What are the most beautiful villages in Corsica?
If you stay in Corsica, you will be enchanted by the landscapes and sites that you will discover. But, no excursion is complete without immersing yourself in the very heart of Corsica, visiting the charming villages that make its reputation around the world. Coastal, mountain or secret villages, you will vibrate by discovering the typical atmosphere that reigns there. But, the island of beauty is vast, so, which are the most beautiful villages in Corsica? Here is a selection of 10 exceptional places to visit urgently during your holidays.
Nonza
Located in Haute-Corse in the Cap Corse region, the village of Nonza is a real gem. Built on a cliff overlooking a beach of black pebbles, its architecture and its panorama will leave you speechless. You will discover steep little streets, its Paoline tower built in 1760 and the Sainte-Julie church dating from the 16th century.
Pigna
Still in Haute-Corse, not far from Calvi in the Balagne region, the village of Pigna is known for its artistic orientation since the 1970s. The workshops of craftsmen (potters, ceramists, flute makers and painters) follow one another in a village with the charm of yesteryear. A village focused on art, Pigna has also made a great place for music and many events take place there in summer and winter.
Sant’Antonio
Still in Balagne, 7 kilometers from Pigna, the village of Sant’Antonio is considered the “Lubéron of Corsica”. Perched 500 meters above sea level and overlooking the sea and the bay of Algajola, this village has only 120 souls living there year-round. You will be surprised by the concentration of granite houses spread out in a circle around the hill. The village has recently been restored to provide a pleasant visit to those who stop there. History is also present in the heart of the Corsican village with the remains of fortifications and the chapel of Saint-Anne-des-Bergers.
Zonza
We are now in southern Corsica, in the Alta Rocca region, with the village of Zonza, which is pronounced “tsonsz” in Corsica. It is located at an altitude of 784 meters in the middle of oak, chestnut and pine forests and offers an exceptional view of the famous Aiguilles de Bavella. It is the ideal place for photography enthusiasts. But, also for sports enthusiasts because the region is well known for the practice of many activities such as hiking, canyoning , mountain biking or climbing for example.
Penta-di-Casinca
Back in Haute-Corse, with the hidden village of Penta-di-Casinca. You have to get away from the traditional paths to discover a village with typical Corsican rustic charm. Located 25 kilometers from Bastia, the village will seduce you with its houses with green roofs set on a lush hill. Watching the sunset is a fabulous experience.
Sermano
Located in the Boziu region, east of Corte, in Haute-Corse, the village of Sermano is very marked by the Corsican culture and in particular by the “paghjella”, Corsican song par excellence. But you still have to find it! Its access is quite difficult because the village is landlocked in this small region itself already very isolated.
Centuri
The village of Centuri is located on the west coast of Cap-Corse and the colors that make up the panorama are worthy of a painter’s painting. From the marina, you will have a magnificent view of the colorful boats used to fish for lobster. You will take great pleasure in strolling the alleys of the village and having lunch or having a drink on the terrace on the quays.
Sainte-Lucie de Tallano
Southern Corsica is rich in authentic villages. This is the case with Sainte-Lucie de Tallano, renowned for its production of PDO olive oil. You will be able to discover a vast olive grove as well as the eco-museum of the oil mill dating from the 19th century. The village square is lively with its pleasant shade, fountain and cafes.
Tizzano
In the Sartenais region, in the very south of Corsica, we arrive at the village of Tizzano, very popular with tourists. Located 15 kilometers from Sartène, the site pleasantly mixes sea and maquis. Nature lovers will only have to move away from the center of the village to find the tranquility to which they aspire. Otherwise, it is quite possible to spend the day at the beach, stroll around the marina or go for a ride by boat.
Lama
We end with the village of Lama, also called “Pearl of the Ostriconi” and its incredible rural architecture. At the foot of Monte Astu, there is a belvedere overlooking the valley. You can follow the “history and architecture” route to discover the Italian bourgeois houses of the 18th and 16th centuries.