Today, why not cruise around the North of Corsica and discover the beautiful city of Calvi and its surrounding area. This town, with its wealth of historic, cultural and natural heritage, promises you an unforgettable holiday, steeped in authenticity! A jewel on Corsica’s Western coast, Calvi is an enchanting city.
Just a little stroll through its paved alleyways will be enough to convince you! Don’t miss the fortified Genoese citadel reflecting Calvi’s history. As the capital of Balagne, the town is also particularly well steeped in art and culture, demonstrated by long-running spectacles such as Calvi on the Rocks, the Calvi Jazz Festival, the Festival du Vent (Wind Festival), and the Rencontre d’Art Contemporain de Calvi.
Nestled in the northwest of Corsica, its geographical position will lead it to live in the center of seigniorial conflicts. At the end of the 13th century, Calvi appealed to the protection of Genoa, which built the citadel as it is today. This marked the beginning of a 500-year Genoese domination. Reflecting the history of Calvi, the citadel is today the symbol of the city. No matter where you are, the citadel is always visible.
Behind its high ramparts are cobbled streets, historical places, high houses and churches. A simple walk will allow you to discover the most famous monuments such as the house of Christopher Columbus and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Don't miss a visit to Chez Tao, a famous restaurant located in the former bishops' palace. From the heights of the city, you will have the most beautiful views of Calvi's bay and the surrounding mountains. The entrance to the citadel is on the south side, near the port, where you can park your car.
A cultural city
Towards the end of the 19th century, this agricultural landscape gradually gave way to the tourism sector. The jewel of the Corsican west coast, its gentle way of life and its climate have attracted the biggest names in the jet set. Calvi has quickly become a trendy destination but has managed to keep its charm and remain faithful to its traditions.
Capital of the Balagne, the city is also particularly invested in the fields of art and culture. Many events are held in Calvi such as Calvi on the Rocks, the Calvi Jazz Festival, the Festival du Vent, or the Contemporary Art Meeting of Calvi.
Many possibilities to get away
Calvi and the Haute-Corse breathe the sweetness of Corsican life, this lively city offers many activities of escape! Land or sea, the choice is yours.
Sea side
At the bottom of the citadel, pleasure and fishing boats are lined up along the marina. Some boats offer excursions at sea, notably to the Scandola nature reserve or the Gulf of Girolata with its magical beauty.
From the port, a small wooden walkway has been installed along the edge of a pine forest and will lead you to the beach. During your walk you will be immersed in a bohemian universe that welcomes small straw huts where it is possible to eat by the sea. A long stretch of white sand and shallow waters, the beach of Calvi is ideal to spend an afternoon with your family. A little further on, the Alga creek invites you to discover a wilder nature. The beaches offer a wide choice of activities: swimming, lazing around and for the more sporty, water activities such as diving, jet skiing, sailing or kite surfing.
You can also discover the panoramas of the Balagne and its beaches on board the trinichellu. A train like no other that runs along the coast and stops in front of each beach. It is an original way to discover the coastal landscapes of the region!
On the land side
Several places are to be explored in the surroundings of Calvi and will delight the nature lovers. Let yourself be guided by the paths along the coast that will lead you to the Revellata point. A protected site from which rises the famous lighthouse. This walk will allow you to see the wild side of Corsica, mixing cliffs and deserted beaches.
Another walk not to be missed: the hill of the chapel Notre Dame de la Serra. In addition to sheltering this magnificent 15th century building, this place offers the most beautiful panorama on the city and the gulf of Calvi.
For the more adventurous, head inland to explore the natural reserves of the Balagne. Only 20 minutes away are mountains and forests, the starting point of numerous hikes during which you can discover rivers and waterfalls.
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