what to see and do in Calvi, Corsica

Corsica has remained largely undiscovered, and combines the best of French
culture and lifestyle with that of its close neighbour Italy, resulting in a unique
fusion which is defiantly Corsican. It has successfully managed to resist mass
tourism and development, making it a well-kept secret among devotees.

Calvi is arguably the most beautiful of Corsica's
towns. The Genoese citadel sits on the southern tip
of Calvi's crescent-shaped bay, which has a
dramatic backdrop of snowcapped mountains. With
its marina, waterfront cafes and restaurants, just
perfect for watching the world go by, Calvi has
retained an air of relaxed, sophisticated chic,
reminiscent of the Cote d'Azur before it was spoiled
by mass development.

The main 6km long gently-shelving and fine sandy beach is
just a 10 minute walk away. It's very popular with families and
offers a wide variety of watersports ranging from kayaking to
kite-surfing. In addition, just a couple of minutes from the
house is Plage Roncu, a small rocky cove which is excellent
for snorkelling. Other activities nearby include sailing and
boat trips/hire, horseriding, tennis, diving, mini-golf, quad-
bike safaris, an aerial assault course and mountain biking
(bikes can be hired from the garage of the house.) There are
some excellent walks, and nature lovers will enjoy the flora,
fauna and bird-watching. Activities further afield include
golf, paragliding, tyrotrekking, canyoning and climbing. This
is by no means a definitive list, so do please contact us if you
have any specific interests.

Just minutes from the house is the Genoese citadel, birthplace of
Christopher Columbus and steeped in history. Also close by are
the cobbled streets of the lower old town, which are lined with
boutiques and delicatessens. There's a boulangerie just a couple
of minutes away where you can pick up hot croissants for
breakfast, and an excellent traiteur if you fancy eating in but don't
want to cook. Or you can buy some extremely fresh fish and
lobster direct from the fishermen on the port or at the local
poissonerie. A variety of shops, a morning market and banks with
cashpoints are all nearby, and a large supermarket is about ten
minute's walk away. There are also internet cafés (where you can
also use your own laptop) and dvd rental shops.

The Trinighellu train runs from Calvi along the coast to the market town of Ile
Rousse and beyond, stopping at various beaches along the way. Excursions
to various parts of the island are also available. Those who hire a car can
drive along the 'route des artisans' which passes through the villages
perchés, spectacular mountain villages which balance precariously on sheer
cliffs. There are forests and rockpools within a twenty minute drive, or travel
further afield to the stunning Asco and Restonica valleys. Visit the pretty port
of St Florent, or drive through the mountains to the university town of Corte
and it's museum. There's also a tortoise and turtle sanctuary. Alternatively
take to the water on a day trip by boat to the stunning nature reserve of
Scandola, a UNESCO heritage site, and to the island's capital Ajaccio. You
can even take a helicopter trip.

Food and wine are an important part of Corsican culture, and of a very high standard. The island produces
excellent quality wines for its own consumption, choosing not to export. In the Calvi appellation there are
several renowned vineyards who welcome visitors interested in a dégustation. The cuisine combines elements
of French and Italian with local produce such as brocciu cheese, figatellu sausage and the ubiquitous wild boar.
Fish and seafood are extremely fresh and tasty, and even the humblest beach cafe is likely to serve up a meal
to remember. Chestnuts are to be found in abundance and have been put to good use in producing the local
beer Pietra. Calvi plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year, such as the Jazz festival, the
Polyphonic vocal festival and Festiventu, the 'festival of the wind'. Many smaller festivals take place in the
surrounding villages, celebrating local produce such as olive oil and the almond. Those who are here on July
14th, Bastille, or August 15th, Assumption, will also be treated to spectacular fireworks displays launched from
the citadel.

There is a generous selection of bars, cafés and restaurants to suit everyone, whether you are looking for a
romantic night out, a relaxed family atmosphere, or something more lively. Experience some traditional
Corsican live music or enjoy a cocktail in the chic piano bar Chez Tao. There is a free shuttle bus to the
nightclubs Acapulco and La Camargue which are on the outskirts of town. In season there are puppet shows
for the kids as well as a visiting fairground. A variety of different festivals takes place throughout the year.