Balagne is a charming region of Corsica, with vast, relaxing landscapes. If you’re in the mood for a bucolic stroll, we recommend the village of Montemaggiore, with its picturesque lanes and incredible views of olive groves and the sea!
Here’s our guide to the must-see stops in the village of Montemaggiore, Corsica, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Montemaggiore worth a visit?
The village of Montemaggiore is well worth a visit for its authentic charm.
It seems tiny, under the shadow of the Monte Grosso mountain that seems to protect it, but it attracts gourmets every year who come to taste its renowned olive oil. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica’s Balagne region.
1. Explore picturesque alleyways
Perched on a mountainside, Montemaggiore is immediately captivating with its authentic charm and unobstructed views over the Bay of Calvi. Strolling through the village’s narrow streets, lined with ochre granite houses and weathered shutters, you can sense a timeless atmosphere. Vaulted passageways, steep staircases and ancient fountains tell the story of a village that has preserved its soul.
Did you know? For a time, Montemaggiore was home to part of the seafront population fleeing the insecurity caused by the ruin of the Calvi diocese. This surely explains the sense of retreat evoked by the village, protected by the surrounding mountains.
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2. Visit the charming church
The Corsican Baroque church of Sant’Agustinu di Montemaiò stands proudly in the center of the village. Built in the 18th century, its generous proportions and Claire stone steeple are surprisingly visible from neighboring villages.
We weren’t able to visit the interior when we were there, as the timetable seems to be a bit unpredictable, but if you can, take a look!
3. Admire the panorama of Calvi Bay
Don’t leave the village without climbing to the ancient bastion at the top of the village.
Here, a breathtaking panorama awaits you: the Monte Grosso mountains, the Aregno plain, olive groves as far as the eye can see and, on a clear day, the sea in the background.
A bench has been installed: the ideal spot for a contemplative break as the sun sets.
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.
4. Passage Don Juan
One of the village’s special features is the Passage Don Juan, also known as u passu di don ghjuvà. Legend has it that a young Corsican lord waited here for his beloved, who had been banished from the village by her family. In Les Âmes du purgatoire, writer Prosper Mérimée portrays a sultry, tormented Don Juan.
Born in Sevilla in 1627, this inveterate seducer was the fruit of a union between Donna Gelormina Anfriani, originally from Montemaiò, and Tomaso Magnara, a native of Calvi.
Corsican blood in the veins, Andalusian charm in the heritage…
After seducing his half-sister – the ultimate scandal – he flees to Andalucia. There, wracked by remorse, he abandoned his earthly passions to become a monk. Think about it when you use the passageway!
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
5. Do the Montegrosso loop
Montemaggiore is part of the municipality of Montegrosso, along with two neighboring villages: Lunghignano and Cassano. The three hamlets are linked by a beautiful 2.5-hour walking loop, passing through centuries-old olive groves, ridge paths and magnificent views over the valley.
- Marked trail (5km loop), open all year round
- Free access
- Practical tip: set off early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler weather, and take water with you as there are no refreshment points along the way.
THE BEST OF THE Balagne
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Other attractions in and around Montemaggiore
Once you’ve enjoyed the discreet charm of Montemaggiore, why not continue with other activities nearby?
Discover the other villages of Balagne
First of all, you can take a look at the other two Montegrosso villages: Lunghignano and Cassanol, just a few minutes away by car.
And you won’t be disappointed with the rest of Balagne, whose hills are dotted with picturesque villages. All of them bring something a little different: a bell tower, a view, an atmosphere…
Find out more in our article on the villages of Balagne!
The Balagne wine route
The Strada Vinaghjola, or wine route, winds its way through hilltop villages, sun-drenched hillsides and family estates nestled in the heart of the maquis. Along this picturesque route, you’ll discover distinctive Corsican wines, made from local grape varieties such as Niellucciu, Vermentinu and Sciaccarellu. Winegrowers welcome you to their cellars for convivial tastings, often accompanied by local charcuterie and cheeses. A must for epicureans in search of authenticity.
Farniente option at Sainte Restitude Beach
Just a 16-minute drive from the village, you’ll find the pretty Plage de Sainte Restitude: between Calvi and Lumion, this sandy beach offers a relaxing setting away from built-up areas. And it faces the citadel of Calvi, offering beautiful views, with the mountains in the background.
Sant’Ambroggio Beach is also a good alternative!
Read our article on the most beautiful beaches around Calvi.
A tour of Calvi
After recharging your batteries in and around the pretty village of Montemaggiore, take a trip to Calvi, a must-see destination in Corsica, thanks in no small part to its fortress. The citadel of Calvi is a unique place between sea and mountains, fortified on a small peninsula at the gates of the city.
Find out more in our article What to do in Calvi!
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How to get to Montemaggiore + parking
Where is Montemaggiore
- In the Balagne region
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from L’Île-Rousse = 40min
How to get there
There’s only one way to get to Montemmagiore: by car, because unfortunately the village has no public transport links to Calvi.
To reach the village, you’ll cross a winding road that climbs up the hillside, offering superb views of the Balagne region and the sea.
Parking in Montemaggiore
Montemaggiore is an entirely pedestrian village, so you’ll need to park in the free parking lot outside town.
Useful tips for visiting Montemaggiore
How long and when?
Allow 30min to explore every corner of the village without hurrying.
Montemaggiore is all the more beautiful in the summer months, between May and September, but this is also the time when most of Corsica’s tourist traffic is concentrated, even if Montemaggiore remains an unspoilt village.
In July, the village also hosts the Olive Fair, showcasing the island’s olive production. More information on the tourist office website here.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The village of Montemaggiore is small and easy to explore. So there’s no particular direction to follow. We recommend good walking shoes for the cobbled streets and the occasional incline.
Please note that not all corners of the village are accessible to the PRM public.
Visiting with children
We didn’t spot any specific attractions for children, but they should enjoy the bucolic stroll.
Catering
We didn’t have time to try it out, but we did spot the Restaurant L’Altezza, whose carefully-crafted menu will delight you, as will its exceptional panorama!
Plan your trip to Corsica
Discover all our articles to make your trip a success!
- All our practical advice for a trip to Corsica – read
- How to get to Corsica – coming soon
- Which ferry to take to Corsica – read
- Rent a car in Corsica – read
- Where to stay in Corsica – read
- Driving in Corsica – read
- 3 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- 4 or 5 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- The most beautiful destinations in Cose – read
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