| Welcome to Valinco Gulf; Propriano, the Sartenais & the villages of the Alta
Rocca |
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take you straight there. Alternatively, simply read on... |
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The Valinco Gulf
The Gulf of Valinco is perhaps the most beautiful gulf on the west coast of the island. To the north of the bay
is Cappiciolo - perhaps one of the best spots on the Gulf with it's picturesque coves of golden sand fringed by
rocks, and Porto Pollo, a sheltered little port. Corsica's origins can be traced to this small region with its
large number of pre-historic sites and castle remains that date back to the time of the lords.
Olmeto
A beautiful granite village overlooking the plain of Propriano which even into the 20th century was notorious for
its many vendettas. The trail of old craft traditions at Olmeto and the 'Route des Sens Authentiques' will take
you on a journey to explore pipe, knife and ceramic factories as well as specialities of local produce.
Propriano
Propriano is a lively resort town with restaurants, shops and everything one could want from a seaside holiday.
With its attractive, busy marina and many good restaurants, Propriano's dramatic setting makes the town a popular
choice for visitors. The Valinco Gulf is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt bays in the south with lots of
sandy beaches to be discovered and enjoyed. Propriano wasn't really developed until the turn of the century, and
the natural harbour still has a slightly unfinished quality although Propriano is now considered an important tourist
centre.
There are lots of things to see and do in the area; you can enjoy all the usual water and
mountain sports, bathe in river rock pools or relax in the hot springs of Baracci or the Bains
de Caldane, play tennis, go walking, horse-riding, diving, climbing, or
take a train or boat trip. The more adventurous can try a tandem u.l.m., canyoning, parachuting, climbing or jetskiing.
Portigliolo
Not so much a village, as a huge stretch of white golden sand (and the inspiration for the banner picture on all
our pages). There is a little beach bar here, and if you're prepared to walk a little way, you'll find relatively
quiet spots even in the height of season. Take care with children, as the current here can be quite strong.
Campomoro
Sitting at the tip of the Gulf, Campomoro is very special. The pretty village has a handful of bars and restaurants,
and there is a huge protected sweep of sand with all manner of watersports and the amazing Tour di Campomoro, a
16th century Genoese watchtower. This tower is the largest on the island, and the only one to have been fortified
with a star-shaped surrounding wall.
Sartene
Sartene, 'The most Corsican of Corsican towns' is stern and sombre, but also one of the best preserved places on
the island, and the town fervently keeps alive some of the Corsica's oldest traditions such as the Catenacciu,
a Good Friday procession re-enacting the crucifixion. The narrow streets are lined with tall, fortress like houses
that could be used barricaded to protect against vendetta. This is particularly evident in the Santa Anna quarter
where there are still many bricked up windows.
Tizzano
A pretty little beach at the end of a long windy road, you wouldn't find it by accident, but it's worth the effort.
The village comprises just a handful of houses and a couple of restaurants, but it is the magnificent crescent
of white sand, and interesting little coves that draw the visitors. Just northwest of the village are the ruins
of a 15th Century fort, which during World War II was used by Commander Andrew Croft to train a team of secret
agents and Corsican Patriots in attack and defence.
Ste Lucie de Tallano
The graceful balconied houses attest to the wealth of the village of Sainte
Lucie de Tallano, but its sleepy ambience belies its turbulent past. Behind the church stands the Maison Fort,
an imposing and austere house built from granite to house the population in times of danger. The convent of St-Francois
which was founded in 1492 by Rinuccio della Rocca, is just five minutes walk from the village. These days, the
residents make their money from the superb Fiumiccioli wine,
Aullene and Zonza
These mountain villages make good lunch stops on a day in the mountains
Quenza
Surrounded by pines and chestnut groves, Quenza has been called a jewel in the Mare a Mare Sud trail, and has an
excellent reputation as a base for all kinds of leisure pursuits such as pony trekking, walking and canyoning.
The village lies within easy reach of the Coscoine plateau that is the rugged region north of the village, and
the famous Bavella mountains which are popular not only with walkers, but rock climbers of all levels. The native
Corsican deer was hunted to extinction in the late 1960's, but deer of the same breed from Sardinia were introduced
in 1985 together with a careful breeding program. Six fawns are released into the forest each year, and can be
spotted occasionally along with eagles.
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