Day 1 in the Costa Verde Region

Welcome to the Costa Verde region of Corsica! 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.

The Costa Verde Region boasts a large diversity of landscapes and beaches with gentle slopes that are ideal for children, a mountain area with charming villages perched on the mountain-sides or in the plains.

Start your exploration of the region in the city of Bastia (which is where you would most likely arrive on the island), this is one of Corsica`s main ports located 40 minutes north of the San Lucianu area. Bastia is the second largest city of Corsica that sits beautifully on the east coast, facing Italy with views out to the Tuscan archipelago.

Take some time in Bastia to wander the city. Some highlights to explore are the Place St. Nicolas, a pleasant spot to soak up Bastia`s Mediterranean atmosphere, this is a social hub of the town. There are many places in the area to stop for lunch and soak in the culture. Spend some time at Boulevard aolis and Rue César Campinchi, the main shopping streets and enjoy the ambient stores. Check out the Old Town (or the `Terra Vecchia`) which lies just south of Place St Nicolas and surrounds the Old Port of Bastia. There are two ports in Bastia: the original one (old port), and the more recent port where Corsica Ferries arrive. The old harbor is the popular place to spend your evenings in Bastia with many ambient bars and restaurants. There is a promenade along the waterfront that is great for strolling, boasting some fantastic views of the harbor.

While in Bastia, don`t miss the fantastic mountain and coastal views from its fortress, complete with a 16th-century bell tower, or the Museum of Ethnography with everything from geology to folk traditions and contemporary art in the former palace of the Genoese governors.

Day 2 in the Costa Verde Region

Make your first stop of the day at the Reserve Naturelle de l`Etang de Biguglia, the largest lagoon on the island and a haven for migrating birds. This coastal nature reserve is fantastic for walking and cycling, with an eco-museum and a small restored fort on an island. More than 100 species of birds can be observed here, while the beach of la Marana provides a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Next, make your way to Penta di Casinca, a land of history and tradition. This village was built on a rocky spur and offers architectural beauty. Enjoy a walk on the Heritage Trail of Penta di Casinca, which allows you to discover step by step the village whose beauty has earned it a ranking and the label as the `Picturesque site of the Department of Corsica` in 1973.

The trail starts at the Town Hall Square and threads through terraced gardens, narrow streets and alleys all while clinging to the steep slopes that surround the village. Some highlights to discover as you wander through the village: the baroque church of Saint Michel, The Church `Christ the King`, and the Romanesque Chapel Round which was built between the 12th and 13th century.

If you are looking to explore more of the area around Penta di Casinca, we recommend one of the nature hiking trails. Penta - Palancitellu is a beautiful natural hiking trail that offers a variety of plant species and the River Fium`Altu, very popular during the summer months. The Fogata - Palustricu is another beautiful hike, about 2 miles long, starting from the crossroads of the city center of Foleli, towards the Orezza. This route brings you through the village of Castellare di Casinca.

As evening approaches, enjoy any of the local restaurants offering up delicious Corsican cuisine. There are various restaurants that offer exceptional panoramas.

Day 3 in the Costa Verde Region

On your last day in the Costa Verde Region, head to the resort of the town of San-Nicolao, Moriani-Plage. Moriani-Plage is part of the Costa Verde, a group of 23 towns offering over 10 miles of beaches with gentle slopes with varied natural heritage.

Moriani-Plage is the only seaside resort in this part of the East Coast and offers many charms and the various attractions that are often attractive to many young families. The main attraction of this area is the sandy beaches with turquoise water. Between lounging, swimming and various water activities visitors can enjoy a relaxing day of fun in the sun. From the beach, it is possible to observe the ruined Genoese tower of Moriani, a remnant of the ancient hamlet once here, Padulella.

There are also shops close by to the area with numerous restaurants and various evening entertainment options.

Not far away, the Genoese bridge marks the boundary with the municipality of Santa-Maria-Poggio, recalling the Pisan era, while the Roman aqueduct used until the nineteenth century to bring water to the forge, is a relic from Roman times in this part of Corsica.

Hikers will enjoy the Mare a Mare Nord trail, which connects Cargèse Moriani-Plage, located on the west coast of Corsica. This is a long-distance trail that crosses Corsica in its widest part from the Moriani village in the eastern coast. The basic route is divided into 10 stages, each of them take about 4 to 6 hours of walking. The alternative branch starts either in Corte or in Sermano, returns back to the main route in Marignana, and it is one stage longer.

Alternatively, head further inland to the Tavignano River (a half an hour from San Lucianu) to enjoy canoeing or white-water rafting. You`ll also discover breathtaking bathing spots, the most beautiful natural swimming pools, waterfalls and hiking trails at the river.

Additional Days in the Costa Verde Region

Should you be able to spend additional days in the Costa Verde region of Corsica we recommend a visit to Museum of Cervione where you will discover the way of life of Corsican population through the 18th and 20th century. While in Cervione, wander the enchanting village nicknamed `the balcony by the sea`, the scenery is spectacular here. Discover the impressive baroque church, beautiful fountains and charming cafes.

Also, continue to explore the stunning villages of the Costa Verde region. Few of the villages here have major attractions, although many offer beautiful churches and more attractive settings. It is rather the harmonious whole that is the attraction. You`ll pass through forests, rivers, springs and waterfalls as you stop at one picturesque town to the next. You can also admire the beautiful beaches that will take your breath away. Some of the other highlighted villages (not mentioned above): Poggio Mezzana, San-Nicolao, Taglio-Isolaccio, Santa-Maria-Poggio, and many more.

Your Last Day in the Costa Verde Region

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 Costa Verde region of Corsica.