a nutshell
Archipelago/ Breathtaking nature
La Plage de Santa Giulia
Deserving of its fame, La Plage de Santa Giulia boasts of fine sands, canopies of umbrella pines and pale-turquoise shallows that look straight of the canvas of a watercolour masterpiece. With a plethora of water-sport activities on offer, make the most of nature’s playground this holiday!
Family-friendly beach/ Picturesque
Restaurant at Hotel Casa Santini
In the heart of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, Hotel Casa Santini offers you spectacular views of the glistening Mediterranean, inviting you to set sail to discover the culinary delights of Italy, Spain and its homeland, Corsica. With a new menu every week, savour dishes like braised veal shanks fragranced with Corsican herbs, or octopus garnished with calabrese 'nduja oil & smashed potatoes.
Hotel Casa Santini
Av. Georges Pompidou, 20137 Porto-Vecchio
Le Casadelmar at Hotel Casadelmar
At Le Casadelmar, you can expect a menu that takes you on a journey through the Corsican, French and Italian natural landscape, bringing an ethereal magic to Mediterranean cuisine with these delicate flavour combinations. In this 2-Michelin-starred restaurant, whether its veal from Jean-Charles Gazano’s Farm, honey from Ciccoli or hazelnuts from Cervione, chefs prepare dishes with the highest respect for its provenance.
Route de Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio
U Capu Biancu
U Capu Blancu
Lieu dit ricetti Domaine de Pozzoniello, 20169 Bonifacio
La Caravelle
On the port of Bonifacio, take a seat on the terrace of La Caravelle looking out towards the rippling turquoise waters as you browse through the menu. Choose one of the freshly-caught local seafood specialities, from sea bream to oysters to get a taste of the Mediterranean.
La Caravelle
Hôtel Restaurant La Caravelle, 35 Quai Comparetti, 20169 Bonifacio
L’Othello
In the heart of Porto-Vecchio in one of the five bastions of the citadel, L’Othello warmly extends its arm to invite you and your friends to spend a spectacular evening on the panoramic terrace. In this trendy tapas bar, share their delectable small plates, sip on a cocktail creation and as the evening unfolds, let the DJs beats lure you all to the dance floor.
L’Othello
65 Rue U Borgo, 20137 Porto-Vecchio
Pozzo di Mastri
Get a taste of authentic Corsica in this converted farm inn, nestled between Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio and Bavella mountain pass. On their seasonal menu, choose from traditional Corsican plates adorned with produce from the garden. Make sure to visit on a Tuesday and Friday for an evening of merriment, where Coriscan singers and musicians harmonise in the background and the smell of the hog-roast wets your appetite.
Pozzo di Mastri
Pozzo di Mastri, 20114 Figari
Horse ride through the Cosican wilderness
Trot through the protected wilderness, letting your little ones marvel as the verdant valleys transform into craggy cliffs and then spectacular stretches of white-sand shores. As you gallop through the landscapes together, breathe in the scent of the maquis, sage and wild eucalyptus and take a mental photograph of the cypress and pine trees that are flashing past.
In a nutshell
Horseback riding/ Spectacular landscape
Go canyoning to discover South Corsica’s natural pools
Corsica’s landscape boasts of spectacular hiking trails but for a more thrilling alternative, that your little explorers will adore, canyoning is a fascinating combination of rock climbing, hiking and abseiling. After a short hike, don your wetsuit and helmet before exploring down the canyons that mark the land into the inviting natural pools.
In a nutshell
Canyoning/ Exploration
Have a family photo shoot
From the comfort of your villa, distil the magic of your Corsica family holiday and immemorialise your precious moments on film. With the spectacular Corsican landscape as your background, gather your loved ones to capture a moment in time and create the perfect souvenir.
In a nutshell
Family photoshoot/ Capture memories
Spend the day aboard a Catamaran
The whole family will delight as you set sail off the coast of South Corsica to discover the secluded coves and aquatic kingdoms. Let your children marvel at the schools of multi-coloured fish and sea animals that flutter past them as they snorkel, like a story book come to life on the perfect Corsica family holiday.
In a nutshell
Boat day/ Snorkelling
Set sail on a boat trip
For your week in South Corsica, a boat trip is a must! From the port in Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio, adventure awaits! Let us unveil to you the clusters of secluded coves that line Corsica’s shore, the majestic beauty of the Lavezzi Islands or even your Italian neighbour, Sardinia. After stopping to bask in the sun on one of Corsica’s mythical white-sand beaches, moor for lunch with a view!
In a nutshell
Boat trip/ Secluded coves and beaches
Enjoy a private dinner in the heart of nature
Let us arrange the perfect surprise for your entourage, showing your love through food as our chef Jean Antoine unveils a different side to Corsica through his culinary creations. Take a seat at the table set-up in a mystery location ranging from the cliffs of Bonifacio to a secluded fine-sand beach as he puts on an unforgettable show. In this intimate atmosphere, reconnect with nature and with your loved ones.
In a nutshell
Pop-up dining experience/ Natural landscape
Let us guide you through the Coriscan wilderness
Wanting to make the most of your short escape to South Corsica? Like a landscape masterpiece painted with green, ochre and blue pigments, discover L’Ospédale with our guide Romano as you immerse yourself in the pine forests and ascend to one of the most spectacular vantage points in all of the island. With views over Porto-Vecchio bay, the cliffs of Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands, it is guaranteed to take your breath away. Then enjoy a traditional Corsiscan picnic, with cheeses made and meats reared by your very own guide!
In a nutshell
Guided nature tour/ Spectacular views
Dine among the rolling vineyards
Nestled among the lush vineyards, let us lay a table for an intimate feast. Each dish on the menu is du terroir, a celebration of local specialties and the surrounding natural landscape. With a selection of perfectly complementing vintages, raise a toast to treasured time with loved ones.
In a nutshell
Intimate meal/ In the vineyards
Hover above the Corsican wilderness in a helicopter ride
Let us arrange for you to take to the skies in a helicopter, discovering the secrets of the Isle of Beauty. As time stands still, hover over the flowering shrubs and the glistening blue waters to see the exceptional Corsican landscape from a different vantage point. Travel from Porto-Vecchio towards Domaine de Murtoli in Sartène where a feast awaits!
In a nutshell
Helicopter ride/ Bird’s eye view
Summer
In June, July and August the Mediterranean sun reigns over South Corsica, gilding the landscape and making the fragrance of the maquis, juniper and pine fill the air. During the summer months, the mirror-clear sea, bubbling rivers, natural pools and cascading waterfalls invite you to plunge into their refreshing waters!