What to do in Porto-Vecchio with the family: activities, visits and good addresses

Corse-du-Sud travel tips for a great stay: 

• ✈️ Book your flight to Corsica (best prices)
• 🚘 Car hire in Corsica: the best prices (rated 4.7 on Trustpilot) 
• 🏨 See the top-rated accommodation in Porto-Vecchio

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What to do in Porto-Vecchio with the family? 

1. Go on a boat trip and snorkel

Spend a wonderful day on the Mediterranean with your children aboard a boat. So many visits to discover from Porto-Vecchio. Below you'll find a suggestion of the most beautiful sea excursions (free cancellation): 

• Sightseeing cruise in the Lavezzi archipelago
• Catamaran cruise - Lavezzi Islands
• Guided sea excursion from Porto Ota
• Cruise to the Sanguinaires Islands and tastings
• Calanques de Piana and caves by boat (natural pools)
• Cruise to Scandola and the Calanques de Piana
• Take a boat to Sardinia from Porto-Vecchio 

Another option, set off on an adventure as a family by hiring a boat without a licence : 

2. Go hiking in the Aiguilles de Bavella

For a change from a day at the beach, take the road between Solenzara and Porto-Vecchio (3 hours), making a stop at the Aiguilles de Bavella, not forgetting the sublime Ospedale forest. A road full of charm and authenticity, don't be surprised if you come across a few Corsican pigs along the way! 

Located in the massif of the same name, the Aiguilles de Bavella are a spectacular natural site, a must when you come to Corse-du-Sud. These rock formations offer spectacular landscapes and hiking trails whatever your level. 

A few kilometres from Porto-Vecchio, discover the Ospedale forest with its breathtaking landscapes. A dense forest, located at 900 metres above sea level, ideal for hikes between sea and mountains with breathtaking views. Once there, don't miss the Ospedale dam and the Piscia di Gallo waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Corsica.

Want to visit the Ospedale forest and the Aiguilles de Bavella? Here is the excursion to do for great family memories!

3. Visit the Padula farm

Discover the Padula educational farm, an authentic and enriching place for the whole family. Located near Porto-Vecchio, this farm offers guided tours to discover the animals, local crops and Corsican traditions. It's an educational and fun experience that will appeal to young and old.

4. Try a treetop adventure course 

Wondering what to do in Porto-Vecchio with the family? Why not try an outdoor adventure? Head to the adventure park with courses for all levels, zip lines, suspension bridges and challenges at height. It's the ideal place to have fun with family or friends while enjoying nature.

5. Go to Santa Giulia beach (early in the morning)

What a joy to wake up and have a coffee with your feet in the sand! Here's a ready-made programme for this new day in Porto-Vecchio. Make the most of the beauty of Santa Giulia beach by arriving before the crowds. You'll be able to appreciate the calm and serenity of this paradise spot, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand, like a postcard setting. 

6. Eat an ice cream and visit the old town of Porto-Vecchio

Wondering what to do in Porto-Vecchio with the family? Stroll through the charming lanes of the old town and enjoy a delicious artisan ice cream. This family walk will let you discover the history and architecture of this picturesque town in Corsica, while enjoying the friendly and lively atmosphere of its squares and terraces. And for those who want to go to the Porto-Vecchio market, please check the days and times here.

7. Go horse riding

Have an authentic experience exploring the magnificent landscapes of southern Corsica on horseback. Plan a guided horse ride, whatever your level. It will be the chance to discover the most beautiful beaches, forests and admire the mountains all to yourself.

8. Try canyoning in the Aiguilles de Bavella

Need to stock up on adventure and adrenaline? Go canyoning as a family in the surrounding rivers and gorges. A natural open-air water park, you won't regret it. If you have a 7-year-old child, here is another option just in case. Under the supervision of professional guides, you can jump, slide and abseil in breathtaking natural settings. It's an exciting and refreshing activity that will delight thrill-seekers. For the sportiest, we'd recommend this one instead in the Pu canyon. 

The best hotels in Porto-Vecchio for families 

Here is a list of our favourite hotels, which are also among the top-rated by families on holiday in Corsica. Remember to book in advance as the hotels are in high demand, often booked 1 year ahead. That's also how you find the best prices, and you have free cancellation just in case:

• Costa Nera beach house, rated 9.4 Fabulous on Booking‍
• Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Terrasses d'Arsella, rated 8.5 Very Good on Booking
• ‍Maranatha Résidence with private beach, heated pool, rated 9.1 Fabulous on Booking
• ‍Le Balamina with a great rooftop restaurant, rated 8.7 Superb on Booking
• The Résidence U Pirellu with a breathtaking sea view, rated 8.9 Superb on Booking

The most beautiful visits around Porto-Vecchio

Here are three suggestions of visits to make around the town.

Explore the Lavezzi Islands

The Lavezzi Islands, located south of Bonifacio, form a paradise archipelago. These granite islands, with fine-sand beaches and turquoise waters, are a true haven of peace. A boat trip will let you discover this unspoilt Eden, ideal for snorkelling and diving.

The Cavu valley

The Cavu valley is an enchanting place, perfect for nature lovers. With its crystal-clear rivers, natural pools and hiking trails, it's an ideal destination for a day of outdoor relaxation.

Visit Bonifacio

Bonifacio, perched on its white limestone cliffs, is a must. Stroll through its picturesque lanes, explore the historic citadel and admire the spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs. A boat trip to discover the sea caves and cliffs is also strongly recommended.

The most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio: our 5 favourites

A promise of escape, as if you were on a Caribbean island, set off to explore the beaches of Corse-du-Sud around Porto-Vecchio. 

Rondinara beach

Go and discover Rondinara beach, a natural wonder located between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. With its turquoise waters and fine sand, it forms a shell-shaped bay. Ideal for swimming with young children and relaxing in the shade of a parasol while they build sandcastles.

To park, there is a paid car park nearby on the south side, otherwise a small free car park as you head towards the north of the beach. 

Santa Giulia beach

Probably our favourite! Santa Giulia beach is another pearl of Porto-Vecchio. Its lagoon with crystal-clear waters, its famous jetty, its rocks in the water and its white sand as far as the eye can see offer a paradise setting for days of lazing about or water activities. Ideal for coming as a family with young children. 

Palombaggia and Tamaricciu beaches

Palombaggia and Tamaricciu beaches are must-sees, but above all a real favourite. Lined with umbrella pines and dunes, these beaches are worthy of Caribbean beaches with brilliant blue waters, perfect for letting go. Spend an idyllic day with your children.

Pinarellu beach 

We love Pinarellu beach for its long stretch of fine sand and its transparent waters. A calm sea, ideal for families with young children. This beach offers plenty of shaded areas as it is lined with maritime pines, perfect if you want to picnic after swimming.

San Ciprianu beach

Finally, San Ciprianu beach, also known as Saint Cyprien, is a little corner of paradise. With its limpid waters and golden sand, it is perfect for nature lovers and water sports fans. Other beaches to see just in case, Carataggio beach. 

FAQ: visiting Porto-Vecchio with the family 

Our answers to your most frequently asked questions: 

Is Porto-Vecchio in Corsica worth the detour?

If you still have any doubt, we'd say absolutely! Porto-Vecchio is a top destination in Corsica, especially for family holidays. This southern town combines paradise beaches and coves, breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich history. Whether for its fine-sand beaches, its crystal-clear waters or its outdoor activities, Porto-Vecchio offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Where to walk in Porto-Vecchio in the evening?

Without the slightest hesitation: the historic centre of Porto-Vecchio. It's the ideal place for a stroll. Wander through the cobbled lanes, discover the craft shops and enjoy the many café and restaurant terraces to make the most of your stay on the island. The citadel offers a breathtaking view over the town and the sea, and the lively squares are perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere.

Where to walk around Porto-Vecchio?

During the day, the surroundings of Porto-Vecchio are full of magnificent places to explore. As you've seen in this article "What to do in Porto-Vecchio with the family", the Ospedale forest and its hiking trails offer lovely walks. The Cavu valley is also ideal for a family stroll with its pretty natural pools. Finally, don't miss the walks along the beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia with breathtaking landscapes as a backdrop.

What is the most beautiful beach in Porto-Vecchio?

Hard to choose just one beach as they are all magnificent, but Palombaggia beach is often considered the most beautiful. With its white sand, turquoise waters and umbrella pines, it offers a paradise setting perfect for a day of family relaxation. Our favourites are Tamaricciu and Santa Giulia. We'll let you choose!

What to do in Porto-Vecchio when it rains?

When it rains, Porto-Vecchio offers several options for passing the time pleasantly. You can visit the citadel and its museums, discover the Padula educational farm for an educational experience or explore the local shops and markets. The welcoming cafés and restaurants are also perfect for enjoying local cuisine while sheltering from the rain. Explore and enjoy everything that Porto-Vecchio has to offer as a family, from its idyllic beaches to its cultural and natural activities. Need new ideas for a next trip in France or elsewhere? Feel free to check all our destination guides.

Our article on what to do in Porto-Vecchio with the family ends here. We hope all these addresses and activities will help you plan your stay in Corsica. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎