Southern Corsica

Southern Corsica's visitor hot spots are Propriano and Porto-Vecchio (known for its lively nightlife), along with the capital of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose family home, Maison Bonaparte, has now been transformed into a public museum. The western coast of Corsica boasts numerous sandy beaches that stretch down to the southernmost point of the island. The region's highlights include the impressive Citadel of Bonifacio, situated atop steep white cliffs, and the pristine, uninhabited Lavezzi Islands located just off the coast. Sartène, although situated away from the frequented coastal areas, is a quintessential Corsican town with a rather grim past–it had notoriously struggled with gang crime–that has preserved a good amount of its medieval charm. It is primarily known for its annual Good Friday procession, an event that aims to recreate Jesus' journey to the Calvary. The 35-kilo cross and 17-kilo chain used in the procession are on display year-round at the Sartène church of St Mary.