Holidays in Calvi
Welcome to Calvi !
When we think of Calvi, we think of its pretty harbour, the historic narrow streets of the Citadel and the shops around the Marina. Explore this little town, steeped in history as you stroll around its latticework of hills and flights of steps.
Calvi, capital of Balagne has a population of 12,000 habitants and is situated in the north-east of Corsica.
Christopher Columbus was born here, a fact celebrated in the name of an avenue, a statue.
Sight-seeing in Calvi
The Citadel is a show all on its own, local attractions in a nutshell : a colourful harbour, home to fishing boats and yachts, a long beach of fine white sand and a pinewood providing a splash of green.
The church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Calvi does not easily pass unnoticed. The baroque-style pink and beige building was constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries and has been a listed monument since 1988.
If you like having fun, Calvi has several places guaranteed to provide some memorable moments…
In and around Calvi
The cobbled, pedestrianised streets lead to the former Palais des Gouverneurs Génois (Palace of the Genoese Governors), Palais des Evêques (the Bishops Palace) and the Oratory of Saint-Antoine.
A veritable seaside gem, Calvi will enchant you with its delightful narrow streets, shops, restaurants, heavenly beaches, divers’ paradise and its proximity to beautiful Ile Rousse, whose market is a gourmet delight with a large number of local producers and artists.
Just after Ile Rousse, the Parc de Saleccia is an absolute must to visit to discover the plants and shrubs which grow on the Corsican ‘maquis’ : lavender, helichrysum, broom, eucalyptus, myrtle, rosemary etc.
The white sandy beaches at Bodri and Lozari are two of the finest in Balagna and there are also plenty of charming little coves along the coastline.
The Forêt de Bonifato forest is 20km from Calvi and a real paradise for all the family as you can walk there and swim in itsnatural pools.
The villages around Calvi are all absolute gems and the countryside behind Calvi is full of places of interest :
Musée de Corbara and Eglise de l'Annonciation, 18th century Baroque-style church,
Eglise de la Trinité et de San Giovanni at Aregno, a Romanesque-style chuch dating from the Pisan era,
Route des Vins Wine Trail (opportunity to taste quality vintages),
Chapel Notre Dame de la Serra has panoramic views of Calvi and its surrounding mountains,
Forêt de Tartagine et Melaja (forest),
Vallée and Gorges de l'Asco (Aiguillles de Popolasca, Monte Cinto and Capu Larghia),
Route des Artisans Craft Trail (discover local crafts, pottery, glass-making, jewellery-making, wood workers, cutlers, etc.),
Plage de l'Ostriconi beach
A little extra…
The strong links between Calvi and Genoa lasted for a very long time. To pay tribute to the loyalty of Calvi, the Republic of Genoa had a plaque fixed on the entrance to the Citadel which reads « Civitas Calvi semper fidelis » Calvi remains ever loyal.
How to get to Calvi
Calvi has a harbour and an airport, so you can arrive by sea or air as it is served by many national and international flights and daily ferry crossings during the season."
