Lido Beach
Behind the commercial port, in the heart of the Gulf of Valinco and a 5-minute walk from your ship’s gangway, lies Lido Beach and its iconic «Scoglio Longo» lighthouse, one of the town’s main attractions.
This magnificent golden-sandy beach, some 400 metres long, is the perfect playground for the whole family! Water sports and games are available to hire, there are seaside restaurants serving lunch or ice creams, sun loungers and parasols… everyone can enjoy a fun or relaxing time without a care in the world.
The village of Sartène
«Described by Prosper Mérimée as »the most Corsican of Corsican towns”, Sartène is less than 10 km from Propriano. It’s an unmissable cultural stop for anyone wishing to experience the real Corsica!
A town steeped in history and tradition, with its old stone houses, which has brilliantly managed to retain its old-world charm… Make the most of your visit to soak up the atmosphere of the place, stroll through its medieval quarter and take the time to stop off at one of the cafés in Place Porta, the heart of the village. All around, in the narrow streets, sample some of the local specialities at the artisans’ shops – they’re well worth a visit.
Also situated on Piazza Porta, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a must-see. Dating from the 12thth Dating from the 19th century, its exterior architecture is typical of Corsican churches and its interior is brimming with exceptional treasures, including its famous cross.
The town and its surrounding area will also delight lovers of prehistory, the Sartene Museum, which is rich in archaeological artefacts dating back to the Megalithic period, as well as the archaeological site of Cauria, a 15-minute drive away, which is full of standing stones and offers a very pleasant, shaded and informative walk…
Lion of Roccapina
You can’t visit Propriano without going to the Roccapina site, halfway between Sartène and Bonifacio, to admire its famous natural lion, carved out of the rock by erosion, overlooking a magnificent white sandy beach with crystal-clear water, unspoilt by any development.
Once you arrive at the site, you can discover all its historical secrets through an educational tour suitable for the whole family at the «a casa di Roccapina» interpretation centre. This former roadmender’s cottage, which has been converted into a small museum, features themed exhibitions and a film screening, all accompanied by audio guides.
For the more active among you, a lovely walk will take you on a journey through the region’s Genoese past and to its 17th-century tower. Allow around 2½ hours for this 4km loop with 230m of elevation gain, offering a complete immersion in the Corsican maquis.
The spectacle of nature remains the site’s greatest attraction, and this incredible panoramic view has always been one of the most photographed landscapes in Corsica!
That little extra…
On your way back, stop off at the Pero Longo Winery, highly renowned in the region, this beautiful estate – which practises biodynamic farming – will welcome you to its «country-style dining» for a tasting of its finest, typically Corsican grape varieties, local produce and, in particular, excellent meat also sourced from the farm.
Campomoro and its Genoese tower
About ten kilometres from Propriano, at the southernmost tip of the Gulf of Valinco, Campomoro is a little corner of paradise with no shortage of attractions!
A village with authentic charm, its Genoese tower, its fine sandy beach, its walking trails… this excursion, packed with things to do, will take you right to the heart of Corsica’s heritage.
Nestled in the heart of dense scrubland with a myriad of scents, and just a 30-minute walk from the village, the famous Genoese tower at Campomoro – built in 1586 to repel Barbary pirate raids – is the largest of Corsica’s towers.
Set against an enchanting historical backdrop, the site can be explored in several stages: information panels are placed along the outdoor walkway at the base of the tower, followed by a permanent exhibition on the first floor, which traces the history of the Genoese towers in Corsica as well as the region’s turbulent history, and finally a 360° panoramic view of the turquoise waters lapping against this wild coastline of breathtaking beauty