Luxury villa rentals in South Corsica: Bonifacio, Sperone, Porto-Vecchio, Saint-Cyprien, Pianottoli-Caldarello and Propriano
South Corsica is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, with a strong market for luxury villa rentals. The south of the island combines white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, protected nature reserves and the scented Corsican maquis. It is served by Figari-Sud Corse airport, and by Ajaccio airport for the west coast.
This guide covers the main areas of South Corsica for a luxury villa holiday, with a selection of our villas available to rent in each.
Bonifacio: cliffs, citadel and the Lavezzi Islands
Bonifacio sits at the southern tip of Corsica, on white limestone cliffs around 70 metres high. Its Genoese citadel, built from the 12th century, is the best preserved in Corsica. The Strait of Bonifacio, around 11 km wide, separates Corsica from Sardinia.
Boat trips from the port run along the cliffs and sea caves. The Lavezzi Islands, a granite archipelago and nature reserve, are around 30 minutes away by boat. They are known for their clear water, sheltered coves and snorkelling. They form part of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve, which stretches between Corsica and Sardinia.
Sperone: villas beside Corsica's most famous golf course
The Domaine de Sperone lies just outside Bonifacio. It is best known for the Golf de Sperone, an 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and opened in 1990. The course runs along the cliffs with views over the Lavezzi Islands, the Cavallo islands and the Maddalena archipelago. Its 16th hole, played over the limestone cliffs, is among the best known in Europe.
This villa is located very close to the Sperone golf course. It has a private heliport and access to the domaine's tennis courts:
Piantarella: lagoon, windsurfing and views to Sardinia
Piantarella is around 10 minutes by car from Bonifacio, and even closer to the Sperone golf course. It is popular for water sports, especially windsurfing, thanks to its shallow lagoon and strong easterly winds. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also popular.
In one of the most beautiful areas of Corsica, this six-bedroom villa is within walking distance of the beach. It has 180° views to Cavallo and Sardinia:
Porto-Vecchio and Palombaggia beach
Porto-Vecchio is possibly the best-known town in Corsica. It has a pretty old town and port, and some of the island's most famous beaches.
Palombaggia is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with around 2 km of white sand. Several beach restaurants, or paillotes, line the beach, including Tamaricciu, known for its cuisine and setting.
A contemporary villa overlooking Palombaggia beach, with sea views, a heated swimming pool, a gym, a steam room and a boules court:
A little closer to Palombaggia beach, with five bedrooms, heated swimming pool and lovely views:
One of our most beautiful villas in the area, a stone's throw from Palombaggia beach:
Saint-Cyprien: a sheltered bay north of Porto-Vecchio
The bay of Saint-Cyprien, San Ciprianu in Corsican, lies in the commune of Lecci, just north of Porto-Vecchio. Its fine sandy beach stretches for around 3 km and slopes gently into the sea, which makes it ideal for families with young children. The bay is bordered by the Étang d'Arasu and overlooked by a Genoese tower. Water sports are available on the beach.
A fabulous eight-bedroom property for rent, overlooking the bay of Saint-Cyprien:
Pianottoli-Caldarello: peace and quiet near Figari airport
Pianottoli-Caldarello is in the far south of Corsica, close to Figari-Sud Corse airport, and around 25 to 30 minutes by car from Porto-Vecchio. The village is quiet and away from the crowds. Its marina, at the head of the bay of Figari, is the only deep-water port on the coast between Propriano and Bonifacio. Sartène, Roccapina and Bonifacio are all within easy reach.
A six-bedroom villa in a peaceful setting in the maquis, with sea views:
Propriano and the Gulf of Valinco
Propriano is located midway between Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio, at the head of the Gulf of Valinco. The gulf stretches for around 15 km between the Pointe de Campomoro and Porto Pollo, and offers long sandy beaches, perched villages and the prehistoric site of Filitosa. Propriano has a lively port with ferry connections to Marseille, and seafront restaurants and cafés.
A waterfront villa near Propriano, with a contemporary interior and a private helipad:
Getting to South Corsica
Figari-Sud Corse airport is the closest airport for Bonifacio, Sperone, Piantarella, Porto-Vecchio, Saint-Cyprien and Pianottoli-Caldarello.
For Propriano and the Gulf of Valinco, Ajaccio airport is around 1 hour 15 minutes by car and Figari-Sud Corse airport around 1 hour.
By sea, there are direct ferry crossings between Marseille and Propriano, and frequent crossings to Ajaccio from Marseille, Toulon and Nice.
Further reading
Vogue's selection of the best hotels in Corsica (in French), May 2020
A villa built in the Corsican maquis by a Parisian designer (article in French): Une villa au cœur du maquis corse