Porto Holidays
Beach fans and nature lovers
Holidays in Porto are ideal for those wishing to combine an excellent beach with spectacular walking and diving. Porto is an enjoyably relaxed beach resort on a beautiful bay between Calvi and Ajaccio on the stunning west coast of the island. The surrounding Calanche coastline is famous for its brightly coloured cliffs and striking red rock formations. Porto beach is one of the best in the region: a broad stretch of gently shelving sand and shingle with spectacular sunsets. For quieter beaches close to Porto try Ficajola Beach near Piana or Caspio Beach near Partinello. Cheap low-season holidays will find Porto beach amazingly uncrowded. Away from the beach holidays centre on the resort’s marina and fishing harbour with its 16th century Genoese watchtower, along with the cafes and restaurants in the old village.
Outstanding walking
The amazing proximity of the mountains means Porto holidays can comfortably combine beaches with the world-renowned walking trails and traditional villages found in Corsica’s fabulous interior. Walkers are spoilt for choice with excellent coast walks, lovely waymarked trails around Piana and more challenging hiking and climbing in the mountains. Porto is a popular centre for diving holidays, sailing holidays, windsurfing and birdwatching on the Scandola Peninsula. The Gulf of Porto enjoys UNESCO protection and the marine park is just part of the larger Regional Natural Park of Corsica.
Fantastically scenic coastline
Popular excursions include trips to villages like Chidazzu, Curzo, Ota and Evisa, the quaint little port of Girolata, the Spelunca gorges and boat trips to the Scandola Nature Reserve which is renowned for its marine life. All Porto holidays should include a visit to the picturesque village of Piana. Porto is also ideally placed for exploring the splendidly scenic Gulf of Valinco and the entire dramatic west coast of Corsica.
Weather in Porto
July and August, with temperatures hitting the mid 30s, are traditionally the busiest months in Porto resulting in large tourist crowds. Due to the agreeable climate and the minimal crowds visitors may want to schedule their visit to the region in between May and June, or organise a late summer September Break. There's still plenty of sunshine to go round and the temperature still hits the low 30s, so the only thing you'll be missing are the large crowds, making for a more relaxed Porto. The high sea temperatures make the Gulf of Porto ideal for diving, the water seldom dropping below 19C. Porto also benefits from over 11 hours of sunshine a day during the summer months.
