Calvi, the jewel of the Balagne region, seduces visitors with its natural beauty and rich historical heritage. This seaside town offers the perfect balance between relaxation on dream beaches and adventures in the heart of nature.
Between its majestic Genoese citadel, secret coves and unspoilt hinterland, Calvi promises a variety of experiences to suit all tastes. Whether you’re an idler, a history buff or a thrill-seeker, the “capital“of the Balagne region has something for everyone, all year round.
Calvi’s heavenly beaches
Calvi is renowned for its sandy beaches bordered by crystal-clear waters. These dreamy stretches are one of the region’s main attractions, offering an idyllic setting for relaxation and water sports.
Calvi beach
Calvi beach, which stretches for almost 6 kilometers along the bay, is a real gem. Its white sand and turquoise waters, set against the backdrop of the citadel and snow-capped mountains, create a picture-postcard landscape. The beach benefits from modern facilities while preserving its natural character.
Shaded areas and leisure facilities are available, making the beach ideal for families. A variety of water sports are available, from paddleboarding to windsurfing, allowing you to take full advantage of the bay’s calm waters.
The secret coves of Revellata
The Revellata peninsula, west of Calvi, is home to secluded coves of striking beauty. These small beaches, accessible via coastal paths or by boat, offer privacy and an unspoilt natural setting. L’Alga, one of the region’s most beautiful coves, captivates with its crystal-clear waters and rocks sculpted by erosion.
These coves are ideal for snorkeling, with seabeds rich in biodiversity. It’s worth noting that some of these beaches are now accessible via an eco-friendly shuttle service, making it possible to discover this unspoilt coastline while limiting environmental impact.
Historical and cultural heritage
Calvi boasts a remarkable cultural heritage that bears witness to its eventful past. The town has managed to preserve its heritage while promoting it through modern, accessible initiatives.
The Genoese citadel
Perched on a rocky promontory, Calvi’s citadel is the historic heart of the town. Built in the 13th century and reinforced over the centuries, this imposing fortress offers exceptional panoramic views over the bay and surrounding mountains. A new interactive tour allows visitors to explore the ramparts and discover the fascinating history of this emblematic monument.
The citadel district, with its narrow streets and old houses, is an inviting place to stroll. There are also several museums, including the Musée d’Histoire de Calvi, which traces the town’s development over the centuries. And don’t forget themed guided tours are offered on a regular basis, allowing visitors to delve deeper into certain aspects of Calvary’s history.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste church
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, located in the lower town, is a jewel of Baroque architecture. Its pink façade and richly decorated interior bear witness to the Italian influence on Corsican sacred art. The building houses some remarkable works of art, including a 16th-century ivory Christ.
Sacred music concerts are regularly held in this church, offering a unique cultural experience in an exceptional setting. These events attract internationally renowned artists, contributing to Calvi’s cultural influence.
Nautical and maritime activities
With its exceptional coastline and crystal-clear waters, Calvi is a paradise for water sports of all kinds. The sheltered bay and favorable sailing conditions make it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Calvi’s well-preserved seabed, rich in biodiversity, offers exceptional diving sites for all levels. The Scandola nature reserve, accessible by boat from Calvi, is a privileged spot to observe groupers, barracudas and gorgonians in a grandiose setting.
For beginners or those who prefer snorkeling, several marked underwater trails have been set up near the Revellata beaches. These aquatic trails enable you to discover the underwater flora and fauna in complete safety. In addition, an augmented reality mobile application enhances the experience, providing detailed information on the species encountered.
Boat trips and coastal exploration
Sea excursions are a privileged way to discover the spectacular Balagne coastline and its inaccessible coves. Eco-responsible excursion formulas have been developed, with hybrid boats limiting their environmental impact.
Particularly popular are outings to the Scandola nature reserve and the Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These excursions allow you to admire unique geological formations and observe marine fauna in its natural habitat. Naturalist guides often accompany these outings, enriching the experience with their insightful comments on the marine ecosystem.
Land adventures and nature sports
Calvi’s hinterland offers an exceptional playground for nature lovers. Between mountains, forests and scrubland, the possibilities are endless for thrill-seekers.
Hiking and trekking in the hinterland
The Calvi region is a hiker’s paradise, with itineraries to suit all levels. The coastal path, which runs along the coast from Calvi to Île-Rousse, offers breathtaking panoramas of the sea and wild creeks. For the more experienced walker, the trails into the hinterland reveal authentic hilltop villages and spectacular mountain scenery.
The GR20, renowned as one of Europe’s most challenging long-distance hiking trails, passes not far from Calvi. Portions of this legendary route can be explored by the day, offering experienced hikers a taste of adventure.
Accrobranche, via ferrata and adventure sports
For thrill-seekers, the Calvi region offers a wide range of adventure activities. An accrobranche park in the Bonifato forest offers courses for all ages, with zip lines over the canopy. It’s a fun way to discover the forest from a whole new angle.
The recently-developed Monte Grosso via ferrata offers a vertiginous route along the cliffs, with breathtaking views over the Bay of Calvi. This professionally supervised activity combines climbing and hiking for a unique experience.
In addition, quad bike excursions are organized in the hinterland, allowing you to explore trails inaccessible to conventional vehicles and discover wild landscapes off the beaten track.
Gastronomy and local flavours
Calvi’s cuisine, a blend of Corsican and Mediterranean influences, is one of the essential pleasures of a stay in the region. From local produce to local specialties, the flavors of Calvi promise a veritable gustatory voyage.
Culinary specialities to discover
Calvais gastronomy is characterized by exceptional products and recipes handed down from generation to generation. The region ‘s must-try specialties include
- figatelli, pork liver sausage flavoured with wine and spices;
- Corsican soup, a comforting dish based on vegetables and beans.
These traditional dishes are being revisited by a new generation of chefs who combine respect for tradition with creativity. Several Calvais restaurants have been singled out in gastronomic guides for their innovative approach to Corsican cuisine.
Local markets and producers
Calvi’s covered market, located near the marina, is an essential gourmet stop-off for discovering local produce. The colorful stalls are brimming with seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisanal charcuterie and Corsican cheeses such as brocciu and niulincu.
An evening farmers’ market has been inaugurated on the port, allowing visitors to discover local specialities in a convivial atmosphere. In addition, culinary workshops are held regularly, offering theopportunity to learn how to cook the region’s emblematic dishes with local chefs.
To conclude on the activities to try in this city
Calvi, with its unique blend of heavenly beaches, historic heritage and natural adventure, is one of Corsica’s must-visit destinations. The “capital” of the Balagne region has managed to preserve its authenticity while developing a modern and diversified tourist offer.
Calvi promises memorable experiences, whether lounging on its idyllic beaches, exploring its wild hinterland or immersing yourself in its historic heritage. Calvi offers an ideal setting for combining relaxation, adventure and cultural discovery.
The beauty of its coastline, the richness of its gastronomy and the diversity of its activities are just some of the reasons to discover or rediscover this pearl of the Balagne region. What’s more, the ecological initiatives put in place in recent years bear witness to our determination to preserve this exceptional heritage for future generations. Whether you’re an idler, a water sports enthusiast, a nature lover or a history buff, Calvi is the place for you. Calvi awaits you to reveal its many facets and offer you an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Isle of Beauty.
