Visit Calvi, Corsica - a travel guide

Nestled on the island of Corsica, west of Italy and south of France, the port town of Calvi boasts the intrigue of traditional Corsican culture while effortlessly maintaining the comforts of a modern resort area. Picturesque views of nature’s scenic beauty are seemingly everywhere you turn, and there are many enjoyable places to spend time.

Travelling to Calvi by ferry will allow you to get the full effect of the gorgeous port, the towering Citadel, the rugged mountains, and the forest of pines. If you do not arrive by ferry, you can still see the splendour of the area from the water by taking one of the many boat trips or pleasure cruises available in the marina. The Port de Plaisance is a friendly marina, and an enjoyable place to view the many luxury boats and bright fishing boats as they arrive and depart.

Calvi’s local beach is a long, narrow strip of white sand and serene, shallow water that stretches nearly 6 km (4 mi) along the length of the bay. It offers lifeguards and very good facilities, such as picnic areas and snack bars. Popular activities at this site include windsurfing, waterskiing, jet skiing and paragliding. For those who prefer a quieter place to soak in the sun, a less populated and wider strip of beach can be found at plage de l’Alga, near Revellata point.

While in Calvi, most social activity will take place at Quai Landry. This is a beachside walkway, which connects the port to the marina, and offers restaurants, bars, cafés, side shops, and hotels. There are not many historical points of interest for sightseeing in this area, but it is an excellent place to shop or grab a bite to eat.

The Citadel is the main part of town. It was a military outpost in the 15th century that helped guard the city against international attacks. It sits high above the port, towering over the sea. There are many brick walls, tunnels, and long, winding stairways in this area, as well as plenty of narrow walkways tucked between quaint old houses.

Places of interest in the Citadel include the restored palace of the Genovese governor, and the remains of a house that is rumoured to be the place where Christopher Columbus was born. The original building was generally destroyed by Nelson’s troops in 1794, and today, a statue stands on the site, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ birthday. The Museum of Corsican Ethnography is located in the Citadel, and holds many items in connection with the history and culture of the beautiful island. This is a recommended tourist destination, along with the military museum.

The Citadel also holds the Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste, which was erected to hold an allegedly supernatural crucifix called Christ des Miracles. Wandering around the cobblestone streets and shops in the Citadel is a lovely way to spend an afternoon or quiet evening. Additionally, a jazz festival is held in this area every June.

One enjoyable walk from Calvi is up the hill to the church of Madonna della Serra, for more splendid views.

Corsica boat trips to Scandola Natural Reserve leave from Calvi.