Porto Vecchio

With an Italian name, PortoVecchio just tricks you. Is it Italian, or is it French? It's a bit of a mystery. Yes, it's currently French, which becomes abundantly clear as the natives all speak to you in that language, but as with many areas in Europe, it has changed a few times over the years. It was originally an Italian town, and it still retains many of those elements.

Of all of the ports we stopped at, this wasn't our favorite, but it could be more so because the town is small. I'm sure you've heard towns are small before, but it's very small. Excessively small. About five blocks by five blocks.

The town is surrounded by the old fortress and garrisson which is quite a sight to see. If you're in town, there are three things I'd suggest that you do.

One: Walk the trail going around the fortress and stopping at the Church of San Pietro. The architecture is amazing, and the fortress has held up reasonably well over the years.

Two: Buy a baguette sandwich. Everybody does it, and it just seems the thing to do. They taste great, and if the locals do it, so should you.

Three: Just sit in the town square and drink a cappuccino or a coffee.

We didn't do this and regret it, but for the few bucks premium you'll spend to be in the town square, the people watching and the views are tremendous.


Windstar
Porto Vecchio
Portoferraio
PortoVenere
St. Tropez
Monaco