Balagne

The top 6 things to do in Balagne

Calvi – some say Calvi has it all, it is a bussling city in summer with its cafes, restaurant and night life but is also worth the stop for its cultural and architectural sights. And not to mention its beautiful beach, 4.5km running from the town marina to the mouth of the Figarella river. So visiting Calvi is really about doing a little bit of all. For the sightseeing, the Genoese citadel which sits on a rocky promontory is the peaceful hideaway of the city, with its “Palais des gourverneurs Genois”, once residence of Genoese governors, the St Jean Baptiste Cathedral and also a fabulous view of the rest of the city and the bay. Back to the main city, stroll around the marina and get tempted by one of the many boat excursions going to the Scandola reserve or to one of the many diving sites around. Finally, the Quai landry, with its many restaurants and cafes, is the place to be for the in crowd.

Strada di l’artigiani – or the Tour of Corsican handicraft, takes you around Balagne

visiting villages that have maintained a traditional activity of corsican handicraft. You will not only discover authentic corsican creations but also meet and get to know people who keep the corsican culture and spirit alive. Blown-glass, pottery, music instruments, knives, sandstone wares, olive oil, asphodel and lavender honey are some of the local products you will come across, driving through Calenzana, Cateri, Algajola, Olmi Capella, Feliceto, Calvi, Occhiatana, Lumio, Corbara, Santa Reparata and Pigna. To find your way: http://www.routedesartisans.fr

Pigna – this small village perched on a mountainside behind Algaloja can only be visited by foot. Cars park outside the village and the numerous tourists that come to visit can then peacefully wander around the narrow medieval paved streets. The village is worth a visit simply from its natural charm and authenticity. It is also famous for the “Casa Musicale”, a

shrine to corsican musical instruments, all handcrafted.

The biosphere and river swimming of the Fango – the biosphere reserve of the Fango river was created in 1977. The river starts at an altitude of 2550m and ends up in the gulf of Galeria. Following its course, one can discover a fabulous ecosystem, with an extremely rich fauna and flora changing over very short distances. On the heights, where the river starts, you might even be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle or a lammergeier, both protected species.  The water of the Fango river are also crystal clear and of very good quality. It is hard to resist taking a dip.

Hiking in Balagne – Balagne walking trails are numerous and will enable yo to discover the region, be it along the coast or from village to village inland. For more infromation you can check (in French only unfortunately)

http://rando-balagne.jimdo.com/

Diving and scenic view at the Pointe Revellata – A few kilometers from Calvi, the Pointe Revellata offers scenic views from its cliffs that dive into turquoise waters. The view is best from Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra, a 19^th century chapel situated at the end of the road leading to the point.  A nice stopover for sighseeing is also the popular diving spot with its underwater canyon and a B-17 bomber sunk 28m below surface.