Catamaran Charter in Porto Vecchio

4 things you didn’t know about Corsica

1. A third of Corsica’s 1000km coastline consists entirely of beaches!

Corsica is an island anchored 12km from Sardinia, 85km from Italy, 176km from Nice and 330km from Marseille. Its surface area of 9000km2 is made up of 8000km2 of mountains, the highest point of which is 2710 metres. Along its 1000km coastline, Corsica counts over 200 beaches making it the dream destination for holidaymakers.

2. The Calanques of Piana is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site

A spectacular landscape of stunning red-rock cliffs plunging into translucent water. This is a must-do trip during your catamaran charter in Porto Vecchio! The grandeur of the calanques is undoubtedly best appreciated from the sea, abord a sailboat or catamaran. You will discover colossal pink and red cliff rock of volcanic origin and, combined with the turquoise waters below, you are sure to be captivated.

3. Napoleon was born here

The future emperor of France was born in Ajaccio on August 15, 1769, one year after the annexation of the island by France. He left Corsica at the age of nine and didn’t return until 1788. By that time, he had graduated from military school.

4. The Corsicans have their own native language

Several languages are spoken on the island of Corsica. In addition to French and Corsican, there are Moroccan Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Bonifacian, etc. Corsican is spoken however there are various dialectal differences between North and South. French remains the spoken language on the island.

Highlights both onboard and off-board your catamaran charter in Porto Vecchio

The citadel

Built by the Genoese on a rocky ledge overlooking Porto Vecchio, the citadel has preserved some of its ancient fortifications. It is intersected by the Cours Napoleon street around which are alleys, covered passageways, and staircases. The elegant bell tower and the apse of the St John the Baptist church contrast with the classical, unfinished façade of this building, built between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The marina

With a catamaran charter in Porto Vecchio, this marina has got you covered: it can handle all types of boats (up to 50 metres long). With a capacity of over 350, Porto Vecchio or ‘old port’ can be quite lively during peak season. Marina services include water, refuel station, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, showers, restaurants, etc.

The salt marshes

These earned Porto Vecchio the nickname ‘City of Salt’. Stretching over some ten hectares, they produce approximately 900 tonnes of salt each year, harvested between August and September.

The Chiappa lighthouse

Offering a breath-taking view of the bay since 1845, the lighthouse of La Chiappa consists of a square tower made of exposed limestone. Eighteen metres high, it is now fully automated.

How to Get to Porto Vecchio

The closest airport to Porto Vecchio is Figari Airport, which does serve some European routes to larger airports. Those travelling from the US may have to make a connecting flight in Rome, Marseille or elsewhere to get to their chartered catamaran. Ferries between France and Corsica, and Italy and Corsica are also in service should people wish to avail of this. There is a bus service between the airport and Porto Vecchio, but it only operates twice daily so be aware of the times of operation upon arrival.

When to visit Porto Vecchio

Sailing in Porto Vecchio can occur at any time between April and October, although the most idyllic weather conditions tend to occur in July and August. This is the most popular time for a catamaran charter in the region, which means you may prefer later in autumn when the crowds are smaller and marinas less busy. Winds in the south of the island can change sometimes, and while there are some sheltered bays there are times when you may be exposed. In all, sailing conditions in Porto Vecchio tend to be pleasant, and with the exquisite sunny weather you are sure to make the most of the holiday.