Making the most of Porto Vecchio Corsica
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Porto-Vecchio Tender Berth is approximately 2km, or about a 20 minute walk, from Porto-Vecchio town centre. The municipality provides free shuttles.
Porto Vecchio, or Old Port, is Corsica’s southern-most east-coast port in France. Built on former salt marshes, the town still depends on salt; September visitors can watch its intriguing harvest.
Around Place de Republique, the old town has fascinating buildings along narrow streets. The marina, with cafés and restaurants looking over the harbour, is also worth exploring.
Historic citadel ruins dot the Old Town district. Visit the restored ancient fortresses of Bastion San Antonia and Bastion de France. Another impressive ancient structure is Saint Jean-Baptiste Church, with elegant frescoes and picturesque stained-glass windows. Saint Croix Chapel is also worth visiting, especially during Holy Week.
Getting around
Porto Vecchio is best navigated on foot, because the town’s one-way traffic system makes it virtually impossible to find your way by car.
Nearby places
Bonifacio and Sartene are nearby, but the delightful beaches south of town are the principal attraction. Also explore the mountainous country behind Porto-Vecchio, with craggy peaks, parasol pines and small mountain lakes.
Food and shopping
Old Town contains most of the best shops for Italian souvenirs, books, food items and gifts. Porto Vecchio’s fascinating narrow streets add charm to shopping.
Just north of Porto Vecchio, Pinarellu is a village with further shops for people to explore.
Money
Currency: Euro.
Staying connected
Ask the local tourist office about Internet access.
For local emergencies, dial 112.
Opening Hours and
Most French shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks stay open all day. Smaller shops and enterprises may close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Large shops normally trade Monday to Saturday, 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm; smaller ones Tuesday to Saturday, although some open Monday afternoon. Boulangeries and food shops can always be found open on other closing days, normally Sunday until noon.