Day 1 in Calvi

Welcome to the Calvi! Upon arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin your afternoon at the Quai Landry, a promenade along the seafront in the marina. There are several small pleasure boats as well as many local fishing boats in the harbor, and palm trees line the promenade. Here you`ll also find numerous restaurants and cafes which makes it a great area to enjoy some lunch while taking in the local atmosphere with a view. Afterward, enjoy stopping in the various small shops to pick up some souvenirs of the area.

In the streets immediately behind the port there are various small shops and the pink baroque style Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, built in the 16th century. As you continue further away from the water you reach larger streets with larger and more upscale shops.

Next, step back in time to the historical citadel situated at the northern end of town, this is the main monument in Calvi, it is essentially an entire small town surrounded by fortified walls. Originally built in 1268, Calvi`s citadel is a maze of narrow streets and towering buildings and landmarks, as well as numerous stunning views across Calvi harbor and along the coast.

Venture through the narrow cobbled streets and passages of the citadel to see the old town where you will find many delicious eateries and souvenir shops. As well as the ancient streets of very tall stone houses, there are several important historic monuments here which include the Palace of the Bishops of Sagon (now privately owned) and the Cathedral.

Stop in the Cathedral of St Jean Baptiste, a 16th century baroque style reconstruction of an earlier church that once stood here. Some highlights of the cathedral include a large 15th century painting called L`Annonciation, a black statue of Christ and renaissance period baptism fonts.

The site of the house that is said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus is also in the citadel, marked by a statue. Legend states that Christopher Columbus was born in the town, yet, it is worth noting, that this claim has been unproven.

If you enjoy history, pay a visit to the Museum of Corsican Ethnography which features numerous exhibits explaining the history of Corsica, and the Tour de Sel, a 19th century addition to the citadel, as well as the 16th century Oratory Saint-Antoine.

As evening approaches, enjoy some local Corsican cuisine at any of the number of restaurants in town before heading back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 2 in Calvi

Wake up early today and take the train journey along the coast to L`Ile Rouse, a fabulous experience that will allow you to soak up the beauty of this portion of Corsica`s coastline. L`Ile Rousse is situated on the north-west coast of Corsica, about 12 miles north-east of Calvi, at the northern edge of the Balagne region.

Spend some time in L`Ile Rousse exploring the beautiful setting of the town. The architecture is amazing, and includes some attractive buildings, mostly dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Something a bit different than many other Corsican towns is that L`Ile Rousse has a planned layout of straight streets, lined with boutiques and restaurants.

The center of town is at Place Paoli, a square that opens to the sea, and also has a pleasant covered market. It is a perfect place from which to venture into both the old and new towns. The old town is typically of most interest to visitors, offering a lively ambiance in the summer with lots of small shops and cafes. The narrow streets with old houses are pleasant to explore.

Head north from old town to the Ile de la Pietra and on to the lighthouse, this is a great spot that offers the best views of the two small offshore islands. There is also a `Petit Train` (a little tourist train) that takes the ride to this sight, as well as around to the main sights of the town.

Alternatively, take a boat ride to Girolata and the Scandola Nature Reserve. You`ll enjoy the lovely views of the citadel and Calvi Bay from the sea and Girolata is a charming little village, only accessible by boat (or via a long mule track down the hillside). The UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site, Scandola is a reserve with dramatic red cliffs rising out of the sea just south-west of Calvi, on the Cape Girolata peninsula. This is an exceptional sight and some of the finest coastline to be found anywhere in Corsica. It is always beautiful, but especially so later in the afternoon, as the rocks catch the setting sun. The Scandola Reserve has a wide range of sea birds, as well as established seal and dolphin colonies. Ospreys are also becoming established in the regions, after great efforts by conservationists.

After another busy day of exploration, head back into Calvi to experience the lively atmosphere of the city at night (especially in the height of the summer season). There are many quayside cafes, restaurants and several clubs to enjoy.

If energy allows, make your way to the well-known bar `Chez Tao`, is a must see. This venue boasts over 80 years of history and the best views in town. It is a sleek, up-scale bar and lounge set in the Citadel tower. This is also a great place for celebrity spotting.

Day 3 in Calvi

On your last day in Calvi, spend a relaxing day at the beaches of the area. There is a very popular long and sandy beach at Calvi, called la Pinede because it is backed by pine trees, which are over a mile long and to the east of the harbor. There is a wooden boardwalk between the beach and the trees for the first mile or so.

Although you can walk to the beach from Calvi center, you will need to walk a mile or so out of the town center to find the first attractive public section. Otherwise, there is a small tourist train that runs along behind the beaches that will take you to a beach further out. You`ll find several activities available at the beach including windsurfing and paragliding, as well as various beach restaurants to relax at.

There are also many more beaches of different styles to discover in the region. Bodri Beach is a great beach if you are looking for beautiful white sand. It is located about 30 minutes by car from calvi, followed by a 5 minute walk. Punta di Spanu is also a beautiful beach that can be reached by car in about 20 minutes.

Enjoy your last night in Calvi watching the boats from the marina. Take an evening stroll, wander the marina and admire the range of impressive yachts and boats that sit in the harbor. The marina is lined with plenty of bars and restaurants, offering the opportunity to sample authentic Corsican cuisine and fresh seafood.

Aditional Days in Calvi

Should you be able to spend additional days in Calvi we recommend you visit more of the villages of La Balagne Corisca (what the region is famous for). There are so many charming villages spread in the hills between mountain and sea. Many of these villages are charming and compact with great views and rich history. One of the most famous and touristy is Sant`Antonino as it is the one that really is most perched on top a hill. Most of the villages you can visit today are from medieval times.

Your Last Day in Calvi

Depart your hotel for the train station, ferry or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Corsican adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the city of Calvi and the Balagne Region of Corsica.