Haute-Corse in 8 Sites: From Maquis to Sea

A protected wilderness plunging into a turquoise sea, villages perched above the void, and a coastal road running along a hundred kilometres of wild coastline: the north of Corse brings together some of the island’s best-preserved Mediterranean nature. Looking for what to do in northern Corse, between beaches reachable on foot, coastal trails, and fishing harbours?

Our selection of ten sites helps you build your itinerary, with a certified eco-friendly campsite as a home base in the heart of nature.

Saint-Florent: the Genoese fishing harbour at the head of the gulf

Set against its gulf and its Genoese citadel, Saint-Florent watches over the entrance to Haute-Corse. Built in 1440, the round fortress overlooks a lively marina and a maze of alleys where Corsican life can be savoured. The village serves as the ideal gateway to the Agriates desert and the neighbouring vineyards. Its seaside terraces and producers’ market make it a perfect base for discovering what to do in northern Corse without multiplying your journeys.

Visitors’ favourite: the view over the gulf from the ramparts of the Genoese citadel, at sunset.

Practical information:

• The village lies at the entrance to the Cap Corse, in Haute-Corse.
• The harbour serves as the departure point for shuttles to the Agriates beaches.
• Spring and early autumn avoid the summer crowds.

Agriates desert: 15,000 hectares of protected nature

A vast wilderness between Saint-Florent and the Ostriconi, the Agriates desert covers roughly 15,000 hectares of maquis, rocky ridges, and secret beaches. The site has been protected since 1979, which has preserved its raw beauty. No paved road crosses it: you explore it on foot via the customs officers’ trail, by boat, or by 4×4 on tracks. It’s one of the last great untouched expanses of the French Mediterranean coastline.

Visitors’ favourite: walking the customs officers’ trail, between fragrant maquis and turquoise coves.

Practical information:

• The site stretches between Saint-Florent and the Ostriconi valley, in Haute-Corse.
• Access is on foot, by boat from Saint-Florent, or by 4×4 on track.
• The maquis is protected: you must stay on the marked trails.

Plage de Saleccia: white sand at the end of the tracks

Isolated in the heart of the Agriates, the Plage de Saleccia unfurls a kilometre of white sand bordered by a pine grove and translucent water. Its isolation, preserved by the absence of a direct road, makes it one of Corse’s most beautiful beaches. It’s reached by boat from Saint-Florent, on foot via the coastal trail, or by 4×4 on a bumpy track. This wild setting, with no buildings or shops, rewards the effort of those seeking untouched nature.

Visitors’ favourite: swimming in transparent water, facing a beach that has stayed completely wild.

Practical information:

• The beach lies in the heart of the Agriates desert, in Haute-Corse.
• Access is by boat, on foot, or by 4×4, with no paved road.
• No shops on site: bring water and provisions.

Cap Corse: a hundred kilometres of coastal road

A finger of land pointing north, the Cap Corse unfurls nearly a hundred kilometres of coastal road between Bastia and Saint-Florent. The corniche strings together fishing harbours, Genoese towers, pebble beaches, and villages clinging to the mountainside. Every bend opens onto a new view of a deep blue sea. This route, best done by car or, for the sportier, by bike, sums up on its own the diversity of things to do by the water in northern Corse.

Visitors’ favourite: the Mattei mill, a viewpoint facing the sea at the top of the Cap road.

Practical information:

• The road circles the Cap Corse between Bastia and Saint-Florent.
• The full route takes a day if you stop in the villages.
• Fishing harbours dot the coast, with restaurants and small ports.

Nonza: the black village suspended above the waves

Nonza towers over the sea by more than a hundred metres, crowned by its black Paoline tower. Below stretches a long beach of dark pebbles, a legacy of the area’s former mining activity. The contrast between the grey of the beach, the green of the maquis, and the blue of the sea leaves a lasting impression on visitors. A steep staircase links the village to the shore, rewarded by a swim in clear water, far from the tourist bustle.

Visitors’ favourite: the sweeping view over the black pebble beach from the village tower.

Practical information:

• The village lies on the west coast of the Cap Corse, in Haute-Corse.
• The descent to the beach is via a steep staircase from the village.
• The dark pebble beach is suited to swimming in summer.

Erbalunga: the painters’ fishing harbour by the water

On the east coast of the Cap Corse, Erbalunga stretches its stone houses right down to the water’s edge, around a ruined Genoese tower perched on a rock. This fishing harbour inspired painters and writers, drawn in by its light and its calm. The cool alleyways, shaded little squares, and seaside terraces invite a pause outside of time. It’s a restful, human-scale stop on the road that runs along the Cap’s coastline.

Visitors’ favourite: the Genoese tower perched on its rock, enhanced by the morning light.

Practical information:

• The harbour lies on the east coast of the Cap Corse, north of Bastia.
• The village is explored on foot, through its alleyways down to the water.
• A music festival brings the harbour to life at the height of summer.

Bastia: the old port and the Genoese citadel

The historic capital of Haute-Corse, Bastia blends the bustle of a trading port with the authenticity of an old Genoese quarter. The old port, with its tall façades and colourful boats, forms the beating heart of the city, extended by the perched citadel of Terra Nova. Baroque churches, lively squares, and the Saturday market immerse visitors in Corsican life. It’s a lively city, ideal for grasping the island’s soul before heading off to the wild coasts of the north.

Visitors’ favourite: the old port in the early morning, as fishermen return before the terraces come alive.

Practical information:

• The city lies at the foot of the Cap Corse, in Haute-Corse.
• The old port and citadel can be explored on foot in half a day.
• The market is held on Saturday and Sunday mornings on the main square.

L’Île-Rousse: the seaside resort of the Balagne

Founded in the eighteenth century, L’Île-Rousse owes its name to the red porphyry islets that close off its bay. This seaside resort of the Balagne combines a sandy beach right in the town centre, a covered market under arcades, and a promenade shaded by plane trees. The Île de la Pietra, linked by a causeway, offers a walk out to the lighthouse and a panorama over the coast. As the starting point of the Balagne’s little train, the town serves the nearby beaches car-free, in a spirit of soft mobility.

Visitors’ favourite: the sunset from the Île de la Pietra, over rocks reddened by the light.

Practical information:

• The town lies in the Balagne, west of Haute-Corse.
• The little train runs along the coast and serves the beaches as far as Calvi.
• The covered market welcomes local producers every morning.

You now know what to do in northern Corse, from the Agriates to the fishing harbours of the Cap. Book your stay now at a green campsite in Corse and enjoy accommodation that respects an island nature still well preserved.

FAQ – What to Do in Northern Corse?

What’s the best time to visit northern Corse?

Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures, a maquis in bloom, and moderate crowds. Summer is good for swimming but concentrates the crowds on the Agriates beaches, best reached early in the morning.

How do you get to the Plage de Saleccia in the Agriates?

Three options exist: the boat shuttle from Saint-Florent, walking the coastal trail from Lotu, or the 4×4 track from Casta. No paved road serves the beach, which preserves its wild character.

What can you do in northern Corse without a car?

The Balagne’s little train links L’Île-Rousse to Calvi, serving the beaches along the way. Boat shuttles reach the Agriates from Saint-Florent. Staying at a well-located campsite limits journeys and favours soft mobility.

Is northern Corse suited to a nature-focused stay?

Absolutely. The Agriates desert is protected by the Conservatoire du littoral, and the customs officers’ trail runs along a preserved coastline. Hiking, swimming, and exploring the maquis make up a programme that respects the island’s environment.

How much time should you allow to discover the Cap Corse?

A full circuit of the Cap takes an entire day if you stop in the villages and fishing harbours. To fully enjoy Nonza, Centuri, and Erbalunga, two days let you slow the pace and savour each stop.

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