Winter in Southern Corsica

Early in the year, come and stroll around the narrow medieval streets of Bonifacio,a fortress that sits on a white chalky cliff, an open air museum that provides every visitor with an everlasting souvenir. Far from the summer crowds, walk out until you reach the Pertusato Lighthouse, offering a magnificent view of Sardinia and the Iles Lavezzi and keep an afternoon free to play a round of golf in the leafy setting of Sperone, also providing views of Sardinia. You will be surprised to discover the sailor’s cemetery in the upper town of Bonifacio and you can dare to descend the King of Aragon’s Staircase that is carved into the white chalk of the cliff!

Don’t forget to take the children and enjoy a boat trip to visit thesea caves(by reservation from October onwards), whilst admiring the magnificent yachts that are moored all along the quay of the marina at the old port in the lower town. Spoil yourself by eating a dish of freshly caught fish or of Aubergines à la Bonifacienne.

Stroll around  Porto-Vecchio , « the city of salt », and discover the old town by taking the little tourist train that carries you to the upper town. The touristoffice provides a guided visit of the Citadel, in the heart of the fortress. A tour guide will help you explore the history of the city through its ramparts, its bastions...

Set off snow-shoeing with Duo des Cimes to discover the snow-capped massifs of the south that will lead you to the Cuscione plateau and its dizzying views of theBavella Needles ; passing by thelake of Ospedale.

The tourist offices of Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio put at your disposal a range of walks along different coastal paths with splendid landscapes.

Take the children to see the sheltered spots beneath the rocks known locally as « Oriu ». They have been recognised since prehistoric times, enormous cracks in the rocks carved out by erosion and used as shelters by the shepherds, they were also used as mountain homes. It is a real adventure to seek out these hidden spots in the midst of the maquis.

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  Bonifacio Tourist Office

Porto-Vecchio Tourist Office

The Alta Rocca

The Alta Rocca forms part of the Corsica Regional Nature Park. This protected habitat is home to countless marvels that are renowned throughout the world, including a number of sites that are noted for their wild beauty.

There are many prehistoric sites in this region, and it is with a child’s eye that you will visit Cucuruzzu and the medieval site of Capula.  The museum of prehistory of Alta Rocca in Levie is well worth a family visit. There you can find vestiges discovered at the sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula. You can also see “La Dame de Bonifacio” there, the most ancient example of human remains ever discovered in Corsica. 

Head to Zonza, a picturesque village in the heart of Alta Rocca, offering a magnificent view of the Bavella Needles where you can discover the old granite houses built on the rocky outcrops that overlook the valley in the midst of chestnut trees, pines and holm oaks. It is the ideal place to try a wild boar stew in the warmth of a Corsican inn.

Head back to Solenzara, passing by the village of Sari where you can admire the view of the coast and stop at the monastery to buy some traditional Christmas Santon dolls, hand painted pottery, candles…

In Ventiseri and in Solaro, equestrian centres are open to welcome children, and more adventurous visitors can try out canyoning with Corsica Canyon, located in Bavella. This is the perfect place to discover this refreshing activity!

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Solenzara- Côte des Nacres Tourist Office

Zonza - Sainte Lucie de Porto-Vecchio Tourist Office