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A 5-minute walk

The most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean

Palombaggia Beach - golden sand, umbrella pines and turquoise waters in Southern Corsica
Palombaggia

A crescent of light

Some places defy description. Palombaggia is one of them. A sweeping arc of fine golden sand, fringed by centuries-old umbrella pines whose branches cast dancing shadows over red porphyry rocks. The waters, a turquoise so pure it seems unreal, shift through a thousand shades of blue and green with the changing light.

In the background, the Cerbicales Islands — a protected nature reserve — stand on the horizon, silent sentinels of a pristine marine ecosystem. From Villa Azaitu, a private 400-metre path winds through the maquis, fragrant with immortelle, myrtle and cistus. Five minutes on foot, and the beach is yours.

South of the main beach, secret coves await the more adventurous. Here, snorkelling reveals an astonishingly rich underwater world, protected by the Cerbicales reserve. For lunch, elegant beach restaurants serve grilled fish and chilled rosé with your toes in the sand, in an atmosphere of effortless refinement where luxury is lived barefoot.

The City of Salt

A town of history and fine living

Aerial view of Porto-Vecchio and its marina, Southern Corsica
Porto-Vecchio

Memory and elegance

Perched on its granite promontory, the Genoese citadel of Porto-Vecchio has watched over the gulf since the 16th century. Its cobbled streets, lined with colourful facades, lead to the Place de la République where life unfolds to the rhythm of cafés and shaded terraces.

Below, the marina welcomes sailing boats and yachts in a thoroughly Mediterranean atmosphere. Nearby, the ancient salt marshes — which gave the town its nickname, the City of Salt — bear witness to an industrious past. Porto-Vecchio is also a gastronomic capital: Michelin-starred restaurants, creative bistros and exceptional tables sit side by side in a rare culinary vibrancy.

On Sunday mornings, the market transforms the town into a festival of flavours — cured meats, sheep's cheese, maquis honey. As evening falls, the citadel lights up and the terraces take on a magical allure. Just 15 minutes by car from the villa, Porto-Vecchio is the ideal base for exploring the whole of southern Corsica.

Exceptional beaches

A pristine coastline

Southern Corsica is home to some of the finest beaches in Europe, each with its own character, its unique colours, its closely guarded secret. From Villa Azaitu, a string of jewels unfolds along the shore.

Tamaricciu — 10 minutes away. A turquoise lagoon framed by tamarisk trees and pink-hued rocks, where the water is so clear it seems suspended between sky and sand.

Santa Giulia — 20 minutes away. A vast emerald lake bordered by white sand, one of the island's most celebrated beaches, perfect for families and paddle enthusiasts.

Rondinara — 30 minutes away. Ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, a perfectly rounded cove sheltered by two rocky headlands, with distinctly Caribbean allure.

Petit Sperone — 40 minutes away. Bonifacio's secret beach, nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs, reached by a wild coastal path. For the initiated only.

Experiences

A thousand ways
to experience Corsica

Hiking — Peaks and forests

The Aiguilles de Bavella offer a spectacle of wind-sculpted granite, among laricio pines and dizzying panoramas. The Ospédale forest, 30 minutes from the villa, harbours shaded trails leading to the Piscia di Ghjaddu waterfall, plunging 70 metres into the void below. Every path is an immersion into Corsica's untouched, magnificent wilderness.

Water sports — Between sky and sea

Stand-up paddle at sunrise on the calm waters of Palombaggia, sea kayaking along otherwise inaccessible coves, diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Cerbicales reserve, jet skiing for the thrill of speed. The surrounding beaches are the perfect playground for every nautical passion.

Boat excursions — The call of the open sea

The Lavezzi Islands, a granite archipelago in waters of supernatural clarity. Bonifacio seen from the sea, its vertiginous cliffs and the King of Aragon's staircase. Hidden coves unreachable by road, where you drop anchor in endless blue. Our concierge arranges bespoke private outings.

Golf — Exceptional courses

The Golf de Sperone, ranked among Europe's finest courses, is played between sky and sea, facing the Lavezzi Islands and the Sardinian coast. The Golf de Lezza, closer to the villa, offers a technical course in a setting of Mediterranean greenery. Two unforgettable golfing experiences.

Heritage — Memory in stone

The prehistoric sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula bear witness to 4,000 years of history in the heart of the maquis. Genoese watchtowers punctuate the coastline, granite sentinels facing the sea. The citadel of Bonifacio, perched atop its limestone cliffs, is one of the most spectacular sites in the Mediterranean.

Gastronomy — Terroir and flavours

The vineyards of Figari and Porto-Vecchio produce exceptional wines, to be discovered during private tastings. Artisan cheese-makers perpetuate ancestral know-how. Local markets overflow with cured meats, maquis honey and Corsican olive oil. A journey of the senses, from vineyard to plate.

Getting here

Getting to the villa

Figari-Sud Corse Airport

The nearest airport, just 25 minutes by car. Direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Lille, Nantes, Bordeaux and numerous European cities in season.

Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte Airport

An alternative with a wider choice of international flights. Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes of scenic driving through the Corsican mountains — a journey in itself.

Ferry from Marseille

La Méridionale operates regular crossings from Marseille to Porto-Vecchio. An arrival by sea, directly into port, just 15 minutes from the villa.

Ferry from Nice, Toulon or Livorno

Corsica Ferries offers connections from Nice, Toulon and Livorno to Corsican ports. An ideal option for travelling with your own vehicle.

Concierge service

Our concierge arranges airport transfers, vehicle hire and any travel arrangements you may need. Simply ask — we take care of everything. Get in touch.

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