Porto-Vecchio is the main town of southern Corsica, set above a deep gulf with a marina below and mountains rising inland. It is famous for beaches, especially Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, but the town is stronger than a beach base alone: the old Genoese core, prehistoric sites, the Ospedale forest, and the Cerbicales marine reserve all sit within reach.
In summer it is crowded and expensive, with traffic that can turn a short drive into a test of character. Come early in the day, park once, and walk the old town rather than fighting the one-way streets.
The best Porto-Vecchio visit mixes coast and interior. Spend one day on Palombaggia Beach or Santa Giulia, then turn inland toward Castellu d'Araghju and the Ospedale road for granite, pine, and a very different Corsica.