If you’ve seen pictures of dazzling Corsican beaches, chances are they’re from the region known as the Grand Sud. This southern region is a photographer’s dream of white sandy beaches, deep indigo gulfs and towering limestone and granite rock formations, carved out over millennia by the elements. The entire south is spectacular, with a central spine of mountains rising to separate the east and west coasts, both of which have their own distinct identity and appeal. Not sure whether east or west is best for you? Read our mini guide to the Grand Sud to help you decide.

The Exclusive East

Deep sheltered harbours and shallow turquoise seas make the far south east of Corsica an essential stop on the luxury yacht circuit, and whilst the more camera-shy celebrities may stay moored off shore away from prying eyes, it’s become a favoured place for everyone from the Beckhams to Beyoncé. Those in the know claim that what appeals here is the very lack of glitz compared to say the Côte d’Azur or Ibiza; there are no red carpets or VIP guest lists on this coastline, just breathtaking natural beauty on land and sea.

If you want luxury, you can certainly find it here, be it a top-of-the-range villa, a private yacht charter or a round of golf on the spectacular Golfe de Sperone, Corsica’s only 18-hole course. The two towns of note are Bonifacio, which clings to limestone cliffs at the very southern tip of the island, and Porto Vecchio, with its crumbling citadel and string of magnificent white sand beaches. Bonifacio is best visited in the evening if you can; whilst the smart harbour restaurants glitter expensively below, the day trippers have departed and the narrow streets of the citadel retain a faintly eerie atmosphere as darkness falls. Just up the coast, Porto Vecchio tempts with chic shops and enticing restaurants, some built into the old city walls with magnificent views out to sea. It’s hard to pick a favourite beach on this sublime coastline, but Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Rondinara are probably the headline acts. If you visit in the high season, you’ll find a more tranquil beach vibe at San Cyprien and Pinarello, both north of Porto Vecchio.

The Wilder West

Stretching from Figari all the way around to Propriano and the magnificent Valinco Gulf, the south west of Corsica is an altogether quieter destination than its eastern counterpart, ideal for anyone looking for a more authentic taste of the island. The beaches along its untamed coastline are equally impressive; our favourites are the perfect crescent of golden sand at sleepy Campo Moro, well worth the rather slow trundle to get there, and the dazzling turquoise shallows of Roccapina, ideal for younger kids and non-swimmers. Another winner is La Tonnara, caressed by clear water and arguably the best sunsets on the whole island from its wonderful, west-facing sands. There’s a restaurant here in the main season if you want to make an evening of it, or you can stroll to the far end and find an untouched spot to enjoy the spectacle in peace. If watersports are on your agenda, you’re in the right place, with reliable winds for wind and kite surfing, sheltered bays for paddle boarding, and some of the best diving on the island based conveniently next to the lovely beach at Porto Pollo.

The south west is fabulous wine country, with vineyards around Propriano, Sartène and Figari, home to the high quality Clos Canarelli. You can also buy the unique blue Corsican wine called Imajyne in this area - it’s unlikely to win any awards, but definitely worth it for the novelty! 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. By contrast, brooding Sartène sits a few kilometres inland, a centuries-old stronghold against raiders from the sea with a history of feuds and vendettas that seem to have never quite left the place. You’re quite safe to enjoy a drink or a meal here now of course, and the Place Porta is a lovely spot to sample some authentic mountain food: the very essence of Corsica at your table.

A selection of our favourites

VILLA BULE, PORTO VECCHIO
Sleeps 5

An elegant, mid-century villa, enviably located within walking distance of the shops, bars and restaurants of Porto Vecchio’s charming Old Town.

VILLA FIORELLA, PORTO VECCHIO
Sleeps 4

Nestled into a maquis-clad hillside, lavishly decorated and perfect for two, with sea and countryside views to the twinkling lights of nearby Porto Vecchio.

VILLA OCCHINELLO, VALINCO GULF
Sleeps 8

A magnificent, farmhouse-style villa, cocooned in a classic Corsican landscape, with the brilliant blue of the Valinco Gulf sparkling to the fore.

THE BEACH HOUSE, VALINCO GULF
Sleeps 10

Beautifully contemporary and superbly equipped, with a large, heated pool and a self-contained guest suite; ideal for groups, a one-minute walk to the beach.

VILLA SUPRANU, VALINCO GULF
Sleeps 8

An outstanding, light-filled villa with breathtaking sea views, perfectly located within a five-minute drive of Propriano town, shops, restaurants and beach.

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