In northern Corsica, L’Huilerie enjoys a remote countryside setting close to the pretty village of Lama, around a 20-minute drive to the coast and 30km from charming L'Île-Rousse. The villa is set off the main road that connects Calvi and Bastia Airport, both of which are just under an hour away by car.
The hilltop village of Lama (3.5km) is a great place to start your Corsican adventures as you admire the Italian-style architecture and gaze at views towards the Ostriconi coast and Désert des Agriates. In late July/early August, the Lama European Film Festival takes place with open-air projections in breath-taking surroundings.
Walkers will be keen to discover the nearby trail up to Monte Asto, around a 6-hour hike starting in Lama, or you could follow the old mule track across to Urtaca (6km by car), another stunning village with so much local character. Other traditional villages dotted across this area include Pietralba with its local delicacies of oliose biscuits, cheese and charcuterie, and Novella, with its amazing views and more wonderful walking trails.
Plage de l'Ostriconi (17km) is a further highlight of this region, one of Corsica’s most famous beaches, reached partially on foot, where you are surrounded by wild landscapes and fragrances of nearby maquis. This is also the start of the 50km long Sentier du Littoral des Agriates, a hiking route that follows the coast all the way to St Florent.
By car, St Florent (42km) is just under an hour away, driving along the winding road through the Désert des Agriates. This small harbourside town with a rich heritage is located in a beautiful bay, partly sheltered by the towering mountains of Cap Corse, and it is home to inviting Corsican restaurants and bustling bars . Boat trips will take you to the incredible Plage de Saleccia or you may prefer to drive north towards Patrimonio (48km) to purchase some of the island’s famous wines.
Back to the Balagne, L'Île-Rousse (30km) is a delightful seaside town with an enchanting old quarter, beachside restaurants and the most glorious sunsets when the rock by the lighthouse turns red. A little further along the coast towards Calvi (50km), come across idyllic sandy bays such as Plage de Bodri and Plage de Ghjunchitu, perfect for all ages.
Not forgetting many more iconic Balagne villages in the picturesque hills behind L'Île-Rousse and Calvi such as Lumio, Pigna, Monticello and Sant'Antonino, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
The Region
Known as the l'Île de Beauté, Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean and home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Europe. Come across picture-perfect beaches, magnificent mountain peaks and dense forest as well as perched villages, historic towns and delicious island cuisine. With so many beachside activities and outdoor adventures, this captivating island appeals to every age from keen hikers and history enthusiasts to kids and teens seeking crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.
Starting in northern Corsica, be mesmerised by the vistas of the sea from Calvi’s citadel where it’s said Christopher Columbus was born before relaxing on a restaurant terrace overlooking the baroque façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure. From Calvi, U Trinichellu, a charming little train, chugs past beautiful sandy beaches as far as L'Île-Rousse. Watch locals play boules accompanied by a chilled chestnut beer, before dining in one of L'Île-Rousse’s characterful restaurants – tantalise your tastebuds as you try Corsican lamb with rosemary, wild boar or Cannelloni au brocciu. Meanwhile, be enchanted by the hilltop villages of the Balagne and follow old donkey trails on foot as you appreciate the glorious scenery and rich heritage of north-western Corsica.
Pass wild Plage de l'Ostriconi as you drive north-east, then follow the winding road towards the glistening bay of Saint-Florent, an attractive historic town sheltered by the dramatic mountains of the Cap Corse. From vibrant Bastia, drive around two and a half hours south until you reach the south-east of the island, perhaps detouring to explore the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia or the gorges and rock pools of the Solenzara River.
Now in southern Corsica, Porto Vecchio is one of the island’s most popular destinations, especially in the height of the summer when visitors flock to relax on the iconic beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Saint Cyprien with a vast range watersports and scenic beachside restaurants. To escape the coastal jetsetters, venture inland to the hiking trails of the Ospedale forest or the stunning Col de Bavella – the landscapes are truly incredible.
Fall in love with Bonifacio’s citadel with its limestone cliffs, medieval lanes and spectacular sea views, before playing golf at one of the most famous courses in the world, Golf de Spérone. Appreciate the wild Figari coastline with more pristine beaches, try the wines of Sartène nestled in the mountains, then continue along the south-western coast to the very handsome town of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon.
Whether you choose to stay in one of our stylish abodes with private swimming pools, traditional bergeries with rural views or gorgeous retreats overlooking the sea, once you fall head over heels in love with Corsica you will yearn to return again and again.
