Haute Corse and the Corsican Cape

Experience Corsican town life in Bastia, the capital of Haute Corse.  Do as the locals do: wander the ancient streets of the citadel, have a café on the Place Saint Nicholas, drink a pastis in the old port and spend Sunday morning milling around the wonderful food market.

Explore the cape of Corsica, with its wild beaches and dramatic coastline.  Rich in history, the cape thrived on trading with the French and Tuscan ports.  But in the late 18th and early 19th century, the “Capicursini” sought their fortunes in the south American colonies through the exploitation of gold, coffee and sugar.  Returning home, wealthy, they built great big “Palazzi” on their ancestral lands.  Now these country mansions with colonial-style facades bring a wonderful south American colonial culture to the already rich Corsican cultural landscape.  Explore the hill-top village of Nonza, walk along the “Sentier des Douaniers” for superb views, or eat fresh lobster in the tiny fishing port of Centuri.

Patrimonio is one of the most famous of all wine growing regions in Corsica, with its terraces carved out of the magnificent countryside.  Stop at one of the very many vineyards to try the sweet Muscat du Cap Corse, or the dry white Vermentino, or the fine red wine made from the Niellucciu grape.  The quality is excellent and makes a refreshing treat since Corsican wines are rarely found off the island.

Often described as the “petit Saint Tropez”, Saint Florent is a port town just below the Cape, that oozes charm, sophistication and a yachting life-style.  Sample many of the interesting menus along the port, or book in advance for a meal in a Michelin starred restaurant.  Watch a game of petanque on the main square or experience the summer music festival.  The shallow sandy Saint Florent beach is ideal for families, whilst the azure waters of the Plage du Lotu and Saleccia, only accessible by boat, will delight all sun worshippers.  Private boat hire, kayaking, diving, paragliding, wonderful walks, excellent roads for cycling, this little corner of Corsica can quietly boast some of the best experiences on the island. 

Accommodation

Here are a few samples of the places we love the most in northern Corsica:

Misincu 5* hotel

Cagnano - Cap Corse - www.hotel-misincu.fr

 

La Roya 4* hotel

Saint-Florent - www.hoteldelaroya.com

 

Castel Brando 4* hotel

Erbalunga - Cap Corse - www.castelbrando.com

Les Gouverneurs 4* hotel

Bastia - www.hoteldesgouverneurs.fr