Summer in the Bastia region

After having tasted a Pietra, a Corsican beer brewed using malt and chestnut flour, on the Place St Nicolas, stroll along the maze of narrow streets in the Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova quarters, and head for the Jardin Romieu along the stairway that rises from the south quay.

Baroque churches, oratories in the Rococo style and convents represent the rich religious heritage of Bastia.

Bastia is a very dynamic city and, in the summertime, you can attend countless concerts of polyphonic singing, festivals that will charm you: Festival Jazz Equinoxe, Festival Canti di Qui…

Take the La Marana route in the direction of the Biguglia Pond nature reserve, a vast stretch of water that is the largest body of water on the island and one of the last refuges of nesting and migratory birds. This site of exceptional ecological interest is home to more than 200 species of water birds. Take your binoculars and observe the kingfishers, the flight of the marsh harrier and the variety of migratory species that stop over at the pond, such as the greater flamingo. You can enjoy free access to the reserve from the car park that is opposite thebeach of La Marana.  

Along several kilometres of coastline, you can take advantage of the long beaches of Arinella or La Marana where it is a pleasure to swim, to fish, to dive or simply to stroll.  

Cap Corse on foot, by bike or by car

The Cap Corse can be visited in one day, but if you have a bit more time you can let yourself be seduced by this land of sailors and fishermen.

Take the coastal route and discover Erbalunga, a picturesque village at the water’s edge, with its ruined Genoese tower that has charmed numerous painters and is sure to make an impression on you. 

Every summer, Erbalunga welcomes French variety singers and Corsican singers to its outdoor theatre for the Nuits du Piano Festival.

The Cap Corse is also a wine-growing region and certain varieties have a reputation that stretches far beyond the region itself. Therefore, on the first weekend of July every year, during the Luri Wine Festival, wine producers from all over Corsica come and invite the public to sample fragrant whites, rosés, reds and muscats.

In Luri, at the col de Sainte Lucie, take the path that leads to the Tour de Sénèque, here the view is splendid. Legend tells us that Seneca, the Roman philosopher, spent a large part of his exile in this tower, although this watchtower and defensive structure was actually medieval in its construction. The confusion came from the fact that the tower was situated at a place known as A Seneca.

Return to the coast at Santa Severa, taking the route towards the marina at Macinaggio. The Cap Corse coastline, accessible through the Maquis, is among the wildest habitats on the island and offers a whole range of creeks and secret beaches to explore...

Fishing boats and pleasure boats will help you explore the coastline of the Cap Corse, the nature reserve or even the protected nature sites that are accessible only on foot or by boat. Why not dive into the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Macinaggio marks the departure point of the coastal path that leads to the beach of Barcaggio, a little port at the tip of the peninsula, and an exceptional walk that is best enjoyed early in the morning, leaving time for a few swims along the way.

If you are on two wheels, make the most of the descent from Moulin Mattei to the port of Centuri, passing through thehamlet of Cannelle, and surround yourself in the fragrances of the Maquis and admire the superb views and imposing Tuscan inspired buildings known as the « homes of the Americans » that belong to residents of Cap Corse that made their fortune across the Atlantic. If the mood takes you, you can enjoy lunch at the port ofCenturi and treat yourself to a dish of grilled lobster with a glass of AOC Cap Corse white.

This winding coastal route gives you an aerial view of the cape and ends up in one of Corsica’s most beautiful villages,Nonza, a fortified village that perches majestically 167 metres above the sea. Don’t hesitate to climb up to the square Paoline Tower, constructed under the orders of Pascal Paoli, providing a magnificent view with the grey beach as its backdrop, accessible along an interminable staircase that also takes you to the miraculous fountain of Sainte Julie.

Le Nebbio

 Wander along the quays at the port of Saint-Florent and pass through the narrow streets of the old town that will lead you to the parochial church of Ste Anne, dating from the XVII Century and open to the public, and to the « Piazza Posta », the square of the old post office that is sure to delight children with its « frog » fountain that is so refreshing in the summer. This is the very place where you will find the soul of this village!

Every summer, at the start of August, the seaside resort moves to the rhythm of salsa and Latin-American music thanks to the Festival Porto Latino.

To head for the white sandy beaches of the Agriates desert you can take a shuttle boat service departing from St Florent, rent a 4x4 vehicle or wander along the coastal path.

The beach of Saleccia is considered to be one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The turquoise colour of its waters will astound and enchant you and the sand there is unique! Dunes covered with juniper trees and Aleppo pines are on hand to provide you with cooling shade at the hottest times of the day.

Head for Patrimonio, which is famous most notably for its Nuits de la Guitare Festival. This takes place in July at the marvellous open air theatre and plays host to big-name international guitarists.

The Patrimonio wine route allows you to explore the estates and cellars of the wine region. It is a way of showing visitors the richness of the terroir, the grape varieties that are specific to Corsica and their diversity.

In the heights of the Nebbio, Murato boasts a history and heritage that is especially rich. Take the time to visit the church of San Michele, which Merimee claimed was « the most beautiful church he ever saw in Corsica ».