Only a 15-minute walk separates you from the sea at Villa Courbet, and the picturesque beach is well known by tourists and locals alike for its relaxed oceanfront featuring a sandy shoreline and turquoise waters. Here you’ll also find sea-facing restaurants if you want to tuck into refreshing Mediterranean meals and enjoy sunset aperitifs. Just around the corner across the hill you can also find a water sport rental, with a range of activities available including windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking lessons.
Residential yet masked in a carpet of greenery, the surrounding area has plenty of local amenities such as bakeries, supermarkets and shops, as well as some restaurants. The closest supermarket can also be reached in just a few minutes by car.
Boat trips, cruises and ferries to mainland France and Italy depart from the port at l'Ile-Rousse. If you’re waiting for your boat’s departure and have time to kill, you can discover a historical fortress with pretty coastal views perched on the small peninsula overlooking the harbour. If you prefer exploring the rugged coast via an off-the-beaten path, there are many hiking trails, great for spotting dolphins, turtles and other wildlife from the top of rocky cliffs. Plan d’eau d’Ecotule is another nice walking area with a lake, located just a 20-minute drive away.
Although the island’s main draws are its captivating beaches and unspoiled natural landscapes, there are also many picturesque villages of the Balagne hills, scattered across the captivating landscapes of this region, from charming Monticello to beguiling Sant'Antonino, one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
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.
