Porto-Vecchio, Corsica's third-largest town (11,198 residents in 2023), is the other main base for Lavezzi, 28 km from Bonifacio. The town has a 16th-century Genoese citadel and a commercial port linked to the mainland. To the south, the beaches of Palombaggia (18 minutes) and Santa Giulia (17 minutes) face the Cerbicale islands, protected by the same nature reserve as Lavezzi. Boat trips leave for Lavezzi, and the Bavella Needles are less than an hour away.
Key facts
- 28 km (34 min) from Bonifacio, 23 km (30 min) from Figari airport.
- Palombaggia: 11 km, 18 min; Santa Giulia: 9.5 km, 17 min.
- Cerbicale islands: another part of the Bouches de Bonifacio reserve.
- Boat trips to Lavezzi and 4x4 tours to Bavella from the town.
Porto-Vecchio at a glance
| Key fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Residents | 11,198 (2023), Corsica’s third-largest town |
| Citadel | Genoese, founded in 1539, current walls from 1589, five bastions |
| Port | commercial port and ferry terminal (quai de Syracuse) |
| To Bonifacio | 28 km, 34 min |
| To Figari airport | 23 km, 30 min |
Driving times: OpenStreetMap (OSRM).
The old town
The Genoese began the citadel in 1539; its current walls date from 1589. Long blighted by malaria, the town only really grew in the 20th century. Its old salt pans, the Salines, produced salt until the 2000s.
The southern beaches
| Beach | From the centre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Giulia | 9.5 km, 17 min | large bay south of the town |
| Palombaggia | 11.2 km, 18 min | white sand, red rocks, umbrella pines, facing the Cerbicale islands |
Palombaggia stayed wild until the 1970s; its hills have since filled with villas. The Cerbicale islands opposite are part of the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve, like Lavezzi.
Sea trips and the hinterland
- To Lavezzi: half-day and full-day trips with a landing, see Lavezzi from Porto-Vecchio.
- Snorkeling and diving at the Cerbicale islands: see snorkeling and diving.
- To the mountains: the Ospedale massif rises west of the town, and the Bavella Needles are 47 km away (53 min).
To compare with Bonifacio as a base, see where to stay.
Book a trip
Trips from Porto-Vecchio
Cruise on a maxi sailing catamaran9 hours★ 4.9 (37 reviews)from €175Check availability
Porto Vecchio: Ospedale Forest & Bavella Needles 4x4 Tour8 hours★ 5.0 (132 reviews)from €175Check availability
Porto Vecchio snorkelling tour from a boat in the nature reserve3 hours★ 4.2 (24 reviews)from €60Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: IlesLavezzi.com earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful beach in Porto-Vecchio?
Palombaggia, with its white sand, red rocks and umbrella pines facing the Cerbicale islands, is considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica. Santa Giulia and Cala Rossa are the town's other big beaches.
Can you go to Lavezzi from Porto-Vecchio?
Yes, on an organised trip (half day or full day). There is no scheduled shuttle as in Bonifacio. See Lavezzi from Porto-Vecchio.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Timetables, prices and rules change: confirm before you go.
- Wikipedia (French), Porto-Vecchio: 2023 population, citadel, port, salt pans, accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia (French), Palombaggia, accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia (French), Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve: Cerbicale islands, accessed 9 November 2026
- OSRM on OpenStreetMap, driving times from Porto-Vecchio, accessed 9 November 2026
- GetYourGuide widget, trips from Porto-Vecchio, accessed 9 November 2026
