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Porto-Vecchio Town Guide |
What's more, some of the best beaches in Corsica are right on its doorstep with impressive mountains a short distance inland.
Outside of the Old Town and marina, Porto-Vecchio has developed quite rapidly (and at times haphazardly), especially on its outskirts where some large shopping complexes have sprung up.
Porto-Vecchio Old Town (Upper Town)
Porto-Vecchio's quaint Old Town consists of a small grid of small cobbled streets, a main square (Place de la République) and ruins of the ancient citadel. To reach the Old Town from the Marina, walk 10 minutes up the road that bears to the right up the hill (it is also possible to park along this road).
Historical Sights
Porto-Vecchio's tourist office provides a free booklet, available in English, with a map of a short tour around the town's historical sights (these are quick to explore due to the compact nature of the Old Town).
Fortesses/Bastions
Porto-Vecchio's fortresses (bastions) and gates are well maintained. In places it is possible to climb up steps to the top of the wall. The Bastion de France (so called as it was occupied by French troops during the surrender of the town to the King of France on June 14, 1769) was restored in 1989 and is now used for conferences and exhibitions. The Bastion San Antonia is located directly above the oldest fountain in the Porto-Vecchio.
Porte Genoise (Genoise Gate)
The Porte Genoise gate frames a wonderful panoramic view of the Harbour, sea, surrounding valley (including salt pans) and mountains. In September you can witness the annual salt harvest from here. A row of charming restaurants set in the ancient city wall, with narrow verandas boasting the same glorious vista, are located alongside the Genoise Gate.
Place de la République
Place de République is Porto-Vecchio's main square, lined with lively restaurants and bars, many with pavement terraces - a great place to watch the world go by. The imposing St Jean-Baptists church dominates the southern side of the square. There is also a large tropical twisted tree known as 'Bel Ombra', presented to Porto-Vecchio in 1901. At night during high season the square transforms into a fairly lively, sophisticated nightlife hotspot (teeming mostly with bronzed Italians and even the occasional celebrity!).
Church of Saint Jean-Baptiste
The granite church of Saint Jean-Baptiste was built in the 19th century, in Roman style with an elaborate belfry (similar to that in the mountain village of Quenza). Inside is a late 16th century painting on canvas of the Crucifixion. The frescoes on the aisles were restored in the 1950s and the stained glass windows in the 1960s.
Saint Croix Chapel
The Saint Croix Chapel (Chapel of the Holy Cross) has also been restored. On Good Friday evening a procession takes place, involving carrying a figure of Christ on a large cross.
Shops
Porto-Vecchio is renowned for its trendy clothes shops, as there is large selection of fashionable boutiques in its Old Town. It also has good book shops, gift and food shops. Note that all the shops close for lunch, from around 12:00/12:30 to 15:00.
Porto-Vecchio Marina
The deep natural marina of Porto-Vecchio attracts numerous impressive yachts, pleasure craft, international ferries and fishing boats. There are several restaurants and bars along the harbour side, and car parking is available close to the marina. Once a month, a local market is held by Porto-Vecchio's quayside.Kiosks sell tickets for boat trips ("promenades en mer") from Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio or to the wild Lavezzi Islands nature reserve. A full day excursion to Lavezzi costs around 55 Euros for adults and 30 Euros for children (including lunch). The trip includes a stop for a swim in a beautiful small cove.