In the north west corner of Corsica, the picturesque town of Calvi is one of the island’s most popular places to visit. Overlooked by an imposing citadel high on a hilltop and flanked by a backdrop of towering mountains, it also boasts a sandy beach that stretches 6km round the bay.
Summer temperatures here average around 27-30 degrees, with July and August being the busiest months for visitors. Earlier in the season there’s a laid-back ambience about the place, so if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway next June you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re visiting in July, watch out for the Calvi On The Rocks music festival, a week of live music and beach parties. So, from lazy beach days to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, OK! takes a look at why Corsica should be next on your holiday list…
At your convenience
Hôtel La Caravelle is ideally located just a few metres from the beach, so you can be taking a dip in the crystal clear sea or sipping a glass of rosé in the Marco Plage beach bar within minutes of leaving your room. The water in the bay is perfect for swimming in – calm and shallow, if a little chilly first thing in the morning at the start of the season.
A 10-minute walk from the hotel will take you to Calvi’s atmospheric port and old town, where there are countless restaurants and bars, not to mention the odd super yacht or two to gawp at. Be sure to walk up into the citadel to explore the cobbled alleys and enjoy the views of the bay.
The hotel itself has clean and comfy rooms set around a pretty courtyard, where breakfast is served daily. Request a room on the upper floors if you want a sea view.
Seaside snacks
You’ve come to the right place if you like lunch with a sea view. There are beach bars and restaurants spread out all along the bay, serving everything from local cheese platters to bowls of mussels. We loved the vegan poke bowls at U Pinu, and La Licorne was our favourite for cocktails, with ambient music playing as the sun went down. Most also have sunbeds for hire during the day.
In the evenings, we joined the crowds heading to the port for dinner with a view of all the yachts. We were impressed with the menus and service at both Umami, where we had fresh tuna steak on a bed of flavoursome noodles, and Le Comme Chez Soir, where we snacked on jamon croquettes and pulled pork arepas.
In the narrow streets behind the waterfront there are courtyard and garden restaurants with a more local feel. Head to Le Magnolia if posh nosh and twinkling lanterns are your thing.
Your to-do list
Calvi’s coastal tourist train stops right behind Hôtel La Caravelle and from there you can travel to the quaint seaside resort of L’Île Rousse, where you’ll find another fantastic beach. At many of the stops between the two there are beautiful coves where you can jump off for a swim.
Still not tired of all that turquoise water? Hop on a boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The red granite rocks towering out of the sea are truly spectacular.
Take a trip inland to the historic town of Corte, once Corsica’s capital, set high in the mountains. Explore the ancient citadel, follow the heritage trail to discover the Genoese bridge and the Belvedere, and soak up the atmosphere in a cute pavement café.
How to book
Corsican Places offers a variety of packages with seven-night stays at Hôtel La Caravelle from £1,149 per person including flights and transfers. Book at corsica.co.uk, or call 01489 866931.
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