Haute Corse tour: itinerary in secret Corsica
Timeless villages, lands dotted with Genoese towers, remote hamlets and the rhythm of polyphonic song... Benvinuti in Haute-Corse! A journey lulled by the Corsican way of life, from Bastia to Calvi, via the intimate Cap Corse and the indescribable Agriate Desert.
Let yourself be inspired by this tour of Haute-Corse (sometimes called Northern Corsica), departing from discreet Bastia. Corsicatours can customize and modify the program of your Corsica tour.
1. Bastia, clinging to the mountains
No one can get to know Bastia intimately without strolling through the narrow streets of Terra Vecchia to the surprising Place Saint-Nicolas. At the foot of the palm trees, Bastia's sunny terraces are ideal for enjoying a slice of fiadone, a tasty Corsican sweet speciality.
The stroll continues south of the Old Port, where Bastia's citadel is home to the Terra Nova district. Admire the view over the Mediterranean before continuing your organized tourin Haute-Corse.
Bastia is also a good starting point if you want to take to the road for a on the island of beauty.
The right address for an overnight stay in Bastia
Hotel La Corniche, a family-run establishment in San-Martino-di-Lota, at the entrance to Cap Corse and 4 km from Bastia, for a peaceful night's sleep overlooking the Corsican sea. Let yourself be tempted by lunch or dinner in the hotel's restaurant, and try Mme Anziani's traditional soup or the famous brocciu ravioli.
2. In the far north, Cap Corse, a breath of fresh air
There's an air of the other side of the world in the very north of Corsica. The Cap Corse, bordered by the Thyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas, offers a chance to experience the secret of Corsica and its distinct identity. If you like walking, the Sentier des douaniers is perfect for you.
The tour of Haute-Corse (or Corse du Nord) continues on to the beach of Pietracorbara for a tanning session on the fine sand. On the other side of the peninsula, roads lined with agave and prickly pear trees signal your arrival in the peaceful village of Pino.
And when it's time to dine on Mediterranean specialties, it's in the village of Nonza, 160 meters above sea level, that the charm takes effect. At the foot of the Genoese tower, La Sassa offers one of the most beautiful terraces on the island, with a breathtaking view of the sea.
Drive along the north coast to enter the intimacy of the Agriate Desert, an untamed territory where the maquis stretches as far as the eye can see.
The right address for an overnight stay south of Cap Corse
Hotel La Dimora, in the heart of the Patrimonio wine route. Bona Notte (*good night)!
3. Calvi, capital of Balagne
Resting on its rocky outcrop, with Monte Cinto as a backdrop, Calvi is one of Corsica's most beautiful and, above all, liveliest towns! Take advantage of your tour of Haute-Corse to put down your bags before you leave.
Soak up the atmosphere in the narrow streets of Calvi's citadel, push open the doors of a café and encounter the most beautiful expression of the Corsican soul: paghjella, a traditional Corsican polyphonic song. All that's left to do is let yourself be carried away by the voices of the Calvais, resonating in unison!
If departure is imminent, there are still a few gems to discover on your trip to Corsica: the bucolic Ile Rousse, the town of Corte and the Corsican hinterland. And if you want to extend your stay, Porto, Ajaccio or Bonifacio await you in the southern Corsica.
The right address for an overnight stay in Calvi
At the end of a cypress-lined driveway, discover the Hotel La Signoria, for a bucolic night in the heart of the Corsican scrubland. This character-filled residence is the ideal base for visiting the Calvi region before heading down to the southern Corsica by motorcycleheading for Porto, the Calanques de Piana or Ajaccio.
4. Corte: high-altitude tourism
Our carefully crafted itineraries guide you through Corsica's most beautiful mountain villages, offering an authentic and picturesque immersion in the heart of the island. Among these must-see destinations, Corte stands out. The former capital of Corsica, this historic town is nestled in the center of the island, offering a unique blend of culture, history and breathtaking mountain scenery. Discover Corte's rich heritage, explore its ancient streets and take in the panoramic views that have shaped its history.
The right address for an overnight stay in Corte
We warmly recommend the Hôtel du Nord in Corte, a charming and cozy establishment ideally located in the heart of the city center. You'll receive a warm welcome, and the breakfasts are simply fabulous, preparing you perfectly for a day of exploring. The hotel is also perfectly located for those wishing to discover the Restonica Valley, adding a touch of practical comfort to your stay.
Visiting it in 5 or 7 days by car - that's short!
It's short, but it's possible. We've put together a number of well-thought-out itineraries to help you make the most of the wonders of Haute Corse. Discover Saint-Florent, a charming port town with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visit the Musée de la Corse in Corte to immerse yourself in the island's history and culture. Don't miss Lac de Nino, a natural gem nestled in the heart of the Corsican mountains, and cross the Col de Vergio for breathtaking views. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip through Haute Corse, with stops at Île-Rousse to enjoy its Mediterranean ambience and picturesque beaches.
