10 things to see and do in Haute-Corse

Back on the Island of Beauty! After the article about our 5 reasons to visit Corsica du Sud, Let's go exploring 10 things to see and do in Haute-Corse, And believe me, this region of the island is just as exceptional.

I bring you into the mood with these Corsican patriotic songs! Bon listening/reading

In 2011 I left my native Ardennes to settle in Oletta, an authentic village located between Bastia and Saint Florent. I was welcomed there like nowhere else; the locals are warm, proud, wholehearted and generous, and my integration took place in record time. During this 100% Corsican year, I had the opportunity to wander around the island a little, more specifically in the North of Corsica where I discovered wonderful places.

From the wild coast of Cap Corse to the paradisiacal beaches of Saleccia and Loto, and through the many lost mountain villages in the heart of the island, one can only marvel at every corner of Corsica, an island that has so much to offer at every season of the year.

Here are my most beautiful heart-stopping moments, and my must-see destinations if you visit Haute-Corse between the sea and the mountains…

1 – Saint Florent

Often considered a small «Saint Tropez» during the summer season, Saint Florent is also a small corner of paradise where it is pleasant to relax in June or September, when there are fewer vacationers. Behind the seaside resort, there is also an ancient medieval city where real treasures are hidden, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the 15th-century fortress from which one can enjoy a remarkable view of the Saint Florent golf course. It is pleasant to stroll along this colorful marina in the early morning and get lost in the alleys of this ancient Genoese city. In the evening the city comes alive and one can enjoy the many terraces at sunset. From Saint Florent, one can head south to the beaches or into the countryside on the wine route.

Visit the site of the Saint Florent tourist office

2- The paradisiacal beaches of the Agriates desert

To access it, it can quickly become a real challenge for the rider, but the effort is well worth it because the scenery is so beautiful! We recommend not going there by car, as the roads are very rough and the brakes and shock absorbers could be damaged.

How to get to the beaches?
– Loto Beach: 12km of track from Casta (difficult to access), 4h45 hiking on the coastal path from the Roya beach in Saint Florent, a few minutes by boat
– Saleccia Beach: 45 minutes walk from Loto Beach
– Ghignu Beach: 14km of track from Bocca di Vezu (4x4 essential), 2.5 hours walk from Saleccia Beach.

The simplest way, therefore, is to get to the Loto beach by boat and then visit the others on foot while enjoying the sound of the cicadas. They are all equally beautiful, each with its own unique charm, with its fine sand and turquoise sea contrasting with the lush vegetation… Time seems to stand still. You might even encounter bulls and cows who also enjoy strolling on the wild beaches, untouched by any construction whatsoever.
Click here to more information about the beaches of the Agriates desert

An unusual bargain: for 12€, you also have the opportunity to spend the night in a Pailler, an old stone shepherd’s shelter without water or electricity that can accommodate 4 to 6 people. There are about a dozen of them along the coast in the heights of the Ghignu and Malfalco beaches. The shelters are open every year from May 1st to October 15th. Click here book a refuge.

3 – The port of Bastia

Discover the historic heart of the city by admiring the first rays of sunshine in the early morning that illuminate the old port of Bastia, the citadel and the Saint Jean Baptiste church. To enjoy a beautiful panorama, head to the end of the Dragon jetty. Day or evening, the port district is always lively with its many bars and restaurants serving world cuisine (the Saigon, the Karma, the Cafe Wha, the O Sud).
Continue your visit by visiting:
– The market place to discover the best of the local produce (fruits, vegetables, charcuterie, cheese, etc…)
– The large Saint Nicolas square where you can have a cocktail on a shaded terrace (a must-see for Palais des Glaces)
– The citadel and the ramparts for a stroll and a trip back in time

4 – Tour the Cap Corse

Some do it by car or motorcycle for a day or two, while others prefer to take their time and cycle around the island of Corsica or even walk! This part of the island is not the most touristy, yet it may be the most authentic. Along the entire coast there are small fishing villages where you can enjoy delicious fish. From Macinaggio to Centuri, passing through the Customs Trail with Barcaggio and Tollare, you will be captivated by the beauty and charm of this wild cape. You can admire the ruins of the numerous Genoese towers installed around the cape in the 16th century to protect against barbarian invasions and better control maritime traffic.

Click here for more information about the Cap Corse

5 – The view of Nonza beach

Located at the beginning of the Cap Corse peninsula, about a dozen kilometers from Bastia and Saint Florent, this charming village is perched on a cliff from which the view is breathtaking. From the terrace of the bar La Sassa, you can enjoy a warm atmosphere while sipping a cocktail at sunset, with music in the background and the idyllic panorama of the black beach of Nonza as the backdrop. Don’t miss taking a stroll through the village; you will be enchanted by the small colorful houses, the shaded squares, and also by the church of Santa Ghjulia, with its beautiful ochre facade.

6 – The Citadel of Calvi

One can only be captivated by the beauty and charm of Calvi, this medieval city capital of the Balagne, known for its famous Genoese fortress from the 13th century built on a rocky promontory from which one can enjoy a beautiful 360° view of Calvi, surely one of the most beautiful cities in Corsica. But it is by getting lost in the old cobbled streets of the Calvi fortress that you will learn more about the history of the city. Did you know that the municipality also claims the birth of Christopher Columbus? The old house where he is said to have been born is located right in the heart of the fortress. You can also discover the weapons square where the old governor’s palace is located, the salt tower, the Oratory Saint Antoine, the Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste, the colorful Baroque church Sainte Marie Majeure, and walk through the old town on Clemenceau Street, known for its small shops. During the summer season, the city is very lively, with many cultural, artistic and musical events (Calvi On The Rock, polyphonic singing, etc…). Don’t miss the chance to stroll around the port, enjoy the beautiful beaches and discover the villages around, such as Lumio, Lavatoggio and Galeria et Manso.

7 – The Isle of Rousse

Accessible by ferry from Toulon, Nice or Marseille with Corsica Ferries or SNCM, Ile Rousse is for many holidaymakers the first stop on their visit to Corsica. And what a beautiful arrival! Enjoy its old town, its beautiful beaches with fine sand, its simple way of life; here you take your time, you wander the streets, you take your coffee in Paoli Square in the early morning sunshine; in short, the holidays have begun!

To see: Admire the sunset from the Pietra lighthouse; you’ll be in for a treat!

To do: Take a train ride from Rousse Island to Calvi and discover the beauty of the coastline with its typical villages, magnificent beaches and natural surroundings. Note that the train only has two carriages and may be crowded on busy days. The journey takes 45 minutes for a distance of about twenty kilometers and the return ticket costs 12 for adults and 4 euros for children. Click here for more information about the connection Calvi on the island of Rousse by train

8 – The Restonica Valley

Lovers of breathtaking views, ancient hamlets, waterfalls, natural swimming pools and hiking trails, prepare to be in for a treat for the eyes… Head to the beautiful mountainous region of Corte to discover one of the most beautiful wonders of Corsica: the Restonica Valley. In the middle of this valley flows the Restonica River, known for its beautiful, translucent natural pools heated by the sun’s rays, and its refreshing waterfalls. A haven of peace and tranquility in harmony with nature… There are plenty of hiking trails to discover the wealth of wildlife and flora, as well as many sports and leisure activities to fully enjoy this exceptional natural setting. You will understand once again why Corsica is dubbed the island of beauty…

9 – The wine route in Patrimonio

Embark on a road trip like no other, discovering the vineyards of the Patrimonio Valley, renowned for the quality of its grapes, but also for the beauty of its unique landscapes that offer breathtaking views between land and sea. From Bastia, head to the Teghime pass to then take this wine route towards the west coast, at the foot of Mount Sant’Angelo, passing through Patrimonio, Barbaggio, Oletta and Poggio d’Oletta (specific signage has been installed to facilitate the wine tourism experience. It is preferable to visit in May/June or September/October to fully enjoy it because during the summer season the cellars are overrun by holidaymakers who come in large numbers. For more authenticity, head away from the large wineries of Patrimonio to discover those of the smaller, isolated producers in the surrounding area (e.g. the domaines of l’Otorno and Claire Boccheciampe).

10 – Participate in local parties and events

The evenings in the village bars

Spring, summer and autumn seemed to me to be the ideal seasons to fully enjoy all the surprises that the beautiful island has in store for us… But you have to imagine that in winter, the atmosphere in the villages is always at its peak. I was lucky enough to participate in beautiful unforgettable evenings in the village bars, where everyone gathers to sing the traditional Corsican music, enjoy the country’s specialties around a big barbecue, share convivial, human moments and immerse myself even more in this very strong identity and culture.

Shearing the sheep

Every year in May, sheep are sheared in all the sheepfolds in Corsica. I was lucky to be able to attend this traditional, convivial and essential event in the villages of the Island of Beauty with some Corsican friends. Some use modern means with the shearers, while others still use scissors, the ancestral method that is always passed down from generation to generation among shepherds. In any case, it is also and above all an opportunity to get together, to have fun and to share the best local products (brocciu omelette, sausage, cheeses, etc.). An original and unusual experience to absolutely live!

Our tips for a trip to Corsica

• We offer you 20 euros on your first booking on the site.’Airbnb.com by clicking here

Ideas for activities to do in Haute-Corse