Discovering the historic centre of Porto-Vecchio

Corsica's third-largest town, with a population of 12,000, has a very long history.

The citadel** and the old town, overlooking the bay and the Tyrrhenian Sea, bear witness to this past...

Put on your best shoes and off you go! Set off to explore the Ville Haute de Porto-Vecchio and its many treasures.

It's worth noting that the atmosphere here is totally different from that in the other seasons of the year!

For some welcome peace and quiet, opt for May, June or September.

Aerial view of the village of Porto-Vecchio

- © Alexandre G. ROSA / Shutterstock

A brief history of Porto-Vecchio

Founded by the Genoese in the 7th century, Porto-Vecchio is a very old town.

The Citadel of the upper town was built in 1539.

The Citadel was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt several times. Indeed, pirate attacks were numerous in the 16th century.

As a result, the town of Porto-Vecchio had its ups and downs.

The town and the south of Corsica were regularly devastated by malaria. A disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Following the draining of the marshes on the east coast of Corsica, the disease was eradicated.

Today, tourism is the lifeblood of the town, with the other economic activity centred around the marina.

Porto-Vecchio old town square

- © Alexandre G. ROSA / Shutterstock

A short tour of the heart of the city, the Ville Haute

The centre of the upper town is the Place de la République, opposite the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Porto-Vecchio.

From this central point, you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of the centre (closed to cars in July and August).

Restaurants, bars, cafés and shops liven up this part of town from spring to autumn.

The fortifications of the Citadelle include the bastion and the main gate.

The Bastion de France can be visited in summer. Admission is charged and gives access to the terrace. The view is superb!

What's more, the atmosphere in this area is at its best in July and August, and lasts well into the night. Don't miss out on the experience of a lively bar in the evening to the sounds of Corsican polyphony!

While you're exploring the town, grab a bite to eat at one of the good restaurants in the old town.

🍴 Among the various places to eat, the Furana restaurant is a sure bet.

This charming address boasts a remarkable view of the marina and the sea.

To make matters worse, you'll be delighted by the typical Corsican dishes!

🗺️ In fine weather, guided tours of the upper town are organised by the Porto-Vecchio Tourist Office.

Aerial view of the old town of Porto-Vecchio

- © l i g h t p o e t / Shutterstock

Where to stay near the Haute Ville de Porto-Vecchio?

⭐ In order to sleep close to the Citadel and the Upper Town of Porto-Vecchio, head for the Best Western Alcyon hotel.

In fact, this 3* establishment is just a few steps from the heart of the town of Porto-Vecchio.

⏰ The hotel is open in summer and closed in winter.

🛌 The rooms are equipped with modern comforts. For example, you will have access to free Wi-Fi and a TV broadcasting international channels.

The accommodation is accessible by lift, and some rooms are designed for people with reduced mobility.

As a bonus, the panoramic view of Porto-Vecchio and its citadel from the bar is breathtaking!

🍴 A buffet breakfast is served every morning, room service available on request.

🚗 Finally, the hotel also has a private pay car park for its guests.

Best Western Hôtel Alcyon 3* (in French) Porto Vecchio
Booking.com

Best Western Hôtel Alcyon 3* (in French)

This contemporary city-centre hotel overlooks Porto-Vecchio and the Citadel.
7.7 Fine
From
£99 / night
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Practical information

When should you visit Porto-Vecchio town centre?

You can visit the upper town of Porto-Vecchio all year round.

To avoid overcrowding in the summer, it's best to visit before and after the summer season.

The months from late May to early July and from September to early October are much quieter.

At the height of summer, Porto-Vecchio's town centre is very busy, as are its beaches. Conversely, in the heart of winter the city centre is a little dull.

🚌 How do I get to Porto-Vecchio town centre?

Porto-Vecchio is accessible by air thanks to Figari-Sud-Corse airport. You can hire a car at the airport.

✈️ Figari-Sud Corse airport is around twenty kilometres from Porto-Vecchio.

🚘 Porto-Vecchio bus station is close to the marina. Several bus routes serve the island's main towns (Ajaccio, Bastia, Bonifacio).

What's more, in summer you can reach the most beautiful beaches in southern Corsica.

⛴️ Finally, the Porto-Vecchio ferry terminal is linked to the main ports in France. From Porto-Vecchio there are boat services to Marseille, Nice and Toulon.

The old town of Porto-Vecchio on its promontory facing the marina

- © Serenity-H / Shutterstock

🚗 Where can I park near the old centre of Porto-Vecchio?

Please note that there is a parking charge near the historic centre of the town of Porto-Vecchio. In July and August, it is quite simply forbidden to drive in the streets and alleys of the Upper Town.

There are several pay-and-display car parks.

To park without too much difficulty, come early in the summer!

by Faustine PEREZ
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