Off the beaten track around the Valinco gulf and southwest Corsica

Stretching from Figari all the way around to Propriano and the magnificent Valinco Gulf, the southwest of Corsica is an altogether quieter destination than its eastern counterpart, ideal for anyone looking for a villa holiday with a more authentic flavour – quite literally in fact, because this is also top wine country. You can either visit the vineyards direct or taste in the wine shops of Propriano town, and there’s a surprisingly wide choice of seafood and pizza restaurants in this traditional family favourite if you don’t feel like cooking back at the villa. Wherever you choose to base your holiday in the Valinco, the vibe is high quality but low pressure, so you can take your time to enjoy its magnificent natural beauty at your own pace. And if you want to get a little further off the beaten track, here are a few of our best insider tips from our island concierges.

 

Tizzano

Secluded bays, stunning sunsets

Campo Moro is one of the Valinco’s best-kept secrets – a small village on the back of a perfect crescent of golden sand at the southern end of the gulf. It’s a bit of a long and twisty drive in, but the road surface is good and the views are superb. You can walk out to the point beyond the village and scramble over the huge granite boulders for an even better view and incredible sunsets, or more serious walkers take can the scenic coastal path around to tiny Tizzano, passing secluded swim spots and crumbling Genoese watchtowers.

Sweet chestnuts

Another real bonus of the Valinco Gulf is how easily you can get into the mountains. A 30-minute drive takes you to the village of Aullène, which was once a great producer of the sweet chestnut flour that is found in so many traditional Corsican dishes. Many of its original 16th C granite houses survive, complete with flower-filled window boxes, making it a charming place to wander, enjoy a drink and take in the panoramic views. Aullène is also the start point for many fantastic hikes – check with your concierge for maps and advice.

Beach near Porto Pollo

Propriano to Porto Pollo

For beaches, history and eateries all on one easy coastal drive, take your time over the half-hour journey from Propriano to Porto Pollo, an attractive fishing village. You’ll pass the beaches of Calanca, Crique and Abbartello, as well as quieter, unlisted bays that only the locals know about. Porto Pollo has its own large sandy beach, with watersports and a good selection of cafés in the village.

Etang de Tanchiccia

Just a few kilometres inland from pretty Porto Pollo yet a million miles away in terms of atmosphere, this protected wetland area is home to many native and migratory birds. You can walk along a 3km route of pathways and boardwalks, with observation platforms to enhance the view and information panels to tell you what to look out for. It’s incredibly peaceful, and you do need to keep very quiet to spot any wildlife, so probably better as an adult experience.

See the best places to stay around The Valinco Gulf... see more Experiences and Activities in Corsica