From the Mountains to the Coast: A Family Getaway to Southern Corsica

The next two days are all about discovering the mountainous hinterland of Porto-Vecchio, a region oozing with scenic and cultural delights. You can visit the charming village of Zonza, the historic gateway to the Rizzanese valleys; explore the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu; learn about the region in the Alta Rocca museum; and hike along the Cuscione plateau, a glacial melted lake filled with peat and lined with countless traditional sheepfolds. You’ll also have the opportunity to head out for a guided hike around the Bavella massif with a knowledgeable local guide. The hill, which connects the Alta Rocca to the east coast of Corsica, is home to unusual terrain: rocky red-granite spikes soar out for the emerald frosted countryside.

Today it’s time to swap the mountains for the coast. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning, bundle your family back into the hire car and travel an hour and half to the southern coast. Wind your way down through the hilly hinterland before cruising into Bonifacio, a medieval citadel perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by steep cliffs, creeks and sea caves. Your home for the next four nights is a peaceful and spacious hotel slightly outside the city centre. The rest of today is yours to spend relaxing and settling into your new environs. You could head out for a stroll through town or simply kick back at the hotel before dinner this evening.

Your first full day in Bonifacio is for you to spend as you please. If the coast is calling, then we recommend renting some kayaks to explore the many creeks and caves that spread out at the foot of the town’s cliffs. You could also opt for a day spent hiking, mountain biking or canyoning in the hinterlands. This is also a good opportunity to soak in this region’s rural culture with a foodie pit stop in a traditional inn to sample the signature wild boar stew and fig tart.

Spend your last two days savouring island life. On one of the days, you’ll have the opportunity to sail to the idyllic Lavezzi archipelago just off the far south of Corsica. This smattering of granite islets in the crystalline turquoise waters of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve is famous for the wild beauty of its seabed and its tiny beaches. The return journey skirts the billionaire island of Cavallo, the Gulf of Sperone and the caves and cliffs of Bonifacio. We can also arrange for you to discover the beautiful old town of Bonifacio in the company of a private guide.