SARTENE- DISCOVERING THE SOUL OF CORSICA

7.1K

Soak up the authentic Corsican spirit in the town of Sartene, a fascinating medieval stronghold steeped in history and tradition.

Notorious for a turbulent past saturated with stories of bloody vendettas, fierce banditry, and perpetual conflict the fortress has managed to retain its characteristic architectural style and a sombre ambiance.

Strategically perched atop a granite outcrop dominating the pastoral Rizzanese Valley, between the mountains and the sea, Sartene continues to guard its mysteries staying faithful to its depiction chronicled by a French novelist Prosper Mérimée- the most Corsican of Corsican towns.

This page contains affiliate links meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more.

LOCATION OF SARTENE

Sartene is situated in southwest Corsica on the main T40 road between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, 14 km from the seaside port of Propriano.

Set atop a rocky spur the granite fortress dominates a beautiful, sparsely populated region of awe-inspiring scenery.

Fertile green valleys producing world-class wines crossed by pristine rivers rushing towards clear waters of the Mediterranean, 30 km of unspoilt coastline with the Needles of Bavella rising off the Alta Rocca massif in the east- a tapestry of landscapes to fit all preferences.

This magnificent corner of the island is also famous for its astonishing wealth of ancestral heritage. Numerous prehistoric sites dotting the fruitful soils testify to ancient human activity in Corsica.

If you arrive in Corsica by air, the nearest airports are located in Figari and Ajaccio. The island may also be accessed by boat with the closest ferry port found in Propriano, the principal resort of the Gulf of Valinco.

BRIEF HISTORY OF SARTENE

• Numerous menhirs discovered within the Sartene commune point to a prehistoric human occupation of the region.
• Raided by the Saracens in the 10th century the inhabitants of the territory gathered within the strategically positioned settlement.
• In the 12th century, during the Pisan reign of Corsica, the region was ruled by the noble della Rocca family.
• Oppressed by the Genoese, the Sgio (local feudal elites) continued to combat the foreign forces. Overpowered, Rinuccio della Rocca was finally defeated in 1510.
• At the beginning of the 16^th century, Sartene was established as a small Genoese administrative centre.
• In 1565 the town was attacked by the troops of Sampiero Corso, a Corsican patriot supported by Gasconian mercenaries, to be soon regained by Genoa.
• Before long, in 1583, two-thirds of Sartene’s population was taken captive by the forces of Hassan Pasha, the king of Algiers, while the town got plundered.
• At the end of the 17^th century, the number of inhabitants reached 1200, the population continued to thrive and new buildings were erected.
• During the period of wars for Corsican independence led by Pasquale Paoli (1728-69) Sartene remained unengaged before eventually accepting his authority in 1763.
• At the beginning of the 19^th century under the reign of Napoleon III, the flourishing noble families of Sartene (Sgio) partook in fierce political rivalry. Often bloody feuds and vendetta stories became an inspiration for the short story ‘Colomba’ by Prosper Mérimée.
• The fortified town continued to prosper throughout the century. Important agrarian restructuring, the development of the wine trade, and societal transformations remodelled Sartene into a leading centre in the southern region.
• The inter-war period saw a rapid growth of socialist parties with the creation of the SFIO party section in 1926.
• During the Second World War, the French Resistance strengthened by the members of the submarine Casabianca mission boosted its presence in Corsica, including Sartene. The island became the first French department to be liberated from the forces of the Third Reich in October 1943.

7 BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SARTENE

1. Enjoy a drink and watch the world go by at Place Porta (Place de la Libération), the town’s main square shaded by palm trees and lined with bars and cafes.
2. Visit Eglise Ste-Marie dominating the town square. Built in the 1760s it houses the cross and a heavy chain worn by the Penitent during the U Catenacciu procession on Good Friday.
3. Explore the old town in the Santa Anna district behind the Hotel de Ville. A magical maze of tall granite buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and shaded alleys linked by arcades and arches provides a glimpse into the past.
4. Discover the Echauguette– a 16^th-century Genoese tower erected in the place of the town’s medieval lookout tower giving on to the beautiful Rizzanese Valley.
5. Take part in the celebrations of U Catenacciu– the most impressive Good Friday procession in Corsica. The rituals taking place throughout the day and into the night hours have been preserved by the generations of the Sartenians since the Middle Ages. A hooded, chained on the ankle Grand Pénitent carries a 30 kg wooden cross through the candlelit streets filled with ancient Corsican prayers.
6. Explore a fascinating collection of prehistoric artefacts and archaeological treasures excavated in historic sites of Corsica housed in the Musée de la Préhistoire Corse. The exhibits dating back to 6000-500 BC include daggers, vases, jewellery, iron tools, and even menhir statues.
7. Admire Couvent de San Damiano, a Franciscan convent restored by a brotherhood of Belgian monks where the Great Penitent prays the night before the U Catenacciu procession.

8 BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND SARTENE

1. Explore the archaeological treasures of Filitosa– a famous megalithic site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Other prominent historic centers include Palaggiu with its 250 monoliths and Cauria boasting the Dolmen de Fontanaccia, the most beautiful burial chamber in Corsica.
2. Enjoy a coastal hike between Campomoro and Tizzano. The picturesque town of Belvédère-Campomoro is home to Corsica’s largest Genoese tower while Tizzano boasts pristine turquoise-water coves that remain relatively crowd-free even in high season.
3. Discover Roccapina, one of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches where crystal clear waters lap gently against the pristine white sand.
4. Taste the exquisite wines of Sartene. Made of traditional Corsican varieties such as Vermentino, Sciacarello, or Niellucio they immaculately express the hilly granite terroirs of the region. Most renowned estates of the appellation include Domaine Fiumicicoli, Domaine Saparale, Domaine San Micheli, Domaine Sant Armettu, Domaine Castellu di Baricci, Domaine Pero Longo, Domaine Mosconi, Clos Colonna.
5. Enjoy the ultimate aquatic adventure in the natural pools of the Bavella Canyons. Numerous providers offer canyoning tours of all levels of difficulty in the spellbinding landscapes of Alta Rocca. The scenic drive via the picturesque village of Zonza guarantees unforgettable views of Corsica’s celebrated Aiguilles de Bavella.
6. Visit Bonifacio, a medieval fortress town located atop glistening limestone cliffs. Stunning coastline scenery around this famed Corsican landmark may be best appreciated during a boat excursion offered by various operators in the marina.
7. Relax on Bonifacio’s stunning beaches. Choose from small, intimate bays, vast sandy lagoons and rocky coves perfect for snorkelling.
8. Admire a beautiful 13^th-century bridge Spin’a Cavallu on the Rizzanese River designed by the architect Maestro Maternato.

BOOK A BOAT TRIP

• Boat excursion to the Gulf of Valinco from Propriano. Discover the region’s most beautiful seascapes on a 2-hour boat tour with an aperitif and a snorkelling break. Choose from a morning, afternoon, or sunset tour departing from Propriano.
• Boat trip to Piantarella, Roccapina, and Tizzano from the beach of Santa Giulia. Visit Corsica’s beautiful south coast on a 9-hour-long scenic boat tour from Santa Giulia. Enjoy snorkelling in the transparent waters of Piantarella and Roccapina before stopping at the charming fishing port of Tizzano.
• Boat tour to Bonifacio with a swimming stop at Iles Lavezzi from Ajaccio. Visit Bonifacio, swim in the pristine waters of Iles Lavezzi, sample local wines and meats, and admire magnificent views of southern Corsica. During this full-day trip, you will also stop at the exquisite cove of Roccapina.
• Boat trip in the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve from Bonifacio. Explore the Bonifacio National Park on a speedboat tour to some of the most scenic corners of Corsica. Soak up views of the Genoese tower of Capicciolu, the Lavezzi Archipelago with its stunning beaches, and the Bay of Fazzio. The tour includes a swimming break.

BOOK A BAVELLA 4×4 TOUR

• Set out on an unforgettable excursion to the magical Ospedale Forest and Bavella Needels departing from Porto-Vecchio. This 8-hour journey guarantees the sublime mountainous scenery of Corsica’s rugged interior crossed by freshwater torrents where wild pigs roam free. A traditional Corsican meal is included in the price. 

BOOK A GUIDED HIKING TOUR OF BAVELLA

• Enjoy a guided hiking tour to explore the classic landscapes at Col de Bavella. The excursion starts at the Bavella pass by the statue of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. You may choose a half-a-day or a full-day scenic walk at the foot of the famous granite Needles. A meal composed of local produce is available as an option.

BOOK A MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP FROM AJACCIO

• Take part in a small group mountain day trip accompanied by an English-speaking guide. During the tour, you will visit an imposing waterfall, enjoy a Corsican lunch near a mountain river, and stop for swimming or kayaking at Lake Tolla. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Sartene is served by several bus operators with stops at Avenue Gabriel-Péri for Eurocorse Voyages and the main town square for Autocars Marcel Ricci. Departure times and fare information may be checked directly with the provider or at www.corsicabus.org.
• For additional information on the attractions of Sartene visit the local tourist office situated at 14 Cours Soeur Amélie or consult the website https://lacorsedesorigines.com/en/home/.
• The main post office is located at Rue Nicolas Pietri near the town square.
• Due to a one-way traffic system in the old town parking spaces within the historic walls are difficult to find. There is a free parking lot on the T40 road between the Couvent de San Damiano and the entrance to the old town or the Casino supermarket at Avenue Jacques Nicoli.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

• Top 11 most beautiful places in Corsica – the ultimate bucket list
• 15 Stunning Bonifacio beaches you can’t miss
• 15 Hidden gems in Corsica – discover the island’s best-kept secrets
• Porto Vecchio travel guide – everything you need to know
• Best things to do in Ajaccio – the complete guide
• Roccapina – beach lovers’ dream
• Bonifacio travel guide – discover Corsica’s top destination
• Iles Lavezzi – escape to paradise in Corsica

HELPFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES

---

Please help support CoolCorsica!

If you find this website as useful as a guidebook you may have had to buy to plan your adventures, please consider helping me with a small donation.

This all-content traveler-focused site is created in my spare time with a desire to share comprehensive information, useful tips, and inspiring photos of Corsica’s most scenic locations.

Please note that certain products/services and links to products/services are affiliate links and I may earn a commission for any purchases that you make, at no additional cost to you. I truly appreciate your use of any of the links I share.

With your generous help, I can continue to offer my advice and support in planning your dream holiday.

Thank you for your contribution!