Tucked in between lush, maquis-covered hills and sapphire seas, the port town of Propriano lies at the innermost point of the Valinco Gulf. Elegant palm trees fringe the charming quayside, which is home to a host of inviting pavement cafes and tall, pastel-washed houses. Out in the harbour, gleaming white yachts and colourful fishing boats bob up and down in the gently lapping waves. A number of inviting sandy bays and rocky coves punctuate the surrounding area making Propriano a popular seaside resort. Please note that as excursions do no operate from this resort pre-booked car hire is essential for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas.
Throughout its history, Propriano has been much sought after due to its strategic position in the heart of the Valinco Gulf. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Propriano rose to the fore during antiquity when it became an important Greek trading post. After the Etruscans and Carthaginians came the Romans, later superseded by the Vandals, Saracens and the Moors. During the Middle Ages Propriano was governed by the Italian city-states of Pisa, and Genoa. However, local dissent and waves of pirate raids all but destroyed the town. Propriano remained a small hamlet until the beginning of the 20th-century when its jetties, lighthouse and quays were built. The arrival of holidaymakers to Propriano has really woken up this little town, which now boasts an attractive marina for motorcruisers and pleasure boats as well as a small commercial port for ferries from mainland France and neighbouring Sardinia.
Find the cheapest late deals to Propriano leaving in the next six weeks.
Propriano hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Propriano include Hameau De Figarella, Hotel Arena Bianca, Hotel Marinca, Hotel Roc E Mare, Hotel Valinco, Marina Di Fiori and Villa Bella Vista.
More Corsica holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Corsica? Our Corsica holiday destinations include Ajaccio, Algajola, Bonicardo, Bonifacio, Borgo, Calalonga, Calvi, Campo Moro, Capicciolo, Cargese, Corte, Erbalunga, Farinole, Feliceto, Ferayola, Figari, Fossi, Galeria, Ile Rousse, Lama, Lavatoggio, Lozari, Lumio, Macinaggio, Mela, Moriani, Muratello, Murato, Olmeto, Patrimonio, Piana, Pianottolli, Piedicroce, Pietra Longa Salvini, Pietranera, Pinarello, Plaine De Montegrosso, Porra, Porto Pollo, Porto Vecchio, Propriano, Quenza, Rogliano, Saint Florent, Santa Giulia, Santa Reparata, Sartene, Sisco, Tizzano and Ville De Paraso.
Beaches
Lapped by translucent waters dappled with intense hues of jade, sapphire and turquoise, the Valinco Gulf is renowned for its clutch of sandy beaches and intimate, rocky coves. Propriano itself boasts no less than five sandy shores while a dramatic Genoese watchtower overlooks the impressive beach at nearby Campomoro.
Eating out
Like most French towns, Propriano has a good selection of cafes and restaurants. In the morning you can head down to the local 'boulangerie' and breakfast on freshly baked croissants and brioches. For lunch, why not pop into the 'epicerie' and pick up a baguette, some plump, vine-ripened tomatoes and some creamy 'brocciu' goat's cheese to rustle yourself up a typical Mediterranean-style snack? When it comes to evening meals, you'll be spoiled for choice. From large platters of 'charcuterie' meats to steaming plates of spaghetti served with king prawns, Propriano's fine array of waterfront restaurants effortlessly blends French and Italian gastronomy.
Nightlife
While there are a couple of discos and a handful of lively bars, nightlife if Propriano tends to be quite low key with most evenings spend savouring a delicious meal down along the quayside. As the sun slowly dips below the horizon and bids you 'adieu' for another day, enjoy a carafe of Corsican 'fiumiccicoli', Propriano's local tipple that's generally regarded as one of Corsica's best white wines.
Shopping
Propriano's main street plays host to a good selection of shops and that all-important feature of any French high street, the local 'tabac'. Here, you can buy your postcards and stamps as well as magazines and newspapers. Shop window mannequins garbed in the latest fashions grace boutique windows while traditional Corsican produce, such as 'castagna' - chestnut cake - can be bought in the food shops dotted around the town.
Local information
North of Propriano lies Corsica's largest city, Ajaccio. Exuding a typical Mediterranean look and feel, it's sectioned into three distinct areas: the Genoese old town, with a 15th-century fortress, fine facades and cobblestone streets; the modern city, with wide tree-lined streets and cafes; and the suburbs, which climb up into the surrounding hills. Although founded back in Roman times, Ajaccio is most famous for being the birthplace of Napolean Bonaparte, who was born here in 1769. Housed on the first floor of the Hotel de Ville, the Musee Napoleonien boasts a number of documents and paintings charting the course of Napoleon's colourful life and makes for a fascinating day out.
Location
On the west coast at the mouth of the Valinco Gulf, 9km south of Olmeto
Transfer time
About 1 hour 15 minutes
Recommended
Luxury
