The Corsican Pieve
Corsica, the Isle of Beauty, captivates visitors with the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its heritage. Balagne and Cap Corse stand out among the regions that make up the unique charm of this Mediterranean island. These lands offer visitors a journey through history, culture and breathtaking scenery.
Balagne – The Garden of Corsica
Balagne, nicknamed “the garden of Corsica”, is a region in the north-west of the island, known for its heavenly beaches, picturesque villages and ancient olive groves.
Calvi and L’Île-Rousse, two seaside towns that are the jewels of the Balagne region, offering fine sandy beaches, charming harbors and a rich history, notably with the Calvi citadel.
Villages Perchés, Pigna, Sant’Antonino, and Speloncato are examples of villages that offer a plunge into Corsican authenticity, with narrow streets, artisan workshops, and panoramic sea and mountain views.
The Route des Artisans, an itinerary that invites you to discover local know-how, from traditional knives to ceramics, including tastings of local produce.
Cap Corse – Wild Beauty
The Cap Corse the peninsula to the north of the island, is a region of unspoilt wilderness.
The Sentier des Douaniers, a hike that circles the peninsula, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean, Genoese towers and secluded coves.
Villages and Ports
Centuri, with its picturesque fishing port, Nonza and its black pebble beach, and Erbalunga, an artists’ village, are essential stops.
Wine Culture.
Cap Corse is also renowned for its Muscat, a sweet, fruity wine that can be tasted at the region’s wineries.
Nebbiu – A land of tradition and authenticity
The Nebbiu, located in north-west Corsica, is a region that charms with its authenticity and cultural richness. At the heart of this territory lies Saint-Florent, a former fishing village that has become a popular seaside destination, combining history, gastronomy and dream beaches. The Nebbiu region is also famous for its Patrimonio vineyards, the first to obtain an AOC in Corsica, where wine tasting is a real invitation to discover the island’s oenological heritage. The landscapes of the Nebbiu, marked by the imposing presence of the Agriates desert, offer unique hikes through the maquis and to wild beaches accessible only on foot or by boat. This region, rich in local traditions and festivities, offers an insight into the soul of Corsica, where the warm welcome of the locals and the preservation of ancestral customs make Nebbiu a must for visitors in search of authenticity.
Center Corse – In the heart of the Isle of Beauty
Central Corsica, often referred to as the heart of the island, is a region that fascinates with its rugged beauty and breathtaking mountain scenery. Dominated by imposing peaks such as Monte Cinto, this region is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering trails through the mythical GR20, France’s most difficult and famous long-distance hiking trail. Central Corsica is also home to mountain lakes of pure beauty, such as Lac de Nino, surrounded by pozzines, unique wet grasslands. Traditional hilltop villages like Corte, the former capital of independent Corsica, are steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a glimpse of Corsica’s rich and authentic heritage. This region is also known for its rustic gastronomy, based on local products such as sheep’s milk cheese, figatellu and maquis honey, which will delight the palates of gourmets.
The Bastia Region – Between History and Modernity
The Bastia region, gateway to northern Corsica is a land of contrasts, where history and modernity meet. Bastia itself, with its colorful old port, narrow streets and majestic citadel, is rich in cultural heritage. The town offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
The Eastern Plain – Between Sea and Mountain
The Eastern Plain of Corsica stretching along the island’s east coast, between sea and mountains, is a multi-faceted territory. The region is renowned for its long, sandy beaches, such as Santa Giulia, which border a deep blue sea, offering ideal conditions for swimming, water sports and sunbathing. The hinterland, with its hilltop villages and olive groves, invites you to discover a rich rural heritage and tasty gastronomy, where local products such as olive oil and citrus fruits take pride of place. The Plaine Orientale is also a privileged starting point for exploring Corsica’s natural treasures, such as the waterfalls of the Alta Rocca region and the Aiguilles de Bavella, offering exceptional panoramas and hiking opportunities for all levels.
Combining the charm of coastal landscapes with the wild beauty of the mountains, the Plaine Orientale represents a soothing, sunny side of Corsica, perfect for a diverse and enriching vacation.
The Greater Ajaccio Region – A luminous gateway to Corsica
The Greater Ajaccio region, with the imperial city of Ajaccio as its jewel, shines with its perfect combination of culture, history and idyllic beaches. The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is closely linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, whose birthplace and monuments are dotted around the town, offering a captivating journey through time. Beaches like the famous Capo di Feno invite you to relax and enjoy water sports in a sublime Mediterranean setting. Ajaccio’s local markets, brimming with fresh produce and crafts, reflect the region’s gastronomic wealth. On the outskirts of the city, the landscape is transformed, revealing natural treasures such as the Sanguinaires Islands at sunset, a sight not to be missed by nature lovers.
The Grand Valinco Region – A Mosaic of Landscapes between Land and Sea
The Grand Valinco, with Propriano at its epicenter, is a region seduced by its diversity of landscapes and authentic heritage. This area offers a perfect balance between seaside pleasures, with beaches such as Campomoro, and adventures in the hinterland, where mountains and forests invite discovery. Valinco is also rich in prehistoric and megalithic sites, bearing witness to Corsica’s ancient history. The town of Propriano, with its marina and lively streets, is the ideal starting point for exploring the region’s hidden treasures, offering an authentic Corsican experience far from the beaten track.
The South Corsica Region – A jewel case of natural beauty
The South Corsica region is a veritable living postcard, boasting some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery. From Bonifacio, with its spectacular limestone cliffs and old town steeped in history, to Porto-Vecchio, surrounded by world-renowned beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, southern Corsica is a paradise for sea lovers. The hinterland is not to be outdone, offering hikes in the Ospedale massif or escapades in the villages of the Alta Rocca. The region is also a mecca for Corsican gastronomy, with local produce featured on every plate, promising a complete immersion in the unique flavors of Corsica.
An Enriching Journey Through Corsica
All regions of Corsica have wonders to offer: varied landscapes, from white sandy beaches to rugged mountains, a rich and vibrant culture, and heart-warming hospitality. Exploring these regions helps you understand why Corsica is nicknamed the “Isle of Beauty”, with each visit revealing new treasures and lasting memories.
