The most beautiful regions of Haute-Corse

Haute-Corse

Between sea and mountain, Haute-Corse is one of those territories where nature is omnipresent, always more beautiful and majestic. In just half an hour, you can go from the whiteness of a cove with crystal-clear waters and tropical colors, to waterfalls nestled in greenery, then return from the fragrant scent of the maquis to the warmth of fine, golden sand on a paradisiacal beach.

So don’t hesitate to rent a car to explore the most beautiful regions of Haute-Corse.

BASTIA AND CAP CORSE

Stretching between the blue of the sea and the green of the mountain, Bastia is often an arrival point for Northern Corsica: the ferry arrival at dawn is unforgettable, with the sun’s rays illuminating the walls of the citadel and the warm colors enveloping its colorful facades.

You won’t be able to escape during the day or in the evening a quick stop at Place Saint Nicolas, a place of life and rest, open onto the Mediterranean.

Bastia is both a starting point for holidays and an ending, the one that concludes the Isle of Beauty with Cap Corse. Between Saint-Florent and the capital of Haute-Corse, the sea is omnipresent along the Corniche road, alternating white lace coves where the Mediterranean waves nestle, and landscapes of myrtle, broom, or strawberry trees overlooking the sparkling blue of the sea.

The region is enchanting, bordered by small villages each more picturesque than the last: it’s no coincidence that you’ll find Erbalunga, the painters’ favorite village, or the charming little port of Macinaggio, a starting point to go see dolphins by boat.

If you look closely, you can still find some well-hidden citron fields, these deliciously acidic citrus fruits that go into the composition of a typical regional liqueur, cedratine, still crafted by a few distilleries.

Of course, take the time to make a few stops to admire the sunset over Cap Corse or to go swimming at the end of the island on one of the most beautiful beaches at the island’s tip, Barcaccio Beach.

LA BALAGNE AND THE WESTERN COAST

La Balagne… a mythical name that has made thousands of travelers dream, as this region stretching from the mouth of the Regino to the steep slopes of Monte-Cinto is in itself a small concentrate of Corsica. Between the citadel of Calvi and Saint-Florent, it’s a rich land, where you’ll find the island’s main agricultural productions, such as the renowned Corsican olive oil.

Sheltered from the wind by the high mountain peaks, this region of the Conca d’Oro and the Nebbiu hillsides also hosts part of the Corsican vineyard, around the small village of Patrimonio, famous for its AOC wines and muscats.

Beyond these fine sandy beaches, the Gulf of Saint-Florent region reveals some wonders, notably the Agriates desert, which can be explored on foot, by car, by mountain bike, or even… by boat from Saint-Florent, with 35/40 km of coastline and some of the island’s most beautiful paradisiacal beaches.

The bravest will dedicate a full day of walking to the Coastal Path, which follows the rugged coast between Saint-Florent and Ostriconi: breathtaking landscapes guaranteed… provided you have good stamina and physical condition, of course! The less brave will simply follow the Customs Officers’ Path to reach in an hour’s walk from Saint-Florent one of the most beautiful beaches in Haute-Corse, Saleccia, whose crystal-clear water will invite you to contemplation and a well-deserved swim.