Vacations in Casinca, Upper Corsica

3 min de lecture

Would you like to discover authentic Corsica? The Casinca, a small region of hills covered with olive and chestnut trees, extends into a fertile coastal plain where vines, citrus fruits and cereals flourish. Located in Haute-Corse, Casinca is a small region just north of Castagniccia and continues east to the coast (south of Bastia) - hence the fact that eastern Casinca is largely flat, while western Casinca is in the mountains.

What to see and do on vacation in Casinca, Corsica

The region comprises seven communes: Castellare di Casinca, Loreto di Casinca, Penta di Casinca, Porri, Sorbo Ocagnano, Venzolasca and Vescovato.

Penta-Di-Casinca

Built on a rocky spur, and with its dominant position at an altitude of 400 meters, Penta di Casinca offersan exceptional view of the valley as well as a unique view of the sea! We love its stone slabs, heritage trail, panoramic views and Baroque church!

Did you know? Since 1973, the village of Penta-di-Casinca has been classified as a "picturesque site in the Corsican department".

Located 84 kilometers from Ajaccio, 27 kilometers from Saint Florent, 26 kilometers from Bastia and 31 kilometers from Corte, Penta-Di-Casinca is an ideal starting point for discovering the rich cultural and religious heritage of Haute Corse:

Church of San Pancraziu (Castellare-di-Casinca) (2km)
Church of San Parteo Mariana (Lucciana) (8km)
Cathedral of Santa Maria de l'Assomption (Lucciana) (9km)
Church of San Raineru (Montegrosso) (9km)
Chapel of Santa Cristina (Valle-di-Campoloro) (15km)
Church of San Michele (Murato) (17km)
San Nicolao chapel (Sermano) (23km)
Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Favalello) (24km)
Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Saint-Florent) (27km)
Church of San Michele (Castirla) (28km)
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges d'Erbalunga (Bastia) (35km)
Chapel of Saint Quilico (Olcani) (39km)
Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Canari) (44km)

But also natural beauty spots such as :

Agriate Desert (37km)
Cap Corse (41km)
Gorges de la Restonica (43km)
Lake Melo (46km)
Lake Nino (49km)

And don't forget Lama, a medieval village around 27km away. A beautiful region that lends itself to beautiful, long hikes for all levels.

Porri

Porri offers impressive views and the opportunity to visit the famous " Grotto of Resistance " in the San Gavinu d'Ampugnani mountains.

Did you know that? This was the site of one of the Resistance's clandestine printing works (1943).

Venzolasca

In Venzolasca, a picturesque little hamlet, you can see the ruins of what was once an important 16th-17th century monastery. A village built into the mountains, it spreads out over a sort of natural amphitheatre that slopes down to the sea. It also boasts a citadel, a lookout point at the top of a ridge where tall stone houses with slate roofs line up.

Castellare di Casinca

The church of St. Pancras in Castellare di Casinca is very old (perhaps built as early as the 9th century), with a very simple stone exterior and a fascinating interior with three decorated "niches". The medieval village also boasts a 13th-century tower. In May, you'll have the chance to take part in the San Brancà agro-pastoral fair.

Vescovato

This village on the ridge between two rivers has played an important role in Corsican history, and its heritage bears witness to this. Visit the Capuchin convent dating from 1540, the white marble church of San Martinu and the mill with its 3-arched aqueduct.

Loreto di Casinca

Here you'll find Corsica's largest fountain, "a funtanone", where herds used to come to drink. Explore the village: century-old plane trees and ancient buildings, the baroque parish church, Sant'Andria (Saint-André), the medieval belvedere overlooking the slopes of Mount Sant'Anghjuli at 1218 meters. A magnificent sight!

Characteristics of Casinca villages

Each village has its own personality and characteristics. During your stay in Haute Corse, take the time to explore them and enjoy the magnificent views.

It's an interesting region to explore, and one that's a little off the beaten track in Corsica. It's worth noting that most of the villages in the Casinca are scattered along rocky promontories.

Many villages have small monuments and points of interest - usually a church with a bell tower dominating the village, but the real pleasure is simply to wander through the quiet village lanes and absorb the atmosphere and scenery of this relatively unknown part of Corsica.

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