Boat Trips in Upper Corsica

A land of character with contrasting landscapes, Upper Corsica captivates visitors with its diversity and authenticity. Between paradise beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages, it offers countless experiences for an unforgettable holiday. Stretching from the Agriates Desert to the peaks of Monte Cinto, and along the wild coasts of Cap Corse, this region is a true playground for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers.

Exploring Upper Corsica means diving into a territory where every trail tells a story and every bay reveals a hidden treasure. Whether you prefer the gentle charm of Mediterranean shores or the intensity of mountain landscapes, this region promises breathtaking discoveries.

From crystal-clear beaches to high-altitude hikes, boat trips, and gastronomic experiences, here are the best activities not to be missed in Upper Corsica.

Relax on the paradise beaches of Upper Corsica

The coastline of Upper Corsica is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, where white sand and translucent waters compete in beauty. Among the must-sees, Saleccia Beach, located in the heart of the Agriates Desert, stands out for its wild and unspoiled character. Accessible only by boat or hiking trail, it offers an idyllic setting for a day of relaxation.

Nearby, Lotu Beach is just as spectacular. Its turquoise waters and fine sand make it a little slice of paradise, perfect for basking in the sun. Further north, the beaches of Lodo and Ghignu, also located in the Agriates, guarantee total escape, far from the hustle of tourist zones.

On the eastern coast, Moriani Beach charms with its stretch of golden sand bordered by pine forests. Its easy access and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for families seeking swimming and relaxation.

Explore hilltop villages and authentic heritage

The villages of Upper Corsica embody the soul of the island, with stone houses, narrow alleys, and shaded squares. Perched above the sea or nestled in the mountains, these picturesque towns offer a true journey back in time.

Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest villages in Corsica, enchants with its medieval architecture and exceptional views over the Balagne. Strolling its cobbled streets reveals historic remains and artisan workshops keeping Corsican traditions alive.

Not far away, Pigna is another gem, renowned for its commitment to art and culture. This village is home to many artists and musicians dedicated to preserving the island’s musical heritage. Its artisan shops, open-air concerts, and sweeping sea views make it a must-visit.

In Cap Corse, the village of Nonza, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is famous for its black pebble beach and unique atmosphere. Its Genoese tower and baroque church add to the charm of this timeless spot.

Hiking and mountain adventures: Upper Corsica’s wild side

For lovers of hiking and unspoiled landscapes, Upper Corsica is full of trails winding between sea and mountains. One of the most iconic is the famous GR20, considered one of the most challenging trekking routes in Europe. Crossing Corsica from north to south, it offers spectacular panoramas, steep ridges, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.

Less demanding but equally fascinating, the hike to Lake Nino unveils an enchanting landscape of vast pozzine (wet meadows) typical of Corsica’s highlands.

For total immersion in nature, the Agriates Desert offers exceptional routes through maquis and preserved beaches. The coastal path linking Saint-Florent to Saleccia is a must-do hike, with sweeping views over the Gulf of Saint-Florent framed by mountains.

Discover Upper Corsica from the sea: boat trips and water sports

Exploring Upper Corsica from the sea allows access to exceptional sites often unreachable by road. Boat excursions from Saint-Florent or Calvi are perfect for admiring the wild coastline and its secret coves.

The Scandola Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Corsica’s natural jewels. Its red cliffs plunging into deep blue seas, marine caves, and rich wildlife make it an unmissable destination for a boat trip.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy jet-skiing along the coast or scuba diving in the clear waters of Calvi Bay. With its shipwrecks and abundant marine life, this area is a true paradise for divers in search of adventure.

A gastronomic immersion in Corsican flavors

No stay in Upper Corsica is complete without discovering its gastronomy. The richness of the island’s terroir is reflected in every dish, balancing Mediterranean flavors with mountain influences.

Local markets, such as those in Bastia and Île Rousse, overflow with typical products: artisanal charcuterie, sheep’s cheese, and maquis honey. Brocciu, the star ingredient of Corsican cuisine, is enjoyed both in savory and sweet forms, notably in fiadone, a delicious traditional cheesecake.

In the villages, traditional inns serve authentic dishes such as wild boar stew, brocciu fritters, and cannelloni with fresh cheese. Tasting these specialties with a glass of Patrimonio wine—one of Corsica’s most renowned appellations—is a true invitation to savor the island way of life.

Sailing trips: Discovering Upper Corsica from the sea

Sailing along the coasts of Upper Corsica aboard a sailboat is an unforgettable experience, offering access to spectacular views and preserved coves. Far from the crowds, the sea provides a different perspective on the island’s wild beauty, revealing sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden beaches accessible only by boat.

From the ports of Saint-Florent, Calvi, or Bastia, several itineraries allow for escapes along the coast. One of the most popular is the crossing to the Scandola Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural enclave shelters exceptional biodiversity and impressive volcanic rock formations—an awe-inspiring setting best appreciated when arriving by sea.

Sailboats also allow access to the secluded beaches of the Agriates Desert, particularly Saleccia and Lotu, true gems surrounded by fragrant maquis. These beaches, with their paradise-like appearance, are ideal for a day of swimming in crystal-clear waters and picnicking against the vast backdrop of the Mediterranean.

The experience of sailing offers a unique sense of freedom, carried by the wind and the rhythm of the waves. Some itineraries include snorkeling stops in transparent waters, where colorful fish and starfish abound. For an even more magical moment, setting sail at sunset reveals golden light igniting Corsica’s cliffs and mountains, transforming the landscape into a living canvas.

Genoese towers: Guardians of Corsica’s coastline

Emblematic of Corsica’s landscape, the Genoese towers dot the coastline of Upper Corsica, bearing witness to a past marked by invasions and the need to protect the island. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Genoese, they served as strategic observation posts to signal threats from the sea, especially pirate raids. Today, they represent a fascinating heritage and offer spectacular viewpoints over the Mediterranean.

One of the most famous is the Nonza Tower, perched on a dramatic Cap Corse cliff. From its summit, the view over the black pebble beach and the endless horizon is breathtaking. Nearby, the Santa Maria Tower at the northern tip of Cap Corse stands proudly against the elements, offering a postcard-perfect backdrop.

The Customs Path (Sentier des Douaniers), running along the northwest coast of Upper Corsica, allows exploration of several of these towers on a spectacular route between sea and maquis. The Losari Tower, near Île Rousse, and the Osse Tower in Saint-Florent are other remarkable remains, their stones telling centuries of vigilance and defense.

Some towers are accessible via short hikes, adding to the pleasure of discovery. Their robust architecture, built with local stone, reflects the skill of Genoese builders in adapting constructions to Corsica’s rugged terrain. A few have been restored and now provide ideal lookout points for watching the sun set over the sea.

Visiting these towers is like stepping into the history of Upper Corsica, where every stone whispers the stories of lookouts who once scanned the horizon for enemy ships. Perfectly integrated into the landscape, these monuments stand as timeless landmarks, reminders of the island’s strong identity and resilience in the face of past challenges.

Upper Corsica: Between sea and mountains, an unforgettable escape

Whether for a single day or a longer cruise, a sailing trip in Upper Corsica is an invitation to escape—an unforgettable experience carried by the island’s raw beauty.

Between dreamlike beaches, majestic mountains, picturesque villages, and authentic flavors, Upper Corsica reveals the very essence of Corsica: a land where nature, history, and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Every moment spent here is etched into memory, offering a unique immersion in one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful regions.