Calvi or Ile-Rousse: where to go? (tips + photos)

You want to visit Corsica and you wonder which city to choose: Calvi or Ile-Rousse?
Here are the results of our battle Calvi vs Ile-Rousse comparing, with photos:

• The charm and ease of exploration,
• The best access to the beaches,
• The best monuments and museums,
• The most beautiful day trips,
• …

Where will you go?

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.

Calvi or Ile-Rousse – Summary of the comparison

Short answer

Both cities have a long history and a lot of charm. You can’t go wrong staying in one of them. So here is a summary of our personal opinion on the comparisons. In the article, you will find more details about each section (with pictures).

• Access = equal (airport for Calvi and ferry for Ile-Rousse, and proximity to Bastia)
• Charm of the streets = L’Île-Rousse
• Easy to explore = L’Île-Rousse
• Most beautiful beaches in the city = Calvi
• Most beautiful beaches around the city = L’Île-Rousse
• Most beautiful main attraction = equality (nature for Ile-Rousse or historical for Calvi)
• Best atmosphere / gastronomic scene = equality
• Nightlife = Calvi
• Most beautiful excursions in the region = equality
• Sea and land activities = equality
• If you travel without a car, Calvi has the most to offer

They are both among the best cities to stay in Corsica.

Where are they located? Can I visit both? – Map

The 2 cities are close to each other, in the Balagne region.
Here is our map with the top 6 places to visit in the region(see our complete list).

It is very easy to move between the two, so even if you stay in one, you can visit the other and enjoy its assets:

• By car, the driving time between the 2 via the main road T30 is 30min
• By train from the beaches, the U Trinichellu transports you between the 2 in less than an hour and also allows you to discover the beautiful beaches of Balagne between the 2.

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Accommodations intro

The 2 cities have very nice hotel offers.
We recommend hotels later in this article, but if you have already decided:

• See the best rated accommodations in Calvi
• See the best rated accommodations in L’Île-Rousse

City charm / Atmosphere

Explore the streets of Calvi

Calvi is a mixture of atmosphere:
The area of the citadel with its historic streets that offer a journey back in time.
The waterfront around the marina with its wider streets, restaurants, hotels and lots of life.

Explore the streets of L’Île-Rousse

Ile-Rousse 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.
In this port city, the roads are straight and the architecture dates mostly from the late 18th to early 19th century.
You will find a church, a covered market, and pedestrian streets.
And L’Île-Rousse has its own fine sandy beach in town. Right next to the Pascal Paoli square. You can really do everything on foot!

Our opinion = L’Île-Rousse

Even if we love the Citadel of Calvi, our favorite in terms of charm is for L’Île-Rousse. The city is smaller and we find it has more character buildings.

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Ease of exploration

Our opinion = L’Île-Rousse

ClaireÎle-Rousse is much easier to explore on foot.
It is more concentrated and a little more flat.
But Calvi is not so bad, the biggest difficulty is the citadel with its old cobbled streets and its stairs.
In Calvi, there is a pontoon along the entire beach to give you easy access.

Beach of Calvi or Beach of Ile-Rousse

In this section we only talk about the beach in the city. The following section looks at the beaches around these cities.

Beach of Calvi

Calvi’s beach is truly unique in Corsica: a long stretch of sand, views of the mountains, views of a citadel, a pine tree border and easy access to the city.
It really offers a lot of advantages and we love the combination of nature and city. Here the city does not take over the beach. No skyscrapers.
On the other hand, we warn you, it is covered with people in summer…

• White sand
• Supervised beach in summer in some areas
• Rental of umbrellas, mattresses, pedal boats…
• Some sections are private beaches
• Restaurants on the beach and in the city nearby

Beach of Ile-Rousse

There are 4 beaches within walking distance, one of which is private. They all have several names, and it can get confusing…

The Napoleon beach is the most central, next to the Place Paoli. It is a nice sandy beach with a view of the islands and the bay. It is not very big but charming.
It is a supervised beach in season.
However, being in a city and easy to access, it is very busy in summer!

Our opinion = Calvi

Here, there is no doubt. Calvi is the winner.
Having access to such a large beach in the middle of town is great. And we love the view of the city and the citadel.

Most beautiful beaches around Calvi and Ile-Rousse

Most beautiful beaches around Calvi

Calvi is in a bay where you will find other small beaches in coves.
They are not large but have charm with the views of the bay, the citadel and the mountains in the background.
For example you can go to:

• The beach of the Sainte-Restitude
• The beach of Arinella-Lumio
• The Punta di Spanu point

See our article on the most beautiful beaches around Calvi.

Most beautiful beaches around L’Île-Rousse

Around Ile-Rousse, the beaches have less spectacular views but they are wilder and more beautiful. In Bodri, you can find a very fine white sand under your feet!
For example you can go to:

• The beach of Lozari
• The beach of Bodri
• The beach of Ghjunchitu
• The beach of Ostriconi

See our article on the most beautiful beaches around L’Île-Rousse.

Our opinion = L’Île-Rousse (but not far)

In our opinion, from Ile-Rousse you are closer to the most beautiful sandy beaches.
But anyway with the beach train, you have easy access to many beaches from both cities.

Be aware that in the Mediterranean, at any period, some beaches in Corsica can be covered with algae (Posidonia grass). This can happen at any beach but not at the same time. It’s random. And so the beach seems less paradisiacal, but this is essential for the ecosystem.

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What to do: islands of Pietra or citadel of Calvi

The citadel of Calvi

Calvi is very recognizable for its citadel located on a peninsula.
Start by admiring it from the beach, then go and get lost in its alleys!

It was built under the Genoese government, between 1483 and the seventeenth century in order to have stronger defenses. There are impressive fortifications all around.

Note: we really don’t recommend the citadel to people with walking difficulties. There are many slopes and stairs and the ground is covered with uneven pavement.

See all our tips on visiting the citadel.
And see our complete guide on What to do in Calvi.

The islands of Pietra (and their lighthouse) in Ile-Rousse

The main thing to do in Ile-Rousse is to enjoy the island walk to the top of the lighthouse. It all starts on the seaside promenade, on foot or by tourist train.
What makes the area famous is the series of rocky islands of red porphyry. This vibrant color is what attracts many visitors.
It is even more beautiful at the beginning or end of the day when the sun is low and the colors are even more vibrant.
Learn more about the ballad.
OR see our guide with all the best things to do in Ile-Rousse.

Our opinion = equality, according to your interests

If you are more of a nature lover, then L’Île-Rousse wins with its beautiful islands.
If you are more into history, then the Citadel of Calvi will be a great playground for you.

Excursions in Balagne and further afield

The Balagne region for both cities

The Balagne region is famous for its charming villages spread over the hills between the mountains and the sea.
There are a lot of nice little “fortress villages” with great views and a long history.
The buildings are full of alleys, stone houses and construction using rocks as part of the walls!
Our favorites include: Pigna, Speloncato and Sant’Antonino.

Find our selection in our article on the most beautiful villages of Balagne.

If you don’t have a car, organized tours leave from Calvi and Ile-Rousse to the most famous villages – see the availability of organized tours

Calvi, closer to Piana

From Calvi it is easier to explore the calanques de Piana. You save half an hour of driving. And you can even leave directly by boat.

See the options in organized tours.

Learn more in our article on Piana and its region.

Île-Rousse, closer to the Agriates desert

From Île-Rousse, you are closer to the magnificent Agriates desert.
You can do organized tours in 4WD to discover its wild nature and its dream beaches such as Saleccia (but you can also find them from Calvi).

See the options in organized tours from Calvi
See the options in organized tours from L’Île-Rousse

Learn more in our article on the Agriates desert.

Sea and land activities

Activities in Calvi

You can:

• snorkeling – more information
• learn to dive – learn more

Activities in L’Île-Rousse

You can:

• snorkeling – more information
• learn to dive – learn more

Hotel offer – where to stay

Where to stay in Calvi – accommodation suggestions

• Central Hotel
  The Casa Bianca hotel has a beautiful, clean design and is perfectly located in the city center, close to everything.
  see pictures and availability
• Life in the citadel
  Travel back in time (but with all the comfort…) by renting an apartment in the citadel
  see pictures and availability
• Luxury
  Hotel La Villa Calvi with beautiful perspective effects
  see prices, pictures and availability
• In the hills of Balagne
  Cas’Anna Lidia – Charming Hotel, A Feliceto with splendid views
  See photos and availability
• Camping
  Camping La Pinède is just a few minutes walk from the beach.
  They have small, clean and affordable bungalows.
• see pictures and availability

See the best hotel and rental offers

Where to sleep in Ile-Rousse – accommodation suggestions

• Good value for money
  The Casa Rossa hotel has a lot of charm. It is not in the center, but not far. The rooms are spacious with a dining area with kitchenette.
  see pictures and availability
• In the downtown area
  The Perla Rossa Hotel enjoys an excellent location and offers splendid views of the sea.
  see pictures and availability
• Near the islands
  The Best Western Plus Santa Maria is located near the islands. Its rooms with balconies overlook its small beach.
  see pictures and availability
• Luxury
  Casa Paradisu – 5 star hotel with dream pool
  See photos and availability
• Store
  Hotel Rocabella in the center of the city
  See photos and availability

See the best hotel and rental offers

Our opinion = equality

Both cities have a great offer of hotels and rentals.

Catering offers

Corsica has many delights.
Enjoy the stores and restaurants with : Cookies (canistrellis, courellinis…), cold cuts, cheeses…

Restaurants in Calvi

In Calvi, we recommend, among others

• Restaurant A Casetta
  If you are looking for delicious Corsican charcuterie, look no further.
• Restaurant Il Capitano
  And if you are looking for more developed dishes with one of the most beautiful views of Calvi from the terrace on the 5th floor. Here is the right choice for you;
• Marine Life Restaurant
  In a very pleasant setting, with the soft sound of the halyards of the pleasure boats moored nearby, you will be able to taste a creative cuisine as we like them. The prawns will be cooked with soy and citrus caramel, sprinkled with peanut chips, while the pork loin will be topped with a honey spice juice…

Restaurants in L’Île-Rousse

In Ile-Rousse, we recommend, among others

• U Bistrotellu d’a Quadrera
  In one of the alleys of the city, a restaurant which handles humor and very good Corsican family recipes. You can opt for the soup of the chef’s ex-wife or tackle the entrecote steak topped with its Corsican cheese sauce. Only happiness and conviviality!
• The Restaurant Le Rendez-Vous
  A must in Ile Rousse, the restaurant of the hotel L’escale Côté sud which offers not one, but two terraces with a breathtaking view on the bay. The menu is wide, enough to satisfy all tastes and appetites. We advise you to combine tapas and a generous salad with good Corsican products.
• Acula Marina Restaurant
  A restaurant with its feet in the water, overlooking the beach of Caruchettu. What a pleasure to taste swordfish a la plancha or paccheri Sicilian style in such a setting!

Access – how to get to Calvi or L’Île-Rousse

Both cities are easily accessible:

• In Calvi, you find a small airport – in summer, you have flights from Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris Orly, Toulouse, Brussels Charleroi, Paris CDG, Vienna, Salzburg, London Stansted
• In L’Île-Rousse, ferries of Corsica Ferries and Corsica Linea arrive from Nice, Marseille or Toulon.

Or you can arrive in Bastia by plane or by ferry.
Driving time between Bastia and Ile-Rousse = 1h30
Driving time between Bastia and Calvi = 2h