Calvi is renowned for its historical heritage, its fine sandy beaches, its marina, and its citadel overlooking the bay. It is an exceptional place, perfect for a vacation. Once there, you can engage in many activities, depending on your desires and budget.
For those who want to start with the must-see things to do in Calvi, here is a detailed guide on the subject.
How to get to Calvi?
To get to Calvi, you have several options depending on your starting point and mode of transport. Here are some examples:
- By plane: Calvi has an international airport, located about 6 km from the city center. You can access it from several French or European cities, such as Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Geneva, or Brussels. In this regard, you can get a good deal by choosing a Lyon – Calvi flight with Air Corsica. Once arrived, you just need to reach the city center by taxi, bus, or rental car.
- By boat: Calvi has a commercial port located at the foot of the citadel. You can access it from several Corsican or mainland ports, such as Bastia, Ajaccio, L’Île-Rousse, Toulon, or Nice.
- By train: Calvi has a railway station located near the port. You can access it from several Corsican towns, such as Bastia, Corte, or L’Île-Rousse. The train allows you to discover the magnificent landscapes of Balagne, the region where Calvi is located.
- By car: Calvi is accessible by road from several towns in Haute-Corse. You can take national road 197, which runs along the west coast of the island, or territorial road 30, which crosses the center of the island. Having a car gives you more freedom and allows you to visit the surroundings of Calvi.
What are the must-do activities during a stay in Calvi?
During your stay in Calvi, you can fill your time with many activities, both entertaining and enriching. Among the absolute must-dos in this region are:
Take a walk in the woods
Calvi is surrounded by pine, oak, and eucalyptus woods, offering a green and refreshing setting. You can take a walk in the woods, on foot, by bike, or on horseback, and enjoy the scent of the plants, the birdsong, and the view of the sea.
Also consider visiting the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra, which overlooks the town and offers an exceptional panorama of the Gulf of Calvi.
Visit Calvi by boat
Calvi has a magnificent coastline, with fine sandy beaches, wild coves, steep cliffs, and rocky islets. You can opt for a boat tour and discover the wonders of the coast.
Among the must-sees are the Revellata point, the Pietra lighthouse, the bay of Algajola, or the Lavezzi islands. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving and admire the rich and colorful underwater world.
Take the train from Calvi to Île Rousse
Calvi is connected to Île-Rousse by a picturesque railway line that runs along the coast and passes through typical villages. You can take the train from Calvi to Île-Rousse and enjoy the varied and enchanting landscape, between sea and mountains.
It is also possible to stop at the seaside resorts of Lumio, Algajola, or Corbara, and enjoy their beaches, monuments, and atmosphere.
Stop at the Citadel of Calvi
The citadel of Calvi is the symbol of the city and its main tourist attraction. It stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the port and the bay. This citadel dates back to the 13th century and has been reinforced over the centuries to withstand attacks.
Today it houses the palace of the Genoese governors, the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, the Saint Anthony Oratory, and the Balagne Museum.
Discover historical treasures
Calvi has a rich historical past, reflected in its architecture and monuments. You can discover its historical treasures by visiting the following places:
- The chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra
- The village of Occi
- The Saint John the Baptist Cathedral
- The Saint Anthony Oratory
- The Sainte-Marie-Majeure Church.
Visit the beaches
Calvi is renowned for its fine sandy beaches, bordered by turquoise and crystal-clear water. On site, you can visit:
- Calvi Beach
- The beaches of Arinella and Algaio
- Revellata Beach
- Ostriconi Beach
Visit Landry Quay
Landry Quay is Calvi’s main promenade, running along the beach and the marina. It offers a magnificent view of the citadel and the surrounding mountains. You can visit Landry Quay enjoying the following activities:
- Stroll along the quay: this is a pleasant and relaxing activity that allows you to appreciate the atmosphere and charm of Calvi. You can observe boats, fishermen, tourists, and locals crossing the quay. The landscape also includes colorful houses, palm trees, flowers, and several statues adorning the quay.
- Go shopping: this is an entertaining and fun activity that lets you discover local products and specialties. On Landry Quay, you can find shops, markets, artisans, and artists offering a variety of items.
- Dine: this is a gourmet and friendly activity that allows you to taste the flavors and typical dishes of the region. On Landry Quay, you can find restaurants, cafés, ice cream parlors, and creperies offering varied menus. Depending on your desires, you can choose between seafood, pizzas, salads, ice creams, or crepes.
Taste the specialties of the region
Calvi is an ideal destination in Corsica for food lovers and gourmets. Indeed, it offers a varied and flavorful cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean and island traditions. You can enjoy specialties made from fresh and local products there.
Among the must-tries are Corsican cheese, Corsican charcuterie, Corsican honey, brocciu fritters, Corsican soup, and fiadone. You can also taste the wines of the region, notably the white wine from Clos Culombu, which pairs perfectly with seafood and fish.
Conclusion
Calvi is a town that offers many activity options for all tastes and budgets. Whether you are interested in historical, cultural, or natural heritage, you will not be disappointed by the richness and diversity of Calvi. You can also relax on the beach, swim in the sea, or have fun at the festivals and events that punctuate the life of the town.
