The 4 most beautiful villages to visit in Cap Corse

Erbalunga, Centuri, Nonza and Patrimonia are those villages where you can relax and leave the world behind. On your to-do list: hike in the wilderness, stroll with your special someone, meet new people… Simply take the time to live in a majestic setting !

1. Nonza

The historical village of Nonza, on the western side of the Cap Corse, hangs on the rocky U Monte, houses only 73 souls, and is appreciated for its charming houses and vast black pebble beach. Points of interest include the 16th century Sainte-Julie church, with its pink-orange hues, and the Paoline tower, from which you can gaze at the endless wild beaches hidden behind the Agriates desert. From the terrasse of the Sassa café, you can read the following messages written on the waterfront: “Nice we love you”, “Will you marry me?” and “Paris rules”. Both unusual and touching.

To see and to do : Sainte-Julie church, Nonza beach, Paoline tower, the small Santa-Croce chapel next to the church.
Where to eat : lunch at the auberge du chat qui pêche, have a drink at the Sassa café next to the Paoline tower.

2. Patrimonio

I stumble upon Patrimonio 3 miles outside of Saint Florent, on my way to the August festival “Les Nuits de la Guitare”. The road is sinuous and on a strong slope, the little village sitting at 344 feet in altitude. I am met with endless vineyards, majestic mountaintops, a view of the sea…. What a feast for my eyes! This sacred valley is the birthplace of the famous sweet wines the Nielluccio, the vermentinu, and the biancu gentile.

To see, to do : visit the Leccia, Arena, Gentile vineyards - go to the Nuits de la Guitare festival (second and third weeks of July) - visit the St Martin church.

3. Centuri

Centuri, at the northern tip of Cap Corse, is home to 235 people, but outsiders come back for its charming fishing harbour and famous crayfish pasta, the village speciality. In the little restaurants facing the sea, bikers, vacationers from the mainland and faraway travelers meet up to savor fresh lobster, crayfish, tuna and swordfish. Centuri’s harbour is only accessible by foot, which confers it a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

To see, to do : the Mattei windmill, the Merlacce castle, Mute beach

4. Erbalunga

Erbalunga is a trendy village in the Brando district, 6 miles away from Bastia. It seduces travelers with its beautiful stone houses, fishing harbour, chic boutique hotels and numerous cultural events. The main square welcomes every generation of Corsicans under palm trees around a coffee break or a game of bocce ball. On the other side of the square, pretty cobblestone streets, lined with colorful houses, lead to the harbour. The only thing left to do is swim in the village creek or enjoy an apéritif on a terrasse next to the Genoese tower.

To see, to do : during the summer, the festival of the Verdure theater (mid-august), the “Nuits du Piano” festival (beginning of august) - the castle ruins in Castello - the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel (Santa Maria di e Nevi) - scuba diving - horseback riding.

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4 restaurants with an exceptional view in North Corsica

Swordfish tartare, lonzu carpaccio, Calvi rosé… from oceanic dishes to butchers’ cuts, a few Corsican addresses play their best thanks to their local specialties. To top it off, the views are exquisite. Grab your forks !

1. Chez Vincent, the old port of Bastia

At Chez Vincent, a leading staple of Bastia’s citadel neighborhood, you will find deliciously inventive mediterranean cuisine. Saint Marcellin fillo with pear and honey, swordfish salad with espelette pepper, crusted beef and pizzas lead our palates. The restaurant faces the sea and offers an incredible view of the old harbour. A second restaurant, the “Petit Vincent”, has opened a few blocks away at the foot of the bastions. There also, the dishes are tasty and you can enjoy them on a cosy terrasse facing the sea. All in all, two beautiful addresses.

Chez Vincent, 12 rue Saint-Michel, 20200 Bastia - Phone : 04 95 31 62 50

2. Chez l’Auberge du Chat qui Pêche, Cap Corse

Hidden in Cap Corse’s Canari, between Saint Florent and Centuri, the Auberge du chat qui pêche is a restaurant with a majestic and shaded view of the gulf of Saint-Vincent. Facing the sea, you can admire the Agriates, Saleccia, the Rousse island and even Cintu when the weather permits. On the plate, only the classics of Corsican cuisine: pan-seared squid, Corsican veal with olives and swordfish steak. We will be back!

L’Auberge du Chat qui Pêche, Route départementale 80 "ham abro", 20217 Canari - Phone : 04 95 37 81 52

3. Les Roches Bleues, Piana calanques

At the heart of the Piana calanques, a world heritage site, the Roches Bleues are hard to miss, the only chalet lost in fascinating nature. This exceptional spot is perfect to enjoy the sunset, between the sea and the mountains, with a glass of rosé and a plate of smoked meats (15€). Don’t bother with the rest of the menu, the only feast this place offers is for your eyes.

Les Roches Bleues, bar/snack/bistrot, Lieu-dit Les Calanches de Piana - 20115 Piana - Phone. : 04 95 27 81 19

4. Le Sassa, Nonza black beach

“Wow” is the first thing everyone can’t help saying when they arrive at the Sassa, soothed by the shade of the Paoline tower. Suspended to a rocky peak facing the Saint-Florent bay, this carefully decorated haven offers an impressive panoramic view from its terrasse of the vast black pebble beach of Nonza, the Paoline tower and the Agriates as a backdrop. Striking. In a loungy atmosphere, DJ-spun music mingles with tapas, artisanal ice cream and fresh cocktails. Come enjoy this rare setting with your favorite people. The start of a great evening.

Le Sassa, at the bottom of the Paoline tower, Nonza - Bar/restaurant - open from April to Sept- Phone. : 04 95 38 55 26

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