The Balagne is a charming region between sea, hills and mountains. The landscapes are vast and relaxing.
Between two moments of relaxation on the beautiful beaches, we advise you to discover the most beautiful villages of Balagne with their labyrinthine alleys, their small churches and their inspiring viewpoints on the region.
Here is our selection with photos, map and practical information.
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES IN Corsica
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our guide to planning your road trip: eBook
Our must-do boat trip: Exploring the cliffs of Bonifacio
Our favorite towns to stay in:
- Bonifacio near the citadel – see the best rated accommodations
- Porto-Vecchio near the beaches – see top-rated accommodations
- L’Île-Rousse in Balagne – see the best-rated accommodations
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
The most beautiful villages of Balagne – Map and intro
Our top 5 most beautiful villages of Balagne – Map
Balagne has some of the most beautiful villages in Corsica: a concentration of charm, and of the Corsican art of living, between sea and mountains.
Our top 5 is:
- Pigna
- Speluncato
- Sant’Antonino
- Corbara
- Lumio
Here is a map to help you find your way and plan your discovery:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The road of the villages of Balagne
Taking the road to the villages of Balagne is one of the region’s must-dos(see our article on what to do).
Between the cities of Calvi and L’Île-Rousse, you can leave on the road, to discover exceptional views with vast landscapes and charming stops in the most beautiful villages.
The hinterland is indeed beautiful with hills covered with olive trees, fig trees and orchards. And the villages are perched on top of the hills with breathtaking views. Their streets are narrow and the houses are typical.
It is possible to spend a week exploring all its small villages to discover the variety of bell towers, wash houses, houses etc.
You can explore the area by car or on foot.
If you only have one day we recommend you to come:
- From Calvi: Calvi – Lumio – Cateri – Sant-Antonino – Pigna – Corbara – Calvi
- From L’Île-Rousse: L’Île-Rousse – Pigna – Sant-Antonito – Cateri- Speloncato – Belgodère – L’Île-Rousse
And if you don’t want to rent a car, you can join a guide from Calvi or L’Île-Rousse – see the availability of organized tours
1. Pigna
Why do we love the village?
Small village not far from the sea, Pigna is quite touristy, but charming.
This village has been highlighted with its blue shutters on all the houses. It is therefore very photogenic.
This pedestrian village is full of small stores where artists work and sell their pieces: potters, violin makers, cabinet makers, engravers…
Located on top of a rocky hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the village of Corbara and the sea.
It is a high place of the craft industry in Corsica, at 230m of altitude.
Practical advice
- Between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 35min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 20min
- Parking at the entrance of the village, which fills up quickly in summer!
- Several restaurants in the village, it is a nice place to have lunch during your village tour
- Some steep streets and irregular cobblestones
- Allow 1 hour
- See our article on Pigna
2. Speloncato – our favorite
Why do we love the village?
Built on a rocky spur, Speloncato is a typical village of the Balagne region. And we love it because it is less touristy.
Located 570m above the sea, you can get lost in the labyrinth of alleys before discovering rocky landscapes and views to the sea at the corner of a house.
Here, the rocks are part of the architecture. The village seems welded to nature with ochre facades and orange tile roofs.
The place has a long history, with evidence that it was inhabited during the Neolithic period, but the village only began to develop in the Bronze Age.
This is one of the villages where we had the most fun exploring.
Practical advice
- On the heights of the Balagne, on the side of Ile-Rousse
- Also written Speluncatu
- Driving time from Calvi = 50min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Several small parking lots around, only a few parking spaces in the central square.
- Allow 30min to 1h
- See our article on Speloncato
WHERE TO STAY IN Balagne
Option 1: Île-Rousse
We recommend..:
- Hotel Rocabella, with Jacuzzis – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Saletta Mare, aparthotel with a superb swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
- See our article on the best hotels in L’Île-Rousse
Option 2: Calvi
We recommend..:
- Hotel Kasano with its modern decor and beautiful views – see photos and availability
- Hotel Onda with its charming decor – see prices, photos and availability
- See our article on the best hotels in Calvi
Option 3: in the villages of Balagne
We recommend..:
- Hotel A Casa di Ma in the charming village of Lumio with its Michelin-starred restaurant –see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Serenada in the seaside village of Agajola – see prices, photos and availability
3. Sant’Antonino
Why do we love the village?
Sant’Antonino is the most famous of the villages of La Balagne because it is one of the oldest villages of Corsica (and it is classified among the most beautiful villages of France). It would have its origin in the 9th century.
Situated at the top of a hill, at an altitude of 500m, the village dominates all that surrounds it. It is sometimes compared to a nest of agiles.
Its houses are very close to each other, creating a maze of narrow streets to facilitate defense against attackers. Explore it and you will discover: an old wine press, a bread oven, engraved stones… and more.
At the top, the ruins of a dungeon dominate the whole Balagne.
Practical advice
- On the heights of the Balagne, between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Allow 1 to 2 hours
- Large parking lot at the foot of the village
- Wear comfortable shoes: uneven pavements and hills to climb
- Several restaurants in the village
- See our article on Sant Antonino
4. Corbara
Why do we love the village?
Corbara was the historical capital of the Balagne.
Quite close to the sea, the village is perched at an altitude of 170m.
There is a baroque church, a treasure museum (with liturgical ornaments), a 15th century convent (a little outside the center), the ruins of a castle and as always a maze of alleys.
Exploring Corbara, you will be struck by the quantity of chapels.
Practical advice
- To the southwest of L’Île-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 15min
- Parking near the collegiate church and the town hall
- Sloping streets
- Allow at least 1 hour
- Several restaurants in the village
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
5. Lumio
Why do we love the village?
Lumio is the village of light, between sea and scrub, closer to Calvi this time!
Perched at only 200m above sea level, it stretches out to take advantage of the views over the Gulf of Calvi. The vast landscapes of the Balagne region are particularly appreciated.
We will go back to take better pictures…
Once again, we recommend you to get lost in the maze of alleys to discover a vineyard, a distillery, a baroque church with its Italian bell tower and much more…
Practical advice
- To the east of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 15min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 20min
- Very steep village
- Bring water and sunglasses!
- Allow 1 to 2 hours
- Several restaurants in the village
6. Monticello
Why do we love the village?
Monticello is a rather quiet village, surrounded by olive trees, perched at 218m of altitude.
In the heart of the village, you will find the 17th century church, the main square and alleys in all directions with sometimes vaulted passages… the charm of the Balagne.
From this village, you have a breathtaking view of Ile-Rousse and the islands of Pietra and the white lighthouse.
The village also extends towards the sea with the place called Saleccia (not to be confused with the famous beach of Saleccia in the desert of Agriates). In this place you will find a park, remarkable garden.
Practical advice
- South of Ile-Rousse, inland
- Driving time from Calvi = 40min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 15min
- Parking along the main road
- Allow 30min for the center
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7. Algajola
Why do we love the village?
Unlike the villages we have seen so far, Algajola is by the sea.
Golden sandy beach, a few colorful houses, a fort and the mountains in the background… it’s nice to relax here! But be careful, sometimes you can see big waves.
In this small seaside resort, the beach of Areno is 1.5 km long and ends with a fort built in the 16th century.
The heart of the village, around the church of Saint-Georges, is warm and welcoming and transports you into the Corsican art of living.
Practical advice
- The village is located on the coast, between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 15min
- Train stop between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Parking along the beach
- No particular difficulty
- The fort is privately owned. It cannot be visited.
- Allow 30min to walk around
8. Belgodère
Why do we love the village?
Belgodère stands on a rocky spur between the sea and the mountains. It seems to defy the elements!
The village was founded in the 13th century by the Marquis of Massa. The village was fortified with vaulted passages to reach the heart of the village.
Today, enjoy the magnificent view from the belvedere and its statue, visit the church of St. Thomas built in the 16th century (and modified in the 18th).
Enjoy the remarkable location of this wind-sculpted village.
Practical advice
- To the north-east of L’Île-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 50min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
- Several small parking lots spread throughout the village
- Allow 45min or longer if you are hiking
THE BEST OF THE Balagne
Discover our articles on the region:
Discover our articles about L’Île-Rousse:
Discover our articles on Calvi:
9. Montemaggiore
Why do we love the village?
Montemaggiore is a small village that has kept its charm.
It seems very small, under the shadow of the mountain Monte Grosso that seems to protect it.
Explore the village to enjoy different viewpoints, narrow streets with sculptures.
The church of Saint Augustine stands imposingly at the edge of the village, facing the vast landscape. It dates from the eighteenth century.
And the village is surrounded by Oiliver. Montemaggiore olive oil is also renowned.
Practical advice
- Inland from Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 40min
- Allow 30min
10. Cateri
Why do we love the village?
Cateri is not one of the most touristic villages of the Balagne.
We like it because it looks a little different from the others: it is because of its religious heritage.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta is surprising among the traditional houses. It has an absidal bell tower with arcades, unique in Corsica and has 2 paintings of the XVIIth century inside.
Perhaps you will have the chance to listen to a polyphonic concert in the convent. We haven’t had the opportunity yet, but maybe one day!
Practical advice
- Driving time from Calvi = 25 min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
- Allow 30min
- Parking in the center
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
Stay in one of the villages of La Balagne
Many prefer to sleep on the coast, near the beaches.
But if you are looking for a little more calm and authenticity, you can choose to stay in one of the villages of the Balagne. For example:
The hotel:Palazzu Pigna
In the village of Pigna at 15min – A small historical building (XVIIIth) with terrace and garden. 3 stars.
See prices, pictures and availability
Hotel La Santa
In the village of Poggio with its splendid view from the pool and the balconies. 3 stars.
See prices, pictures and availability
A Casa di Mà
In the village of Lumio – 4 stars with an excellent restaurant
See prices, pictures and availability
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
Other villages of Balagne
You can also visit other villages more or less known.
The list is long…
Village even further inland:
- Avapessa
- Muro
a garden in the mountains with many olive trees, orange trees, fig trees, oak trees and chestnut trees. - Feliceto
300m above sea level, on the slope of Mount Falconajo – see the baroque church, the Genoese bridge… - Nessa
a less touristic village to discover the Corsican life
In the north of the Balagne, in the valley of the Ostriconi
- Lama
Village with medieval alleys and Italian inspired architecture - Novella
- Pietralba
- Palasca
- Urtaca
The towns of Balagne
And of course, don’t miss to visit the 2 main cities of La Balagne:
Calvi
Calvi is a tourist center since the 1920s.
It is a fairly important city with its airport and marina.
The city is concentrated around the marina where you can stroll and sit at a terrace.
L’Île-Rousse
Île-Rousse is the other big city of the Balagne. It is very different from Calvi and other Corsican cities.
It was founded by the most famous leader of the Corsican people Pasquale Paoli in 1758 (although the place has been inhabited since antiquity). He wanted a port that was not controlled by the Genoese.
See our guide to visit Ile-Rousse.
