Cap Corse is a unique and beautiful peninsula in northern Corsica. This is where you will find Villa Sur La Cote, a modern sea front home which is the ideal base for a trip with friends or family. You do not need to travel far from the villa to visit incredible beaches, a bustling city or enjoy stunning scenery on a morning walk. The villa is well-placed for visiting all that the north of Corsica has to offer, from natural beauty spots to cultural and historic attractions.
One of the main draws of Corsica is the pristine beaches. Whether you prefer a rugged, pebble beach or a sandy bay with water sports on offer, you will find it close by. If you are not feeling like a coastline walk then Cap Corse is also a great place for a coastal drive where you can take in the unbelievable views from the comfort of your hire car or motorbike!
The villa is also just 5km away from Bastia which is a lively port city. Start at the Place St Nicolas which is the main square in town and is a shady, restaurant-lined spot, before winding your way down through the streets of the old-town. You can learn more about local history by visiting Bastia Museum which is housed in the impressive 15th-century citadel which once defended the area. The city also has a wealth of artisan shops and a busy market where you can buy local produce.
Erbalunga is a little village just 6km away from the house which you should also add to your itinerary. This charming village has a rugged beauty and clings to the dramatic cliffside. The narrow streets and café filled squares lead down to the harbour which is still used by fishermen today as it has been for centuries. Artists flock to the village to paint or photograph the sea views and the ancient Genoese tower which is now in ruin.
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.
