North Corsica

North Corsica, a land of rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage, beckons visitors with its awe-inspiring landscapes, pristine beaches, and historic towns. Nestled in the northeastern part of Corsica, this region, also known as Haute-Corse, enthralls visitors with its stunning vistas, tranquil beaches, and winding mountain trails.

Bastia, the second-largest city on the island, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history with its charming old town, bustling port, and imposing citadel. The narrow streets, colorful buildings, and bustling shops and restaurants transport visitors to a bygone era, while the citadel, perched atop a hill, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Calvi, a picturesque town on the northwest coast, boasts a stunning beach surrounded by towering mountains and crystalline waters that beckon swimmers and snorkelers alike. The town’s historic citadel, dating back to the 13th century, is a testament to the region’s storied past and offers panoramic views of the coastline.

For those seeking adventure, North Corsica‘s rugged mountain landscapes offer a plethora of options. The Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, a national park, boasts hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and stunning vistas of the island’s rugged interior.

North Corsica is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the senses. The region’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its historic churches and chapels, traditional music, dance, and cuisine, all of which are influenced by the region’s French and Italian roots.

North Corsica is easily accessible by air, with two main airports serving the region. Bastia-Poretta Airport is located in the northeast of the island and is the largest airport in North Corsica. The airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, with connections to several major European cities. Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport is located in the northwest of the island and serves mostly seasonal flights during the summer months.

In addition to air travel, North Corsica is also accessible by ferry, with several ferry companies operating routes between the island and mainland France and Italy. Ferry ports in North Corsica include Bastia, Calvi, and L’Île-Rousse.

Best Places to Visit in North Corsica

North Corsica dazzles visitors with stunning natural beauty, from rugged mountains and charming towns to alluring beaches. Some of the best places to experience its appeal include:

Bastia: Bastia is the largest city in North Corsica and is a major port town. Visitors can explore the historic old town, which is filled with narrow streets and charming cafes and shops. The Place Saint-Nicolas is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
Cap Corse: The Cap Corse Peninsula is located in the north of Corsica and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore the area by car or take a boat tour to see the rugged coastline and picturesque villages.
Calvi: Calvi is a beautiful town located in the northwest of Corsica. The town is known for its beautiful citadel, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches and bustling marina.
Restonica Valley: The Restonica Valley is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The valley is home to several beautiful lakes and waterfalls, as well as a network of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
L’Île-Rousse: L’Île-Rousse is a charming town located on the northwest coast of Corsica. The town features a beautiful beach and a bustling town center with plenty of shops and restaurants. Visitors can also explore the historic old town, which is filled with narrow streets and charming cafes.
Saleccia Beach: Saleccia Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The beach is located on the northwest coast of the island and offers soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Saint-Florent: Saint-Florent is a vibrant town located on the northwest coast of Corsica. The town features a bustling marina and plenty of shops and restaurants. Visitors can also explore the historic old town and enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches.
Corte: Corte is a historic town located in the interior of Corsica. The town is known for its beautiful citadel and its rich history as the former capital of Corsica. Visitors can explore the town’s many museums and galleries and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

North Corsica dazzles with drama, from scenic sea cliffs and secluded coves to cultural sights and thrilling adventures. Whether exploring the outdoors, enjoying the Italian-French heritage or simply relaxing, its picturesque places satiate wanderlust and nourish the soul. Stunning scenery, historic attractions, cuisine and convenient hubs inspire an unforgettable trip.

This natural and cultural wonderland awakens the senses and kindles the spirit. No matter the interest, from beachcombing to hiking, North Corsica captivates wholly and entirely. A feast for the senses awaits in this picturesque paradise.

The Artisans’ Route de Balagne

The Artisans’ Route de Balagne is a popular driving route that takes you through the picturesque countryside of the Balagne region in North Corsica, where you can explore the traditional crafts and products of the area.

The route starts in Calvi and takes you through several charming villages, including Lumio, Corbara, Pigna, and Sant’Antonino, among others. Along the way, you can visit workshops and studios of local artisans who specialize in traditional crafts such as pottery, woodwork, weaving, embroidery, and jewelry-making. You can watch these craftsmen at work and learn about their techniques and traditions, and you can purchase their handmade products as souvenirs or gifts.

In addition to the artisanal workshops, the Artisans’ Route de Balagne takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of North Corsica, including olive groves, vineyards, and chestnut forests. You can stop at scenic viewpoints to take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains.

Some of the highlights of the Artisans’ Route de Balagne include:

The village of Pigna, known for its traditional music and artisanal workshops.
The village of Corbara, known for its olive oil production and its beautiful baroque church.
The village of Sant’Antonino, known for its medieval architecture and its panoramic views.
The town of Ile Rousse, known for its colorful markets and its beautiful beaches.

The Artisans’ Route de Balagne is a great way to experience the traditional crafts and culture of North Corsica and to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes of the island.

The Best Things to Do in North Corsica

There are many interesting activities and things to do in North Corsica, here are some of the most popular:

Explore Calvi: This charming coastal town is known for its beautiful citadel, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife.
Hike in the mountains: North Corsica is home to the stunning mountain range of Monte Cinto, which offers some of the best hiking trails on the island.
Visit the Calanques de Piana: These breathtaking red-rock formations are a must-see attraction and can be explored by boat or on foot.
Relax on the beaches: North Corsica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Saleccia Beach, Loto Beach, and Ostriconi Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving.
Taste the local cuisine: Corsican cuisine is known for its delicious meats, cheeses, and wine. Try local specialties like figatellu (a Corsican sausage) and fiadone (a dessert made with brocciu cheese).
Visit the village of St-Florent: This charming village is known for its picturesque harbor, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.
Attend a local festival: Corsicans love to celebrate, and there are many festivals throughout the year, including the Fiera di u Vinu (wine fair) in Patrimonio and the Calvi Jazz Festival.
Take a boat trip to Cap Corse: This rugged peninsula offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is home to quaint villages and beautiful beaches.
Enjoy water sports: North Corsica is a great place for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding.
Visit the archaeological site of Mariana: This ancient Roman city is located near Lucciana and is home to well-preserved ruins, including a Roman forum and a basilica.
Take a scenic helicopter tour: See North Corsica from a bird’s eye view and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains, and villages.
Go on a wine tasting tour: North Corsica is known for its delicious wines, and there are many vineyards and wineries to visit. Take a guided tour and taste some of the best wines of the region.
Attend a traditional Corsican music concert: Corsican music is unique and hauntingly beautiful. Look for local music festivals or concerts and experience the traditional music of the island.
Go on a culinary adventure: Take a cooking class or a food tour and learn about the local cuisine of North Corsica. Try making traditional dishes like wild boar stew or fiadone, a dessert made with brocciu cheese.
Visit a beekeeper: Corsica has a long tradition of honey production, and there are many beekeepers throughout the island. Visit a beekeeper and learn about the art of honey production and taste some delicious honey.
Take a yoga or meditation class: North Corsica is a peaceful and serene place, perfect for yoga and meditation. Take a class on the beach or in the mountains and connect with the natural beauty of the island.
Go on a horseback riding tour: Explore the countryside of North Corsica on horseback and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Visit a local farm: North Corsica has many small farms that produce delicious cheeses, meats, and fruits. Visit a farm and learn about the traditional farming methods of the region and taste some of the fresh products.
Go on a diving or snorkeling excursion: North Corsica has some of the clearest and most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean. Go on a diving or snorkeling excursion and discover the underwater world of the island.
Take a hot air balloon ride: See North Corsica from a different perspective and enjoy the stunning views from high above. Take a hot air balloon ride and experience the beauty of the island in a unique way.