Despite its name of "Old Port," Porto-Vecchio, on the southeast end of Corsica 28 km (17 miles) northeast of Bonifacio (map), is today quite a modern town.

Though there was a Bronze Age culture here, and the Romans left enough stones around to give the place its Old Port name, the settlement turned to swamps, and was only re-founded by the Genoese in 1539.

Today the excellent natural harbor is filled with private boats and yachts—nearly 500, in fact. Many of the visitors are from Italy, which is not far to the east across the water.

Palombaggia Beach, 3 kilometers (2 mi) south-east of the harbor, is packed in summer, as the population of the town swells from its year-round total of 12,000 to around 50,000.

Transport

The Aéroport de Figari - Sud-Corse, 22 km (14 miles) north of Bonifacio (map), is the closest to Porto-Vecchio. Otherwise, you come here by boat, bus, or car.

The harbor at Porto-Vecchio, Corsica.

Where to Stay

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