The best things to do in Corsica in winter
Want to discover the Island of Beauty in a different way? A winter trip to Corsica is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a more intimate atmosphere. With its wild landscapes between sea and mountains, Corsica offers visitors an exceptional playground where nature outings, snow sports, cultural discoveries and gastronomic pleasures come together!
Staying near Porto Pollo makes it easy to access one of the most beautiful hikes in the area: the route linking the Tour de Capanella to Cupabia Beach. This trail offers a perfect snapshot of Corsica, combining heritage, fragrant maquis and spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
The route begins close to Porto Pollo, heading towards the Tour de Capanella, an ancient Genoese tower set on a rocky promontory.
From the very first steps, the path winds through the Corsican maquis. The gradual ascent to the tower quickly reveals superb viewpoints over the gulf and the surrounding beaches.
Once you reach the Tour de Capanella, an exceptional panorama opens up, with the sea stretching as far as the eye can see. The trail then gently descends towards Cupabia Beach.
The arrival on the beach creates a striking contrast: after rock and dense vegetation, the light-coloured sand and turquoise waters invite you to take a well-deserved break.
The icing on the cake: the immediate proximity of the trail to the Mare & Monti hotel. The starting point can be reached in just a few minutes by car or on foot, depending on the chosen route. No long journey is required, making it easy to organise this hike as a half-day outing without disrupting your stay.
Although Porto Pollo is primarily a seaside destination, skiing is absolutely possible if you are willing to drive a little. The two main Corsican ski resorts, Val d’Ese and Ghisoni-Capanelle, are located in the mountainous interior of the island.
From Porto Pollo, allow around 1h45 to 2h of travel time, representing an average distance of 80 to 90 kilometres, depending on the chosen route.
These human-sized resorts offer alpine skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing routes, set in a spectacular landscape where snow-covered peaks contrast with the Mediterranean Sea.
An ideal excursion to experience a more intimate side of Corsica!
Near the Mare & Monti hotel, discovering authentic Corsican villages is an essential part of the experience. Just a few minutes’ drive away, inland villages reveal a more intimate Corsica, where stone houses, narrow streets and shaded squares tell the story of island life.
These villages offer a unique atmosphere and stunning views over the gulf, while providing opportunities to meet locals deeply attached to their traditions.
Porto Pollo itself retains, outside the peak season, the charm of a lively village, with its small harbour, welcoming terraces and gentle pace of life.
If you feel like exploring further, do not hesitate to visit Corte, the historic capital, which immerses you in the soul of the island, while Pigna charms visitors with its artisan workshops and creative atmosphere.
Sartène, often called “the most Corsican of Corsican towns”, is equally captivating with its stone alleyways and timeless ambiance.
Staying in Porto Pollo provides easy access to a fascinating cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the history of southern Corsica.
Among the must-see sites, be sure not to miss the prehistoric site of Filitosa. Located 45 minutes from Porto Pollo, it is one of the island’s major archaeological sites, featuring sculpted menhirs, remains of fortified villages and traces of civilisations dating back several millennia.
Also worth discovering are the many local Romanesque churches: the surroundings of Porto Pollo are dotted with ancient, sometimes millennia-old buildings that testify to the importance of religion in the history of Corsican villages. Their architectural simplicity, integration into the landscape and surrounding silence make them truly special places to visit.
In Porto Pollo, discovering Corsican specialities is an integral part of the journey and is enjoyed just as much as the landscapes.
Local cuisine highlights simple, authentic products rooted in the land and island know-how.
When colder weather sets in, the secrets of Corsican gastronomy become a true source of comfort, generous and deeply authentic.
Sample Corsican soup, grilled figatellu and farmhouse cheeses, accompanied by a glass of Corsican wine or a myrtle liqueur.
Just 100 metres from Porto Pollo beach, the Mare & Monti residence welcomes you in a privileged environment, nestled within 2.4 hectares of greenery.
The ideal address for enjoying a stay between sea and nature, in a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.
The establishment offers two types of accommodation to suit every need. The hotel rooms, set in charming wooden chalets, offer views over the sea or the garden.
The mini-villas, meanwhile, feature one or two bedrooms, a terrace and an open-plan kitchen, and can accommodate up to six people, making them ideal for family or group stays.
Every morning, breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the large shaded terrace, perfect for gentle wake-ups. Thanks to its ideal location, the residence also allows guests to enjoy a wide range of nearby activities, including hiking, cultural discoveries and seaside pleasures.
Hiking in a winter setting
From the Tour de Capanella to Cupabia Beach
Staying near Porto Pollo makes it easy to access one of the most beautiful hikes in the area: the route linking the Tour de Capanella to Cupabia Beach. This trail offers a perfect snapshot of Corsica, combining heritage, fragrant maquis and spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
The route begins close to Porto Pollo, heading towards the Tour de Capanella, an ancient Genoese tower set on a rocky promontory.
From the very first steps, the path winds through the Corsican maquis. The gradual ascent to the tower quickly reveals superb viewpoints over the gulf and the surrounding beaches.
Once you reach the Tour de Capanella, an exceptional panorama opens up, with the sea stretching as far as the eye can see. The trail then gently descends towards Cupabia Beach.
The arrival on the beach creates a striking contrast: after rock and dense vegetation, the light-coloured sand and turquoise waters invite you to take a well-deserved break.
The icing on the cake: the immediate proximity of the trail to the Mare & Monti hotel. The starting point can be reached in just a few minutes by car or on foot, depending on the chosen route. No long journey is required, making it easy to organise this hike as a half-day outing without disrupting your stay.
Practical information
- Starting point: In Porto Pollo, just before reaching the harbour, turn right towards the residences (parking available nearby)
- Arrival point: Cupabia Beach
- Total distance: approximately 6 to 7 km depending on the chosen variant
- Average duration: 2h30 to 3h of actual walking time (excluding breaks)
Ski resorts in Corsica
Snow less than 2 hours away
Although Porto Pollo is primarily a seaside destination, skiing is absolutely possible if you are willing to drive a little. The two main Corsican ski resorts, Val d’Ese and Ghisoni-Capanelle, are located in the mountainous interior of the island.
From Porto Pollo, allow around 1h45 to 2h of travel time, representing an average distance of 80 to 90 kilometres, depending on the chosen route.
These human-sized resorts offer alpine skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing routes, set in a spectacular landscape where snow-covered peaks contrast with the Mediterranean Sea.
An ideal excursion to experience a more intimate side of Corsica!
Authentic villages to discover
Immerse yourself in Corsican heritage
Near the Mare & Monti hotel, discovering authentic Corsican villages is an essential part of the experience. Just a few minutes’ drive away, inland villages reveal a more intimate Corsica, where stone houses, narrow streets and shaded squares tell the story of island life.
These villages offer a unique atmosphere and stunning views over the gulf, while providing opportunities to meet locals deeply attached to their traditions.
Porto Pollo itself retains, outside the peak season, the charm of a lively village, with its small harbour, welcoming terraces and gentle pace of life.
If you feel like exploring further, do not hesitate to visit Corte, the historic capital, which immerses you in the soul of the island, while Pigna charms visitors with its artisan workshops and creative atmosphere.
Sartène, often called “the most Corsican of Corsican towns”, is equally captivating with its stone alleyways and timeless ambiance.
Heritage and culture in complete tranquillity
Historic sites to better understand Corsica
Staying in Porto Pollo provides easy access to a fascinating cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the history of southern Corsica.
Among the must-see sites, be sure not to miss the prehistoric site of Filitosa. Located 45 minutes from Porto Pollo, it is one of the island’s major archaeological sites, featuring sculpted menhirs, remains of fortified villages and traces of civilisations dating back several millennia.
Also worth discovering are the many local Romanesque churches: the surroundings of Porto Pollo are dotted with ancient, sometimes millennia-old buildings that testify to the importance of religion in the history of Corsican villages. Their architectural simplicity, integration into the landscape and surrounding silence make them truly special places to visit.
Enjoy Corsican flavours after your explorations!
A generous and authentic local cuisine
In Porto Pollo, discovering Corsican specialities is an integral part of the journey and is enjoyed just as much as the landscapes.
Local cuisine highlights simple, authentic products rooted in the land and island know-how.
When colder weather sets in, the secrets of Corsican gastronomy become a true source of comfort, generous and deeply authentic.
Sample Corsican soup, grilled figatellu and farmhouse cheeses, accompanied by a glass of Corsican wine or a myrtle liqueur.
Stay at our holiday residence in Serra-di-Ferro
Just 100 metres from Porto Pollo beach, the Mare & Monti residence welcomes you in a privileged environment, nestled within 2.4 hectares of greenery.
The ideal address for enjoying a stay between sea and nature, in a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.
The establishment offers two types of accommodation to suit every need. The hotel rooms, set in charming wooden chalets, offer views over the sea or the garden.
The mini-villas, meanwhile, feature one or two bedrooms, a terrace and an open-plan kitchen, and can accommodate up to six people, making them ideal for family or group stays.
Every morning, breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the large shaded terrace, perfect for gentle wake-ups. Thanks to its ideal location, the residence also allows guests to enjoy a wide range of nearby activities, including hiking, cultural discoveries and seaside pleasures.
