Costa Serena or the best of eastern Corsica

From villages to beaches

In Costa Serena, it's impossible to get bored, and that's what makes this destination so interesting.

Visit the ancient site of Aléria for a fascinating immersion in Corsican history. Stroll through the Carthaginian, Etruscan and Roman ruins and imagine the atmosphere of those times. Did you know? The historical interest of Aléria (or Alalia, from its Greek name) was recognized by Prosper Mérimée on his return from an inspection trip in 1839. And with good reason: archaeological excavations of the town's remains have revealed its colonial history, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Still in progress, the work and research have revealed thousands of wonderfully well-preserved statues, sculptures, lamps and other objects on display at the Musée Départemental d'Archéologie d'Aléria. Witness to a past steeped in history, the city of Aléria is today the pride of the region and one of Corsica's must-see historic sites.

At the Casabianda Reserve, birdwatchers and nature lovers alike will learn about the more than 100 species of birds and turtles that live here. A region of wide-open spaces, birds have found a haven here to breed, far from the hustle and bustle of crowded seaside resorts in summer.

As for the hinterland, it offers a highly forested landscape (oaks, eucalyptus, Larici pines, chestnut trees...) pleasant to walk through in summer, where wild boar and partridges have made their home. You won't be surprised to come across them on your walks along the seafront in the Pinia forest or your hikes in the heart of the Corsican mountains.

The Costa Serena is also home to picturesque mountain villages, some dating back to the 15th century, such as Ghisoni. From the top of the promontories, magnificent panoramic views of the Fium'Orbu, the Aléria plain, ponds and the sea await you, as is the case at Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo. In the villages, fountains, ovens and wash-houses are still to be found, as are numerous small Romanesque churches and chapels (Serra-di-Fiumorbo) and medieval relics such as the fortified castle of Ventiseri. Among the locals, old-timers will tell you all about the Corsica of yesteryear.

Leisure activities in Costa Serena

With its many beaches plunging into the Tyrrhenian Sea, this micro-region is ideal for swimming. Here, long stretches of sand stretch for miles. Although swimming is not supervised on all beaches, the sea is generally calm. Only two beaches in the south of the coast are supervised. Pinia and Mare e Stagnu are the most popular beaches in the area. Near the Bravone marina, a number of secluded coves offer the peace and quiet you're looking for in both high and low season. If you head for Linguizzetta, you'll find the most important naturist beaches in Haute Corse.

Don't miss out on mussel tasting once you're in the area! Thanks to the many ponds (Diana, Urbino and Palo), the locals continue to farm oysters and mussels. At the Diana lagoon, you can sample the famous mussels, and at the Palo lagoon you can taste the poutargue, known as the "caviar of the Mediterranean".

Fancy a hike in the region? Excellent idea! Head for the Inzecca and Strettes parades for an unforgettable day of hiking and picnicking. It's an opportunity to discover wild, beautiful landscapes. You can cool off in natural pools between majestic rock faces. Don't miss: the Genoese bridge U Ponte a Mela just before the old iron mine, and the small Genoese bridge U Ponte Vecchju at the foot of the village of Ghisoni.

Camping or renting? In Ghisonaccia, Corsica in total freedom

On this plain, where the sea seems further away from the mountains than in the rest of the department, you can enjoy a vast area that's ideal for tourism that's both close to nature and very family-friendly. In Ghisonaccia, halfway between the charming town of Bastia and the breathtaking cliffs of Bonifacio, a wide choice of establishments is on offer, right at the end of the road leading to Vignale beach. From rental residences set in wooded gardens to well-equipped, waterfront campsites, you're bound to find something to suit you. Since you'll be staying on Corsica's east coast, you can easily travel north (Moriani and its lively little resort), south (Porto-Vecchio and its beaches of a thousand and one shades of blue) and west (Corte and the region of lakes that we're working hard to preserve), while enjoying the calm inherent in this seaside resort spared from over-tourism and its misdeeds.

Choose your hike on Vignale beach

Stay active and discover a wide variety of landscapes!

Along the beaches of the Côte Orientale, you can choose from a wide range of hiking options. On foot or on horseback, you'll follow a hilly health trail in the shade of pine trees, sanctuaries where the cicadas chirp. While there are many paths to choose from, the "finish line" is bound to be a beach or a stretch of water: between Pinia and Etang d'Urbino, regain your spirits and your breath in the calm of the forest. Jet-ski off long sandy beaches lined with lush trees and topped by magnificent mountains, and enjoy the thrill of the ride.

Need a rosé? Head for the restaurant!

Whether on the beach, in the countryside or more secluded in the mountains, the Costa Serena boasts numerous restaurants where conviviality and sharing are the order of the day. Often run by locals with a passion for their land, they all offer a menu rich in local wines, cheeses and charcuterie.

Looking for an authentic vacation? You're sure to find it in Costa Serena! Don't hesitate to ask for advice from one of our experts, with whom you can create your own tailor-made holiday in eastern Corsica to discover this magnificent region off the beaten track.