This area along the
northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since
Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange
trees and the breadbasket of the island.
Set beneath a wall of
imposing jagged mountains which remain snow-capped
until July, the rocky coastline shelters a string
of stunning white sand beaches and an old fishing
settlement now turned into one of the island's
most popular resort towns.
In the shadow of its
citadel built by the Genoese, Calvi bathes in
the legend of Christopher Columbus whose birthplace
it is said to be. It was during an attack on Calvi
that another famous mariner, Lord Nelson lost
his eye.
Not far away from this
historic and compact gem can be found another
port town, Ile Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli
in direct contrast to Calvi, which he felt was
too Genoese. Tiny villages such as San Antonio
and Pigna nestle in its scenery, proudly displaying
their reactivated craft.
Many of the settlements
along this coast have been developed into busy
holiday villages, however the crowds are more
than compensated by the stunning scenery and idyllic
beaches. Trains connect Calvi and Ile Rousse with
Ajaccio and Bastia. Buses are also available.
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