If you love the Corsican sea, especially the south-eastern coast (among the most popular and touristy), you’ve surely heard of the Gulf of Porto Vecchio and Santa Giulia beach. This location is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the famous French island, but we recommend exploring it from every angle. Not just the sea and sun, but also the traditions that still survive in the town and nearby villages, and the many natural attractions within easy reach, perhaps aboard one of our private vehicles—with chauffeurs who also act as tour guides. You get to Santa Giulia after landing at Figari Sud Corse Airport (FSC), and in just over 20 minutes by car, you will cover the 20 km that separate you from the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
Santa Giulia: a vacation for everyone
Book at Santa Giulia if you want a spectacular vacation with unique diving. Book at Santa Giulia if you want some seaside relaxation… but also if you want a safe place to swim with the kids… and if you want a vacation that combines culture and nature. In a word, Santa Giulia is a vacation for everyone!
It presents itself as an intimate and tranquil place. Although there are always plenty of swimmers on the beach, the atmosphere here is less «crazy» than other Corsican resorts where crowds come looking for fun. Yet, even here, you won’t certainly get bored… quite the opposite!
Santa Giulia beach, classified by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful in the world, is on par with the Maldives or Hawaii. Located about 8 km south of the local landmark town, Porto Vecchio, it consists of a strip of sand that separates the coast from the open sea, effectively creating a romantic lagoon rich in biodiversity. Beneath the clear turquoise waters, the seabed hides fascinating elements that attract divers from around the world. In the inner part of the lagoon, the shallow water makes you walk for meters before starting to swim. Beyond the strip of sand, however, seabed become deeper and rich in marine life worthy of photography.
Beach services and… surprises
Santa Giulia beach offers numerous services to visitors and swimmers. Private resorts, associations that organize water sports and diving, tour operators that organize excursions, traditional restaurants. There are also plenty of free beaches, where anyone can settle down and spend time in pure relax. Almost all parkings along the coast need a ticket to be paid.
The Santa Giulia lagoon also hides surprises… . For example, a thermal spring located at the end of the inlet (on the right) sends gaseous bubbles from the sandy seabed to the surface of the sea. Diving there guarantees particular benefits, thanks to the properties of the volcanic water.
Those looking for nightlife usually have to «emigrate» to Porto Vecchio. Santa Giulia has a few lively venues, but they remain within the «healthy limits» of a nightlife suitable for families and not for noisy groups.
From Santa Giulia to the rest of Sud Corse
Porto Vecchio, located in southern Corsica, is one of the most charming and visited towns on the island. If you are based in Santa Giulia beach, it will be the reference hub for many cultural events. Founded by the Genoese in the 16th century, Porto Vecchio is the first stop for day trips to the surrounding area of Sud Corse.
The city still preserves important evidence of its past, visible in the ancient walls and the characteristic streets that wind between stone buildings and lively squares. The heart of the city is the citadel, built in an elevated position to defend the territory from pirate raids. Strolling through its streets, you can admire panoramic views of the gulf and the marina, now one of the most important in Corsica. During the summer months, the old historic quarter comes alive with markets, cultural events, concerts, and numerous clubs that attract visitors from all over Europe.
Not far from Santa Giulia, another pearl of the southern coast is Palombaggia. Here too, fine white sand, turquoise waters, and pine trees create postcard-perfect landscapes that attract thousands of tourists every year. Traveling a little further inland, you’ll discover mountain landscapes, forests, and nature trails such as the Alta Rocca, an ideal area for hiking enthusiasts. Do not miss a trip to Bonifacio, a spectacular city perched on white limestone cliffs overlooking the sea. Its fortifications, port, and panoramic views make it one of the island’s most unique places. Boat trips also allow you to explore sea grottos, hidden coves, and the nearby Lavezzi Islands, a protected natural paradise.
Tasting food in Santa Giulia
Take a souvenir of Santa Giulia and Corsica’s fascinating southern coast … even in your mouth. The local cuisine is an additional attraction. Visitors can savor traditional specialties such as cured meats (“coppa, lonzu, and prisuttu” are typical products with an intense and aromatic flavor), sheep’s and goat’s cheeses (“brocciu” , considered the island’s signature cheese, is used in both savory dishes and traditional desserts), honey, local chestnuts, and wines. Among the typical desserts, try the “fiadoni”, delicious lemon-infused cheesecakes. This cuisine reflects a blend of French and Mediterranean influences, showcasing authentic ingredients and local produce. Unforgettable mental, physical, and sensory experiences await you year-round, all set against the backdrop of the turquoise lagoon.
