Porto-Vecchio

With around 12,000 inhabitants in the winter and nearly 100,000 at the height of the summer season, Porto-Vecchio has become Corsica's third town. Stretching over nearly 17,000 hectares, with 40 kilometres of coastline and 5,000 hectares of mountains rising to the Ospedale Massif at 1,314 metres, it is right at the heart of the Extrême-Sud micro-region.

Built in 1539 on the immense pink porphyry rocks, the five bastions marking the edges of the old town today accommodate an attractive town centre full of charm. Porto-Vecchio also goes by the name of the 'Salt Town' because for several decades the local economy was essentially based on salt production, subsequently supplemented by cork and wood.

Ideally situated between the mountains and the sea, Porto-Vecchio attracts a great number of visitors with its exceptional beauty spots: the beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Guilia with their turquoise waters are extremely popular with both water sports fans and sun worshippers alike.

The island's tourist hotspot is equipped with extensive accommodation with a wide range of high quality establishments. A whole range of facilities awaits visitors: Sud Corse Figari International Airport, close to the town, a commercial port, as well as a 380-berth marina which will soon be extended. The municipality’s drive to improve the lives of Porto-Vecchians goes far beyond the numerous town projects which have been completed or are underway: the multi-sport complex in Prunellu, the development of new roads, building new homes, and the future construction of a new crèche, etc.

This driving force behind the whole of the Grand Sud region doesn't stop there, because the town is also leading the way in cultural terms, with two unique resources: the ‘Casa di Lume’ Corsican Regional Cinema Complex and the Cultural Centre. An auditorium and a conference hall, seating 380 and 120 respectively, can be found in the Jean-Paul de Rocca Centre, which is open all year round. Summer brings with it a rich and varied programme of activities including exhibitions at the Bastion de France, shows at the open-air theatre, music festivals on the beaches and in the town centre and concerts at Saint Jean-Baptise Church.

www.porto-vecchio.fr
leblog.porto-vecchio.fr
www.facebook.com/PortoVecchio.Mairie