calvi: the Genoese citadel dates from the 15th century, and there is an excellent audio tour. Art exhibitions are often held in the gatehouse, and concerts featuring traditional Corsican polyphonic singers regularly take place in the church and oratory. The cafés and restaurants on the waterfront are perfect for watching the world go by, and the visiting yachts add a touch of glamour. Calvi has retained an air of relaxed, sophisticated chic, reminiscent of the Riviera in its heyday.

shopping: those who like shopping will enjoy browsing the boutiques which line Calvi’s cobbled streets. Handmade baskets, pottery, jewellery and local produce such as honey, olive oil and biscuits make lovely souvenirs or gifts to take home. Alternatively treat yourself in one of the designer boutiques. Many shops stay open till quite late, particularly in high season, adding to the relaxed yet vibrant ambiance of the town.

restaurants: Calvi has 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. All budgets are catered for, with many restaurants offering excellent value fixed price menus, while at the other end of the scale there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant. As well as cafés offering snacks and light lunches, there are some excellent restaurants along the beach which take on a different atmosphere at nighttime.

food: food and wine are an important part of Corsican culture, and generally of a high standard. The cuisine combines elements of French and Italian with local produce such as brocciu cheese, figatellu sausage and, in season, sanglier (wild boar). Locally caught fish and seafood are extremely fresh and tasty - why not try a chapon, a delicious fish indigenous to the waters of Corsica. The island produces some award-winning olive oils, honey, nougat, and a variety of sheep and goat’s cheeses, usually served accompanied with fig jam. For dessert, try fiadone, a light lemon cheese cake.

drink: the island produces excellent quality wines for its own consumption, choosing not to export. There are a lot of very drinkable rosé wines, and the reds can be exceptional. In the Calvi appellation alone there are several renowned vineyards who welcome visitors interested in a dégustation. In season, chestnuts are to be found in abundance, and have been put to good use in producing the local beer Pietra. Other local beers include the lighter Serena and Columba, a wheat beer. Sweet muscat and Cap Corse are traditional apéritifs, and of course pastis, which is also produced on the island, is extremely popular. Restaurants often propose home-made liqueurs and eau-de-vies at the end of a meal.

entertainment: experience some traditional Corsican live music in a local bar 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 kids as well as a visiting fairground. Musicians, artists and street entertainers often perform in the small open air ampitheatre.

festivals: Calvi plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year, such as the Jazz festival in June, the Polyphonic vocal festival in September and Festiventu, the ‘festival of the wind’ in late October. 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.