Between the sea and the mountains, the region of La Balagne is a little jewel that offers a lot to the visitors: beautiful beaches, towns of character, authentic villages and breathtaking views.
Here is our complete guide with all our tips, based on our visits:
- Map, how to get there
- best things to do in La Balagne: towns, villages and beaches
- Where to sleep
- …
We wish you wonderful experiences!
Why visit La Balagne Region in Corsica? What to do? – summary
One of the most beautiful destinations in Corsica
If you are looking for a varied region with a pleasant way of life and not too complicated traffic, choose La Balagne. You will find:
- Two beautiful cities with very different characters
- Fine sandy beaches
- Rock formations as a change from sand
- Villages of character on the heights with beautiful views
- Lots of good local products to enjoy
- …
It is one of the most beautiful regions to visit in Corsica(see our list).
Where is La Balagne
To clarify a bit:
- North west of Corsica
- Around the towns of Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Southern limit = Gulf of Calvi
- Northern boundary = mouth of the Regino
- The coast but also the inland to the mountains of medium altitude.
- Here is a map to help you find your way
- and see all our tips for planning a dream trip to Corsica here
Things to do in La Balagne
We introduce you all our favorite places in the article but to summarize, the must-sees according to us are
- Visit the citadel of Calvi, and admire it from the beach
- Notice the differences with the city of Ile-Rousse and visit its islands
- Visit at least 2 villages in Balagne: for example Pigna and Sant Antonino
- Relaxing on a sandy beach such as Bodri
- Fun on the rocks of Punta di Spanu
How to get there
You may arrive:
Airplane
Directly to Calvi airport: Calvi Sainte Catherine – you can find direct flights from cities in France and some cities in Europe.
See the flights
Ferry
Directly by ferry to Ile-Rousse. The city is served from:
- Marseille (France) in 11:30 with Corsica Linea
- Nice (France) in 4h15 with Corsica Ferries
- Toulon (France) in 7 with Corsica Ferries
- Livorno (Italy) in 5h30 with Corsica Ferries
- Compare prices and schedules, and book
- See our guide to choosing which ferry to take to Corsica.
By ferry or plane + car. You can easily reach the Balagne by car from Ajaccio and Bastia.
And now here are all our suggestions of the best things to do in Balagne.
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.
More advice at the end of the article after the places to see: when to go, how long…
1. Calvi, its citadel and its beach
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.
The beach of Calvi
One of the main attractions of Calvi is that there is a large beach in the center of the city.
This famous beach is called La Pinède. Its name is due to all the pine trees along the beach.
It is a 5 km long arch of white sand that offers a perfect view of the citadel at the end of the bay.
We recommend a quiet walk in the morning as the sun rises.
Calvi is a beautiful town to stay in and explore the region.
We recommend the Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views
– see pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations in Calvi
The citadel
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.
Learn more about the citadel and see all the best things to do in Calvi.
2. Île-Rousse and the Pietra islands
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.
Downtown and the beach
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!
The Pietra Islands
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.
L’Île-Rousse is a great place to stay to explore the Balagne region.
For example, the Rocabella Hotel in the heart of the city, with a soothing natural setting.
– see prices, pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse
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
3 à 6. Explore the villages of the Balagne
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!
Here are some of our favorites to include in your itinerary.
3. Pigna
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, engravers…
Located on top of a rocky hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the village of Corbara and the sea.
It is one of the most beautiful villages of Corsica(see our list).
See more photos.
4. Speloncato
Built on a rocky spur, Speloncato is a typical village of the Balagne region.
We love it because it is less touristy.
We love the views and also the way the hill and rocks are part of the architecture, 570m above the sea water.
The place has a long history, with evidence that it was inhabited during the Neolithic period. The village began to develop in the Bronze Age.
This is one of the villages where we had the most fun exploring.
See more photos.
5. Sant’Antonino
Sant’Antonino would also have its origin in the IX century. It is one of the oldest villages in Corsica.
Located at the top of a hill, at an altitude of 500m, it dominates all that surrounds it.
Its houses are very close to each other, creating a maze of narrow streets to facilitate defense against attackers.
See more photos.
6. Algajola
Most of the villages to visit are in the mountains, but we also really enjoyed the seaside village of Algajola.
Its authentic charm and picturesque tranquility will win you over. Take a stroll along the seafront and the fort’s ramparts, or wander through the starlit alleyways to soak up the village’s warm ambience.
Other villages of La Balagne to visit
It is really fun to explore these villages. They are like labyrinths. It’s a good thing they’re not big, because you could easily get lost!
Many of them even have tunnels.
See our complete list in this other article.
If you love them, there are even more to visit:
- Lumio
- Corbara
- Monticello
- Muro
- Feliceto
- Nessa
- Belgodère
- …
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
7 à 12. The beaches of the Balagne
As we saw earlier, you can already enjoy the beautiful beaches of Calvi and L’Île-Rousse. But you can also drive a little but not long, to discover more wild and beautiful beaches!
7. Calvi Beach
A beautiful long sandy beach, bordered by pine trees and facing the citadel.
However, being in a city and easy to access, it is very busy in summer!
8. L’Île-Rousse beach
A nice sandy beach with a view of the islands and the bay.
It is really not big but charming.
However, being in a city and easy to access, it is very busy in summer!
9. Bodri Beach
Driving time from Calvi = 30min
Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 10min
If you’re looking for beautiful white sand in beautiful surroundings, head to Bodri.
This beach is just south of Ile-Rousse.
The parking lot is paid in summer but free the rest of the year or you can reach it by train.
From the car, it is a 5 minute walk to the beach.
See more photos.
10. Beach of Ghjunchitu
From Bodri, there is a beautiful 10-minute walk to its neighbor, Ghjunchitu beach. We highly recommend the walk through the Mediterranean scrub with the sand.
It is one of the beaches with the finest sand in Corsica.
See more photos.
11. Punta di Spanu
Driving time from Calvi = 20min
Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
For something different, go to the other end of the bay to Punta di Spanu.
You will need a car to get there and the road has big holes at the end, so drive slowly. It is 20 minutes drive from Calvi.
The corner has only two small sandy areas. However, there are plenty of giant boulders to play with!
See more photos.
It is one of our favorite places in Corsica.
12. Algabeach
And south of Calvi, you can visit the peninsula of La Revalatta.
There is a large parking lot at its base where you can admire the whole peninsula.
You can reach it by car, or enjoy a hike along the Sentiers des Douaniers.
Then you can explore the area with its boulders, small streams and turquoise waters.
This one is the beach of Alga:
Other beaches of the Balagne
These are our favorites, but you can still find other beaches in the vicinity of Ile-Rousse and Calvi:
- Beach of Aregno
- Beach of Arinella
- Beach of Sant’Ambroggio
- Beach of Cala di Furnellu
- Beach of the Davia Navy
- …
See our article with our favorite beaches in Balagne.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
13 à 18. Other activities in Balagne
13. Fango Valley
One of our favorites was the Fango Valley in Corsica, a true natural gem that captivates visitors with its wild, unspoilt beauty. Nestled in the heart of Corsica’s regional nature park, this valley offers an enchanting landscape where crystal-clear rivers, verdant forests and majestic mountains mingle. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, the Fango Valley is home to a rich and varied flora and fauna, making it a veritable paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Whether exploring the winding trails along the river, swimming in the natural pools or watching the rare birds, the Fango Valley offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of unspoilt nature.
14. U Trinichellu: Train between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse
If you don’t have a car (and even if you do), consider taking the train to U Trinichellu.
This tourist train runs during the summer from Calvi to Ile-Rousse and back, stopping several times along the way near the beaches.
It stays along the coast the whole time offering splendid views to the travelers!
It takes 45 minutes for a one-way trip, and they often run every hour in the summer.
15. Saleccia Park
Spend a relaxing moment surrounded by nature.
The Park of Saleccia is a magnificent garden with Corsican flora: maquis, pines, myrtles and fig trees, and several types of olive trees.
Latest news on the official website
16. Diving baptism
If you have always wanted to discover diving, why not start here?
You can find diving lessons:
- from Calvi – see details
- from L’Île-Rousse – see details
And if it’s not your first time, you can find nice outings to explore the Balagne seabed – see options
17. Balagne hiking (and mountain biking)
If you want to make beautiful hikes in the Balagne region, consider:
- The tip of Revelatta – 2h30 loop in the wilderness until the end of the peninsula.
- From Île-Rousse to the village of Monticello (8km)
- Ascent of Monte Sant’Angelo from Corbara (1H30)
- In Lozari: 2-hour loop along the sea
- and many others
There are also many mountain bike circuits in the Balagne. At the moment we don’t know anything about it but we will try to find someone who does.
18. The Balagne mountains: Bonifato forest
If you feel a little hot near the sea, why not go up to the mountains of La Balagne to cool off.
Above Calvi (20km), you discover the Bonifato forest, surrounded by steep walls. It is one of the lungs of La Balagne.
You can hike, fish, climb, or discover part of the famous GR20.
But above all, you can swim in the river with its hidden natural pools.
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!
19 to 21 – Excursions from Balagne
19. Boat to the calanques de Piana and Scandola
Calvi to Porto Ota = 2h drive
In the south of Balagne, the Gulf of Porto shelters the fabulous calanques de Piana and the natural reserve of Scandola. This site is a Unesco heritage site.
The landscapes of pink and red cliffs are exceptional.
It is one of the most beautiful corners of Corsica.
To explore it, you have 2 options:
- 2h drive from Calvi then boat from Porto Ota (the road is beautiful!)
- Excursion by boat directly from Calvi
See a lot of options for boat tours on Viator and on Getyourguide.
20. Agriates Desert
Calvi to St Florent – 1h40 by car
In the north of La Balagne, the desert of Agraites is a protected area with a beautiful wild rocky terrain and heavenly beaches(see our guide).
The whole area is only accessible by boat or 4WD or by boat or on foot.
The most famous beach is Saleccia with white sand dunes and turquoise water sparkling under the sun.
To explore it, you have 2 options:
- 1h40 drive to Saint-Florent and boat then walk
- 4WD excursion directly from Calvi – see program and availability
21. L’Ostriconi
On the way to the Agruates desert, you cross the Ostriconi region.
It begins with the beach of Lozari and ends with the superb beach of Ostriconi (our favorite in Corsica).
You need a car to explore this area but it’s worth it!
The beaches are superb.
Where to stay in Balagne
For lots of suggestions, see our articles:
Where to eat in Balagne – best restaurants
In Calvi we recommend:
La Signoria restaurant (starred)
The table of the heavenly Relais et Chateaux La Signoria is at the height of the place facing the forest of Bonifato: balance of flavors and cooking with exceptional dishes (porcini, pike, chuck…)
The restaurant Ile de Beauté (brasserie)
Whether you choose the terrace facing the port or the carefully decorated dining room, you will enjoy a convivial bistro cuisine, from pan-fried calamari with parsley to braised lamb mice.
The Via Marine restaurant (market cuisine)
In a very pleasant setting, you will be able to taste a creative cuisine as we like it.
In Ile-Rousse we recommend:
U Bistrotellu d’a Quadrera (market cuisine)
In one of the alleys of the city, a restaurant which handles humor and very good Corsican family recipes.
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.
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!
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Visiting the Balagne – Tips
When to go to Balagne
As for the rest of Corsica,
- the temperatures are most pleasant from April to October.
- sea temperatures are best for swimming from mid-June to mid-October
- and the crowds invade the beaches in July and August
How long to visit the Balagne
For a glimpse of all that Balagne has to offer, you should allow 3 days:
- 1 day in Calvi
- 1 day in the villages
- 1 day on the side of L’Île-Rousse
But to fully enjoy the area, you should allow a week.
But you can spend an entire vacation just in this area. There is a lot to see!
What is the most beautiful beach in Balagne?
It depends on what is most important to you…
Our favorite is Punta di Spanu because we love the colored rocks.
If you are looking for beautiful sand and a wild beach, consider Bodri
And if you’re looking for a beach that’s super easy to get to, then Calvi’s is for you.
Calvi or Ile-Rousse: where to stay?
The 2 seaside towns of the Balagne are excellent options for your vacation.
To stay more in the city, with more bars and more beaches, choose Calvi.
For a town with more charm and a quieter atmosphere, choose L’Île-Rousse.
See our complete comparison: Calvi or Ile-Rousse.
