Week-end in Calvi

Whether it is from a gastronomic, cultural or even sporting point of view the Balagna region provides everything to each respectful visitor taking the time to watch and appreciate a wide range of sites and culinary specialities.

When you arrive by boat in the bay of Calvi overlooked by the Monte Cinto mountain (the highest of the island 2706m) and its snow-capped peaks remaining so white till the beginning of the summer, you will first see the ramparts and the citadel towering above on a rocky headland which stretches out into the sea.

The yellow boat berths at the foot of the ramparts, in front of the “Tour de Sel”…You are immediately submerged by the atmosphere of Calvi, between old ruins and jet set, narrow cobble stoned streets and luxury establishments….

A special brightness comes out of this colourful region.

From the blue colour of the sky to the blue colour of the sea, passing through the ochre mountains and frontages, from the various shades of green of the pine forests and the “maquis” : let yourself be lulled by the charm of Calvi and the surrounding villages.

Calvi, which was for a long time loyal to Italy, has always been considered as an important and strategic position for Genoa up to the XVIII century. Watching the bay, the most stately evidence of this part of history is its citadel.

Take the time to go for a walk among the narrow streets, to visit the cathedral San Giovanni Battista, the Oratory of the brotherhood of Saint Antoine and to admire the view (and what a view!!) from the ramparts over the town and the whole bay with in the backdrop the wild landscape of the Monte Cinto.

Enter the port and its busy atmosphere with sailors, fishermen and tourist boats ! From there, you will be able to go on excursion and visit the marine park of Scandola : the cliffs, grottos, basalt columns, startling contrasts of the red rocks which drop down to the blue sea, ultra marine….an unforgettable sight!

Just behind the port begins the large beach of Calvi : 4km of a white sandy beach with its pine forest sheltering the various bars and restaurants, ice-cream parlours and water sports activities.

Take advantage of an aperitive drink in the warmth of the last sunbeams while admiring the bay, whether it is “Chez Tao” (which has become an institution in the citadel thanks to Jacques Higelin, a French singer) or along the port or still on the beach before eating out and tasting some Corsican specialities in one of the numerous restaurants down town or in the surroundings.

But Calvi is just a start…

You really must go to the tiny roads inland to real take in and acquaint yourself with the region of Balagna.

Inland Balagna is dotted with magnificent villages perched on the mountains, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, almond trees and fig trees, each with their own character and personality with nonetheless a common point : an unrestrictive view over the big blue sea. A journey with a wealth of discoveries where you will find all over this passion for the cultivation of wine and olive oil, exceptional in its flavour and many scents.

Go and visit :

Calenzana a big village, with its church, its baroque clock tower and its chapel Sainte Restitude in the shadow of the olive trees

Montemagiore for its olive oil fair and why not try out a baptism of paragliding

San Antonino a real eyrie with an awe-inspiring view

Pigna its craftsmen and its “Casa Musicale”

Feliceto and its olive oil of great repute

Speloncato a characteristic village with numerous narrow streets, climb up to the Battaglia pass for an uninterrupted view before going back down to Pioggiola, Olmi Capella and the forest of Tartagine

Costa and its little square which looks like a village in Central America Belgodère and its wonderful viewpoint

Then finally go back down to Ile Rousse to wind up this magnificent outing, and now you certainly better understand why the Balagna has for a long time been called the “Garden of Corsica”