Propriano Corsica

Ships dock within easy reach of shops and cafés, with an easily accessible beach on each side of the marina. Some larger cruise vessels may instead anchor and bring passengers ashore by tender.

Although this ancient fishing harbour is becoming a seaside resort, Propriano remains a town on a human scale.

Propriano is a port on the Valinco Gulf of the French island of Corsica. Its agreeable climate, beautiful mountains and breathtaking coastline make the island popular with French and other Western European visitors. Corsica has not, however, experienced the intensive development seen elsewhere in the Mediterranean and remains comparatively unspoilt.

This small town may have fewer residents than the passenger complement of most cruise ships it welcomes.

Propriano's main road curves around the marina, with a few shops and many restaurants overlooking the harbour and bay. Prices tend to be high because these restaurants and cafés primarily serve the numerous yachts.

Only a handful of taxis operate in town, and no local tour guides offer their services.

Unless joining a ship-organised excursion, the best choices are to visit the pebbly beach, which has few facilities, or spend the day on your ship's pool deck.

Visit Sartene, described as the ‘most Corsican of Corsican towns’. This medieval village occupies a mountain ridge and has impressive views. Its cobbled streets contain many worthwhile sights, including the Spina Cavallu Bridge from the 13th century. A taxi or cruise-organised tour may be the best way to travel.

Browse the local market to experience Corsican produce and crafts. It is an excellent place to find regional delicacies and souvenirs.

The currency is the Euro.

Very few restaurants provide WiFi; try Bellevue on the main street.

The local emergency number is 112.