Calvi - 15 Saker att göra i Calvi på Korsika som turist

Calvi in Corsica is a must when visiting the island, and here are fifteen things to see and do in Calvi on holiday! We present a great guide to beautiful beaches and attractions, such as the great 15th-century citadel. You'll also find information on flights, boats, buses, weather and excursions for tourists. Calvi in Balagne - at the edge of the sea and the pearl of Europe!

Table of contents

Calvi in Corsica (France)

Calvi is a port city in northwest Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea, and is Corsica's third largest city in the area of La Balagne, located in the department of Haute-Corse. Calvi is also known as the "Orchard of Corsica". This city makes a half-hearted effort to Christopher Columbus is supposed to be born here, but apparently there is no solid evidence that this is really the case... But you don't need Columbus as an excuse to come here. Calvi is a charming and cosy town where it's easy to feel at home.

Calvi Korsika — The beauty of the peninsula as a whole

Calvi is known for its restaurants, nightclubs and some luxury shops, and there are large luxury yachts in the harbour. We found the town to have a lot of different things to offer, but if you're not in the know, it's easy to miss something when you're there. We've put together a list of great tips on what to see and do in Calvi, Corsica as a tourist.

Bästa tipsen att göra i calvi på Korsika som turist — Experience lovely Calvi on holiday!

The beaches

The kilometre-long sandy beach and the crystal-clear turquoise sea with the pine forest behind it offers wonderful opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. If you walk along the Plage de Calvi beach near the city centre, Corsica's high mountain Monte Cintu (2706 metres) follows you all the way on one side, and on the other there is the fantastic citadel at the end of the promontory.

The beach is perfect for all ages as the water is shallow. Keep in mind that if you want to rent a sunbed and parasol, prices are around €15 per day in high season.

Stränder Calvi! Att göra på Calvi på semestern. — the over 6 km long white beautiful beach

Further south along the coast near Calvi are several beaches and coves of varying sizes, often with rock formations that make it even more idyllic. In addition to Plage de l'Alga, there are several gems near Lumio with the beaches of Arinella and Alaio. Also ask about the beaches of Algajola, David, Borde, L'ile Rousse, Lozari and Osticoni.

Calvi plage de l'Alga — Beautiful beaches in Calvi, Corsica. Plage de I'Alga

The Citadel

15th century Genoese citadel forms the largest part of the city, and is Calvi's most important historical monument. The Old Citadel sits high above the harbour where it towers over the green-blue sea. From here you get a great view of the coast and harbour.

The restored palace of the Genoese governor is in the citadel, as are the remains of a house rumoured to be the place where Christopher Columbus was born. The original house was destroyed in a naval battle between England and France in 1794. British sea captain Horatio Nelson lost his right eye and the French lost the house, but there is a statue there instead. Always something!

Elise Sainte Marie Major is a beautiful pink baroque church.

Cathedral of Saint Jean Baptiste The citadel in Calvi was built in the Baroque style, with the best view in town and an allegedly supernatural crucifix.

The Corsican Ethnographic Museum is located in the citadel and houses many things about the history of this beautiful island. Other things to do in Calvi include checking out the Military Museum while you're at it.

Gamla stan i Calvi — Calvi on holiday - above the citadel

Shopping

There is plenty of shopping in all price ranges. You can wander around the cobbled streets, grab a beer or a glass of bubbly and experience the hustle and bustle. Continue around all the stalls and shops in the citadel, a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or quiet evening. Feel the Corsican culture!

Restaurants and entertainment

Restaurants there are plenty of them and they are of a high standard. There is a huge amount of wild boar on the island and this is reflected in the menus. Seafood is also plentiful, as are many goodies from French cuisine and some specialities from Calvi-Balagne.

If you like lemon, try the Fiadone dessert. Other specialities include Balagne's own wine and its own olive oil, which can be made thanks to the kindness of the Romans who planted olive groves in their time.

Calvi — Good seafood with pasta can be found in restaurants.

If you want to try other good local products, you can also try honey, cheeses, almonds and white asparagus. Bars and nightlife are also plentiful and often don't end until the early hours.

Of course, you can also hang out in the marina, among fishing boats and luxury yachts. Even the big cruise ships dock here and there's always something going on. It's luxurious but relaxed! There is soooo much to do in Calvi!

READ MORE: Corsica's beaches - the 10 most beautiful beaches
READ MORE: St Florent in Corsica - a Corsican St Tropez

Fifteen things to do in Calvi on holiday

We take a look at what you shouldn't miss, and there's plenty to do in Calvi, one of the two main tourist towns in Corsica. It doesn't matter what age you are, because this paradise is for everyone!

1st Madonna della Serra

Madonna della Serra is a small church and is a walk from Calvi up a hill, with great views.

2. Scandola Nature Reserve

Scandola Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site southwest of Calvi, on the Cape Girolata peninsula (halfway along the west coast of Corsica). To see this archipelago, it's best to take a boat from Calvi or from Porto. There is also a hiking trail but you have to cross mountains, but if you have plenty of time and are a bit fit, go for it.

3. I'll Rousse

I'll Rousse is the sister city of Calvi, which also belongs to the Belagne region. A popular excursion is to take the coastal road north to the small picturesque town. 24 km by bus or car.

4. Sant Antonino

Sant Antonino is a famously beautiful mountain village, and there are a few more mountain villages nearby. These include Corbara, Pigna, Aregno , Montemaggiore and Calenzana.

5. The Shaker train

The Shaker train (Camina di Ferru di Corsica, CFC) is the slow train that is an experience and a good communication at the same time. There are four trains between Bastia and Ajaccio (Corsica's largest city) every day. Change at Ponte-Leccia to get to Calvi. How about 32 tunnels and 51 bridges and viaducts, which even the famous architect Gustave Eiffel helped build.

6. fango valley

Fango Valley and the river of the same name. This area is now a large nature conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Pierre Napoléon's castle ruins

Pierre Napoléon's castle ruins is located between Calvi and Galéria in the Gulf of Crovani. The castle was built between 1852 and 1854 by nearly 300 men. It was the residence of Pierre Napoléon, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte who was born here.

8. Peninsula Revellata

Peninsula Revellata, on the eastern shore on the way to Porto, is very popular with scuba divers. A World War II bomber lies at a depth of 27 metres on the north side of the citadel. Make sure you have the right diving licence for that depth. You can also go snorkelling and enjoy the beautiful sea.

9. Bonifato Forest

Boniface forest and the river Figarella is about 18 km from Calvi. This river consists of natural pools for swimming, diving or just to cool off in the heat.

10. Hiking and mountain biking

Hiking and mountain biking is a common way to get around the amazing trails around here. The 18-mile GR 20 trail is one you can jump on at any time. Keep in mind that 60 per cent of Corsica is a protected area and in some ways feels like the last wild island in Europe. You'll encounter several small family villages along the way, so take your time.

11th Mountain in Balagne

Mountains in BalagneActivity and excursion at the same time: head up to the mountains of Balagne and meet the locals (farmers). Here you can experience and meet honey makers, wine producers and many more. Talk to your nearest tourist office for more information.

12. Adventure in the Asco Valley

Adventure in the Asco Valley Asco Valley adventure offers. There are 5 exceptional challenges for beginners and professionals alike. Start with a climb at Via Feratta and continue with "tyrotrekking". There is also the largest zip-line adventure course in Corsica.

13. chapel of Our Lady la Serra

Chapel of Our Lady La SerraWhen you're here on holiday, start early before it gets too hot and see the Chapelle de Notre Dame La Serra and Capu de La Veta for a magical view of Cavli. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to walk there.

14. canyoning

Canyoning with Balagne Mountagne Adventure - more adventure around mountains and into rivers or lakes!

15. Water sports

Water sportsThe beaches are bustling with activity, including lifeguards. Windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, paragliding and much more to do in Calvi on holiday.

Helena Calvi — Calvi in Corsica - The citadel offers a great view of the beach and the sea

Stränder på Calvi — Things to do in Calvi on holiday. You can walk along the beach, or on a footpath just above the beach.

See in the neighbourhood

Calanche: Rent a car and discover Calanche dramatically beautiful landscape (Corsica's most photographed road) and take a trip to Piana. Along the way, small coves appear where you're all alone with the azure sea. 85 km driving distance.

Saleccia Beach: Go to one of Corsica's most beautiful beaches Saleccia beach in St Florant in northern Corsica. 68 km driving distance.

Korsika Saleccia beach — Saleccia beach!

Facts about Calvi

Country: France
Region: Corsica
Department: Haute-Corse
Arrondissement: Calvi
Population: 5300 (2009)
Language: French and your own language Corsican which we have written about before. It is possible to get by in English but it is their third language.
Currency: The currency is the euro and prices are similar to those in Sweden.

Travelling to Calvi

Flight: Calvis Airport (Sainte Catherine) is about 7 km from the centre. Flights from Sweden may vary and may run seasonally.
Boat: The boat docks in the port of Calvi. From Nice, Marseille and Toulon, three companies operate: Corsica Ferries, S.N.C.M and Moby Line. From Italy and Sardinia: Genoa, Savona, Livorno and Santa Teresa di Gallura (Sardinia) with Corsica Ferries and Moby Line.
Car ferry: If you want to take your car or motorhome/caravan with you to Corsica, there are 30 departures a day in high season alone with Corsica Ferries from many different destinations from land. We travelled by caravan on the ferry between Nice and Ilé Rousse which took just over 5 hours.
Bus: You can easily get around the island by bus, which leaves from the city centre, near the citadel.

Accommodation in Calvi

Hotel: There are plenty of hotels, look for example on Trivago.se or Booking.com. Maybe at the 5-star Les roches Rouges in Piana with crazy views.
Campsites: Camping La Pinède is one of the three big campsites, and the one we chose ourselves and can recommend. Camping Dolce Vita is also well located at the beach. Camping & Residénce les Castors is closest to the citadel

READ MORE: Travelling to Corsica - your guide to Corsica's best destinations

20 Comments

Add yours →

Rantamor on the retina says:

Sometimes the world seems small,
yet you have enlarged the world for all of us blog readers,
at least Rantafar and me.

Tjingelingen from Rantamor.

01 June 2015 - 20:34

Rantamor on the retina says:

By the way, I have to ask... don't you get homesick?

01 June 2015 - 20:35

Ditte says:

How nice to meet someone you know right here. Wonderful pictures that definitely make me long to return to Corsica. I was here the first time in the 1960s and then a couple of times in the 2000s and now it feels like it's time again.
It is really fun to follow you.

01 June 2015 - 21:17

Henny says:

What a marvellous existence and beautiful and dramatic nature, I can understand that you spontaneously felt that you could settle down there. Speaking of the meeting with your friend. Here we say that we Pittsburghers always meet each other wherever we are in the world. I'd love to see if that's true in Corsica too.

01 June 2015 - 21:53

Comment by post author

admin says:

Rantamor, nice to hear that you feel that we have enlarged the world! 🙂 Nix pix, no homesickness! Maybe because we always feel at home in the motorhome?

Ditte, nice that you have been here so many times. Really a nice island, which you can easily go back to! 🙂

Henny, haha, you have to try it! And should you not meet any Pitebo here, you will at least have a nice stay in Corsica! 🙂

01 June 2015 - 22:17

eva says:

Oh how cosy it looks.
Nothing but rain and cold - worst May in 50 years. And no new money for research. Great to be able to follow your journey.
Hugs

01 June 2015 - 22:45

Comment by post author

admin says:

Eva, oh how fun that you write a comment here! 🙂 Yes, here in Corsica we have it great! Rejection from where...? Any answers you are still waiting for? I will email you!

01 June 2015 - 22:55

Steel city anna says:

It looks so lovely and almost unreal when you sit in the pouring rain here 🙂 nice dress! So far I have not used my summer wardrobe at all.

02 June 2015 - 1:00

Mr Steve says:

Yes, the world is small enough. And you make it all smaller, or perhaps I should say more accessible. Two for me who can't travel.
Summer dresses and sun hats seem far away here at home. You need a fleece sweater, rain cape and south-facing vest.
Continue to enjoy Corsica which I think is a wonderful new acquaintance.

02 June 2015 - 4:01

snort says:

But what a coincidence to meet an old friend right there! Sometimes the world is very small...

02 June 2015 - 6:40

Comment by post author

admin says:

Steen city Anna, isn't it great to be able to wear summer clothes and not freeze! Hope summer comes to you soon!

Steve, hope summer comes to you soon!!!

Znogge, sometimes funny little coincidences happen!!!

02 June 2015 - 7:57

BP says:

It's a small world, that's all! Corsica is definitely on my to do list. It seems to be a lovely and beautiful island!
Thank you for letting us frozen northerners join you on your journey!
Understand that you are not homesick!

02 June 2015 - 8:28

Christine - 29GRADER says:

So beautiful! And yes, the world is very small sometimes. 🙂

02 June 2015 - 8:34

Ama de casa says:

Fantastically nice! And yes, the world is small sometimes 🙂

02 June 2015 - 10:44

Annika says:

How nice you have it. So funny that you met an old friend, but funny and unexpected!!!
LOVE your dress, so beautiful!!!!

02 June 2015 - 16:02

Marina says:

Fun with unexpected company! And the world is small sometimes, or very often really. And it looks very nice with sun and heat, now we want it here too!

02 June 2015 - 16:11

Comment by post author

admin says:

BP, this is definitely an island to put on the to-do list! 🙂

Christine, yes, sometimes you are surprised by where and how you meet people!

Ama de casa, can only agree! I met an old friend in a breakfast restaurant in Odessa, Ukraine once too. That was also unexpected 😉 .

Annika, thank you so much! 🙂

Marina, yes right now we have fantastic weather! Hope you also get some heat soon!

02 June 2015 - 18:05

Role o Carina says:

How beautiful it is where you are, and Warmth too, Wonderfully worse!
Here it continues to rain every now and then, Ugh!

Have fun and enjoy.....:-)

02 June 2015 - 18:48

Comment by post author

admin says:

Rolle and Carina, Corsica is really as nice as people say. And now you must have summer soon!!!?

03 June 2015 - 7:06

Deciree says:

But how nice it looks there:-) You get happy when you see such nice summer pictures. How snoopy you would be if someone called your name when you are abroad like you... Certainly fun for you. Then you have such a nice dress too:)

03 June 2015 - 7:08

Calvi - 15 Things to do in Calvi in Corsica

Calvi in Corsica (France)

The beaches

The Citadel

Shopping

Restaurants and entertainment

Fifteen things to do in Calvi on holiday

1st Madonna della Serra

2. Scandola Nature Reserve

3. I'll Rousse

4. Sant Antonino

5. The Shaker train

6. fango valley

7. Pierre Napoléon's castle ruins

8. Peninsula Revellata

9. Bonifato Forest

10. Hiking and mountain biking

11th Mountain in Balagne

12. Adventure in the Asco Valley

13. chapel of Our Lady la Serra

14. canyoning

15. Water sports

See in the neighbourhood

Facts about Calvi

Travelling to Calvi

Accommodation in Calvi

You might also like:

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20 Comments

Rantamor on the retina says:

Rantamor on the retina says:

Ditte says:

Henny says:

admin says:

eva says:

admin says:

Steel city anna says:

Mr Steve says:

snort says:

admin says:

BP says:

Christine - 29GRADER says:

Ama de casa says:

Annika says:

Marina says:

admin says:

Role o Carina says:

admin says:

Deciree says:

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