Holidays in Aléria
Welcome to Aléria !
Aléria is a small village on the east coast of Corsica, between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio, overlooking the agricultural plain where vines, cereals and fruit trees grow.
Aléria represents 8,000 years of history, as the region has been occupied by man since 6,000 B.C. A seaport, colony and capital, centre for the propagation of Christianity, the Greek then Roman village was the main settlement on the island until it was destroyed by the Vandals. Restored and brought up to date, it shows visitors how an ancient town was laid out, as the main features of Aléria can be seen at the museum and at the site of archaeological digs.
What to see and do in Aléria :
Aléria has a long coastline of 12km of sandy beaches.
Sightseeing in Aléria
Fort de Matra and Musée Jérôme Carcopino : the museum houses Etruscan, Greek and Roman collections (sculptures, ceramics, ornamental artefacts) around a common theme of wine. Entry to the Musée includes access to the archaeological site.
The ancient site : this open-air museum on tableland displays the collected remains of the centre of the ancient town : a Pre-Roman necropolis (200 graves were uncovered) and a part of the ancient Roman town (Forum, Temple, Capitol). Artefacts found during excavations are on display at the Musée Jérôme Carcopino.
Etang d'Urbino (lagoon) to the south
Etang de Diana to the north : this lagoon covering 600 hectares is well-known for oysters, mussels and clams.
In and around Aléria :
Aléria and its surrounding region are characterised by a string of small, very lively seaside resorts with bars, restaurants, clubs, etc.
The coast here is bordered by long fine sandy beaches.
Other attractions include :
The hot springs at Pietrapola les Bains,
Casabianda Nature Reserve, created in 1951 to protect species which were threatened with extinction in Corsica (red-legged partridge, hare, grey heron, Eurasian collared dove, mallard).
The vertiginous La Bugia waterfall,
Défilés des Strette et de l'Inzecca (gorges),
Bergeries (sheepfolds) de Capanella on the way up Monte Renoso (2,352m),
Romanesque-style church at San Nicolao,
Ghisoni with its lakes, paths, mountain streams and woodland.
A little extra :
Recipe idea : La Nustrale de Diana
Open some oysters
Pour off the juice into a pan and reduce it by two-thirds
Add 20g butter and a glass of Champagne
Mix and reduce the jus
Pour over the oysters, sprinkle with breadcrumbs
Put under the grill for 3 minutes
How to get to Aléria
Aléria is about 50km from Bastia, which has an international airport and ferry terminal.
