Set on a hillock overlooking a beautiful deep blue bay, Porto Vecchio, 25km north of Bonifacio, was rated by James Boswell as one of "the most distinguished harbours in Europe". It was founded in 1539 as a second Genoese stronghold on the east coast, Bastia being well established in the north. The site was perfect: close to the unexploited and fertile plain, it benefited from secure high land and a sheltered harbour. Things began to take off mainly thanks to the cork industry, which still thrived well into the twentieth century.
Today a third of Corsica's wine is exported from Porto-Vecchio, but most revenue comes from tourists. During the last decades a drastic development helped it to overcome its isolation and now Porto-Vecchio appears among the best equipped areas of the island. Porto-Vecchio has thus become the third town of Corsica...

	Country:	France
	Location:	East Corsica
	Country Code:	+33
	Population:	10,326
	Language:	French
	Currency:	Euro (€)
	Time Zone:	GMT+1
	Train Station:	None
	Tourism:	Porto Vecchio Tourism

By Car Porto Vecchio is connected to the rest of Corsica by good a road network. Ajaccio can be reached in 2 1/4 hours.

By Ferry There are regular ferry crossings operating from Porto Vecchia to France, Italy and Sardinia.

• La Tour Genoise
• Fortress
• Place de la République
• Porte Génoise
• Beaches

La Tour Genoise is a square shaped tower was built in the 16th century. Fully restored, its upper terrace offers a superb view of the entire site. An exhibition on the fortifications of the Corsican shores is on show inside the Tower. The well preserved Fortress is one of the most visited attractions in the area and the small grid of ancient streets backing onto the main Place de la République are a great place to pend time either relaxing in a cafe or browsing through the shop. East of the square you can't miss the Porte Génoise, which frames a delightful expanse of sea and salt pans and through which you'll find the quickest route down to the modern marina, lined with cafés and hotels. There are also some fantastic beaches in the area, which due to the gulf benefit from calm waters.