Step down a couple of steps into the garden, through the little gate and you’re on the beach with the most amazing vistas of the Golfe de Galéria. The seaside village of Galéria is in the remote, rugged and beautiful north-west Corsica near the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve, around half an hour south of Calvi Airport via a beautiful mountain road.
Galéria is a relaxed seaside village with a handful of summer restaurants, including a beachside cafe serving freshly caught fish as well as a small supermarket and bakery. There are magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and sea from the pretty shingle beach. As this is quite a remote setting, the beach isn’t always as crowded as others on the island. Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters or snorkelling from the rocks.
Walk all the way up to the Genovese tower where you can enjoy incredible views where the river Fango flows into the Mediterranean, relax on the peaceful beach here, hire a canoe and be surrounded by wonderful nature all around you. There are some lovely walking routes along the river heading inland where you can discover natural pools where you can swim in beautiful clear water.
In the summer there are boat trips from the marina in Galéria for either diving excursions or to the nearby Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Scandola Nature Reserve is an incredibly unspoilt area of beautiful rock formations with restricted access only by boat (or foot via high mountains). You may be fortunate enough to see protected osprey, sea-birds and dolphins. This is one of the most spectacular coastlines in Corsica.
Keen hikers adore this part of north-west Corsica; Galéria passes through the famous "Mare e Monti" walk with a magnificent trail between Galéria and Girolata, a village only accessed by boat or foot. You can see amazing views towards the Scandola Nature Reserve from this part of the walk. Paths also head towards Calenzana (30km), the starting point of the GR20 and a stunning village to visit with its incredible mountain backdrop. The nearby Bonifato forests and Figarella river also offer great walks where you can discover rock pools to swim in.
For a lovely day out, head north via the amazing mountain road up to Calvi with its lovely citadel, narrow lanes filled with charming restaurants and shops, a pretty marina and sandy beaches with watersports. The setting of Calvi is particularly spectacular with the rugged mountains in the background.
From Calvi, follow the road towards L'Île-Rousse and visit idyllic villages in the Balagne countryside such as Monticello, Santa-Reparata-di-Balagna and Sant’Antonino (13km), the latter being one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with spectacular views towards the coast. Picturesque Lumio (11km) is also beautiful with its baroque church, olive trees and lively Wednesday morning market. Keen walkers can hike up to the abandoned village of Occi for more panoramic views.
Confident drivers can also follow the winding roads south to the incredible village of Porto with its amazing mountain backdrop and pretty river valley leading to the marina where you can pick up boat trips to see the breathtaking coastline. Further south is also the wonderful village of Piana, dating back to the 18th century and now classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. The amazing rock formations dropping into the sea, Calanches de Piana, can be admired via wonderful walking trails or boat trips from Porto.
The Region
Northern Corsica offers diverse landscapes, idyllic beaches and picture-perfect villages where you can truly appreciate the Corsican way of life. From delightful seaside towns to rugged cliffs and mountains, Haute-Corse is an ideal holiday destination for keen hikers, nature enthusiasts and gastronomes as well as couples, friends and families seeking beautiful beaches for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.
Backed by mountain peaks, Calvi is so loved for its Genoese citadel, charming old town and long sandy beach. Enjoy lunch on a restaurant terrace overlooking the rose façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure or by the vibrant marina with its seafood restaurants and bars. Boat trips depart to the Scandola Nature Reserve where you can admire some of the most incredible coastal scenery on island.
The beaches between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse are fantastic – favourites include Plage de Sant'Ambroggio, an idyllic spot for snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea, and Plage de Bodri with soft white sand backed by wild maquis. The Balagne is also renowned for its characterful hilltop villages and the countryside is criss-crossed with walking paths where donkeys once roamed. Amongst others, visit ancient Pigna for its pottery and Corsican music, Monticello for its olive groves and perched Sant’Antonino for its rich history and panoramic views.
Soak up authentic island life in L'Île-Rousse as you watch locals play boules on the main square near the beach accompanied by an apéritif of local beer flavoured with maquis herbs or a glass of Cap Corse. The town hosts a lovely covered market every morning selling delicious Corsican delights and there are many restaurants along the narrow lanes – specialities include wild boar and chestnuts, Corsican lamb with rosemary and Cannelloni au brocciu. As the sun sets, follow the coastal promenade towards Île de la Pietra for romantic red-hued vistas.
Meanwhile, the little train, U Trinichellu, chugs along the coastline between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse with wonderful views - hop on early as it can get very busy, especially when coming home from the beach.
That said, a car is essential when exploring northern Corsica. When leaving L'Île-Rousse towards the north-east of the island, detour to Plage de l’Ostriconi, a wild beach on the edge of the remote Désert des Agriates. Follow the winding road to the attractive seaside town of Saint-Florent backed by the impressive mountains of the Cap Corse. Visit the vineyards of Patrimonio before venturing to little fishing villages and more outstanding landscapes of the Cap Corse.
Whether travelling with friends, loved ones, young kids or teens, a wealth of outdoor activities await across northern Corsica from watersports in Calvi, Algajola, L'Île-Rousse and Saint-Florent to quad-biking, horse-riding and even donkey rides in hilltop Balagne villages. Golf-lovers can play at the 18-hole Golf Reginu whilst there are so many hiking opportunities across the Balagne countryside, Désert des Agriates and Cap Corse landscapes.
Our carefully curated selection of villas in northern Corsica allows you to experience the many pristine beaches, characterful towns and stunning scenery in this mesmerising part of Corsica, the fourth largest Mediterranean island so lovingly referred to as l'Île de Beauté.
