5 reasons to visit Calvi this summer – and beyond

RICH HISTORY

The citadel of Calvi in Corsica’s Balagne region / Image: Adobe Stock

For such a small place, Calvi sure has a colourful history. A busy port in Roman times, Calvi was just a chilled fishing village until the Citadel was built in 1268 following disputes between the island’s bigwigs, and was the site of many further feuds over the years. Locals claim that none other than Christopher Columbus was born right here during the Genoese occupation (you can still see the house in the Citadel). It’s also said that Admiral Lord Nelson lost an eye storming the Citadel during the Siege of Calvi in 1794.

Today, that same magnificent fortress still stands strong and is a must-visit, filled with atmospheric cobbled passages and steeped in history. Grab an audio tour from the tourist office to journey back in time as you stroll around, and be sure to head up to the Baroque Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste, which stands at the highest point overlooking the town.

PREMIUM HIKING

Revellata’s lighthouse near Calvi / Image: Adobe Stock

If you love exploring by foot, you’re in the right place, as Calvi has tons of routes and trails snaking through and around it. One of the most popular hikes is the circular walk around Revellata and the Revellata lighthouse. The peninsula just outside the town is a nature reserve that’s full of history – you can still see the ruins of the house of one Prince Pierre-Napoléon Bonaparte. Then there’s the walk up to the Notre Dame de la Serra chapel, a lovely 15th-century building on a hilltop with panoramic views down across the bay. For another eye-popping view, head up to the Capu di a Veta or the Cross of the Austrians. This seven-metre-high cross weighs-in at 400kg and overlooks the Gulf of Calvi.

Glorious beaches

Sunset over the golden sands of Plage de Sainte Restitude / Image: Adobe Stock

If all that hiking sounds like too much hard work and you’d rather just flop on a beach, you’re still in the right place. The main shoreline of Calvi Beach is pretty special, boasting 6km of pristine, white powdery sand, clear blue water and views of the citadel. Even in the summer there’s plenty of space for everyone, and it’s a great spot for families thanks to warm water and a gentle gradient. If you’ve got a car, it’s worth the short trip to Alga Beach, a smaller stretch of sand with a different – but still gorgeous – view of the bay. Arrive early for this one as it’s only 100-meters-long, so prime spots go quickly. Further towards neighbouring Lumio is Sainte Restitude, a small sandy enclave where you can hire a deckchair and chillax. While you’re there, have a sift around in the sand to try and spot a lucky Eye of St Lucia shell. Further along still is Arinella, another small and perfectly formed spot housing a small seafood restaurant with tables on the sand. Finally, a 15-minute-drive from Calvi you’ll find Aregno Beach, another sandy favourite with all the usual facilities that’s often a little quieter than the town’s main sands.

Boat trips

Boats sailing around the rocks of Scandola Nature Reserve / Image: Getty Images

If that’s not enough sand action for you, more stunners can be found just a boat ride away. Désert des Agriates is a 16,000-hectare natural haven and has some of the most eye-wateringly beautiful beaches in the area, including Saleccia, with white sand dunes and turquoise sea. You can take a five-hour round trip here from Calvi, which includes snorkelling time in the clear water. However, the most popular boat trip from Calvi has to be the journey to Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can’t access by car or on foot. Many boat trips to Scandola also stop at the beautiful old fishing village of Girolata and nearby caves.

Music festivals

Calvi on the Rocks / Image: Nicolas Alleguede