Villa Lapis enjoys a unique and remote setting west of St Florent in the northern part of Corsica, around 34km from Bastia Airport.
Facing north-east with gorgeous views towards St Florent and the Cap Corse mountains, the villa is part of a huge domaine (with security guard) featuring six other villas spread across many acres - your nearest neighbour is 200m away. The villa is reached via a 2.2km long dirt track (a suitable car is needed) and it is perched around 50m above the sea. The grounds tumble all the way down towards the coast where you will come across rocky shores and little bays, idyllic for swimming from late spring to autumn.
The small harbourside town of St Florent is reached in around fifteen minutes (including 2.2km of dirt track) or a short boat ride from the shores in front of the property grounds (small motorboat hire is possible in advance with strict conditions). St Florent is a very attractive place to potter around - enjoy a meal out in an authentic restaurant and wander by the marina.
St Florent’s main beach is Plage de la Roya, a sandy beach with clear waters amongst the rocks, ideal for paddling, swimming and snorkelling as well as seasonal watersports from jet-skiing to paddle-boarding.
This area is an experienced hiker’s paradise, whether walking from the villa towards swimming spots and beaches in the remote Désert des Agriates, coming across Genovese towers or just admiring the views from the coastal footpath. Two of the most famous beaches in the Désert des Agriates are Plage du Lotu and Plage de Saleccia, both only accessible on foot or via boat from St Florent (boat excursions depart from St Florent’s marina).
The Cap Corse is another area with wonderful walking opportunities or drive around the peninsula to discover its rugged landscapes, little fishing harbours and wine-producing villages. Erbalunga (40km) is especially picturesque on the east coast or slightly closer to home are the ancient houses of Nonza (25km).
Just a short drive from St Florent, Patrimonio (15km) is especially well known for its vineyards or travel to the pretty hillside village of Oletta (13km) to appreciate Corsica’s beauty and heritage.
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.
