Calvi Balagne Tourism

Visiting Calvi

The Citadel, the ramparts, the bay, the old town alleys, souvenir shops, and the Old Port for strolling or having a drink.

• The Citadel: imposing and remarkable, located in the Upper Town, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the port, and the maquis. It bears witness to significant historical and cultural heritage. Follow guided tours and audio guides offered by the Calvi Tourist Office located on the marina, from mid-September to mid-June, to plan your visit (guided tours on request and self-guided tours available daily). Price: €7 per adult – Treasure hunt for children aged 7 to 14: €4.
• Quai Landry: stroll along the marina and enjoy the sunshine. Fishermen prepare to set out to sea early in the morning while you enjoy the scenery. Numerous bars and restaurants line the quay, offering local products on their lunch and dinner menus.
• Sainte-Marie-Majeure Church: built in 1774 with a neo-Gothic bell tower added in the 19th century, it has been listed since 1988. The four chapels opening onto the nave honor the Virgin Mary and are dedicated to Saint Erasmus, the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Saint Anthony of Padua.
• Covered Market – Calvi Art de Vivre and Gastronomy: held every morning year-round, offering fruits, vegetables, and local products. Located next to Sainte-Marie-Majeure Church.
• The Salt Tower and Caponnière: built in 1495, the Salt Tower served as a watch post and salt storage. Now fully restored, it is part of Calvi’s Citadel and has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1992. Many exhibitions are held here every year. Free individual or group visits.
• MUDDAC – Museum of Arts of the Calvi Citadel: a space for artist exhibitions. Contact the Calvi Tourist Office (Tel. 04 95 65 16 67) for programs, opening days, and prices.
• Relaxing at the Beach: La Pinède Beach, accessible from downtown Calvi, hosts the Calvi On The Rocks festival each year. Sainte-Restitude Beach, just outside Calvi. Algajola Beach, between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse. Lozari Beach, near L’Île-Rousse.

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Les Rencontres Balanines

Crafts, pottery, jewelry making, glasswork, polyphonic singing, vineyards, olive oil and honey production... so many men and women, passionate and committed to heritage and tradition, ready to share their land, island, and culture with you. They await you in the Balagne region and nearby villages to share their know-how.

• Atelier Codolina – Catherine d’Angeli – Santa Riparata di Balagna (26 km from Calvi)
• Arts et Bois Workshop – Catherine Koening – Belgodère (40 km from Calvi)
• Ceramics Workshop – Jacky and Cyril Quilicchini – Pigna (22 km from Calvi)
• Casa Bella Workshop – Pierre Genton-Orsini – L’Île-Rousse (24 km from Calvi)
• Hammered Jewelry Creation – Marjorie Maestracci – Citadel of Calvi & Lumio (10 km)
• Jewelry Creation – Marie-Restitude Millien – Citadel of Calvi & Calenzana (13 km)
• Driftwood Workshop – Martine Sanchez – Citadel of Calvi
• Savonnerie de la Figarella – Aurélie Barbosa & Sophie Ravel – Moncale (15 km)
• Kinai Pottery Workshop – Virginie Bareille – Cateri (17 km)
• A Traverre Glass Workshop – Virginie Torelli – Calvi & Pigna (22 km)
• BdeH Jewelry – Hélène Cancela – Corbara (23 km) & Bodri (15 km)
• L’Attellu – Pierre Guerra – Woodturner – Calvi
• Donna è – Biocosmetics – Christine Leandri – Belgodère (40 km)
• L’Astratella Distillery – Noëlle Irola & Milou Corteggiani – Lumio (10 km)
• Caruli Ceramics – Carole Fanet – Aregno Plain (20 km)
• C’Era una Volta Decoration – Carole Tramoni & Raphaël Cavallero – Aregno (20 km)
• Pottery Workshop – Antoine Campana – Corbara (23 km)
• Domaine Alzipratu – Winemaker – Pierre Acquaviva – Zilia (16 km)
• Basketry – Annick Rony – Calenzana (13 km)
• Albatros Workshop – Sculpture & Ceramics – Emma Tholon – Speloncato (33 km)
• A Filetta – Polyphonic Singing – Concerts and evenings in Balagne
• La Montagne des Orgues – Elisabeth Pardon – Speloncato (33 km)
• Myl et Melo – Fashion Accessories Workshop – Calvi & Lunghigano (16 km)

Things to See and Do Between Calvi, L’Île-Rousse, and the Villages

Churches, Chapels, and Convents

Calvi

• Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist: a baroque architectural gem near the Citadel, housing exceptional works such as a 1498 altarpiece, a figure of the Annunciation, a polychrome marble high altar, and a statue of the Virgin of the Rosary, brought from Spain in the 16th century.
• Oratory of Saint Anthony: built in the 15th century, this site is the “guardian of Calvi traditions.” Richly decorated, the chapel is dedicated to the Saint Anthony Abbot Brotherhood.
• Cardinal Fesch Collection, permanent exhibition at Calvi Town Hall: secular works once belonging to Cardinal Fesch. Free access upon request at the town hall reception.

L’Île-Rousse

• Former Franciscan Convent: long the only place of worship in L’Île-Rousse, now home to the Notre Dame private school. Free access.
• Palazzu Piccioni: a monumental building in the city center. Built as a secondary residence in 1837, it was converted into a hotel in the 1930s. Royal visitors included the Prince of Wales, the King of Greece, and the exiled King of Morocco.
• The Powder Magazine – Tour du Scalu: located in the town hall square, this 17th-century building now houses municipal services.
• Church of Mercy: also known as the “Monks’ Church,” dating from 1825.
• The Môle and Quai d'Orléans: originally built by Pascal Paoli to handle trade between Calvi and Genoa. Known as the “Fishermen’s Wharf,” it has been restored since 2002 and is a pleasant promenade for discovering L’Île-Rousse.
• Pietra Lighthouse: built in the 19th century, it offers spectacular views over all of Balagne, from mountains to sea. The building is not open for visits. The site is currently closed for renovation work by the Coastal Conservatory. Completion date not announced.
• Place du Canon: once prized by Pascal Paoli and his troops for being the city’s only water source. It is named after the spring "Di U Canone."
• Bust of Pascal Paoli: located in Place Paoli at the heart of the city. National hero and father of the Corsican homeland, he founded L’Île-Rousse in 1758 to rival Genoa-loyal Calvi.

In Balagne, on the Village Route

• Chapel of Our Lady of the Serra: head toward Galeria from Calvi’s northern exit to discover one of Corsica’s most beautiful viewpoints. Panoramic views guaranteed over Calvi Bay and the Reginu Valley from the foot of the imposing statue that protects this enchanting site, a part of Calvi’s religious heritage. A 500-year-old procession is held here each year in early September.
• Stroll through the inland and mountain villages like Galeria, Urtaca, Mausoléo, Pigna, Manso, Belgodère, Monticello, Speloncato, Lama, Palasca, Corbara, Aregno, Montegrosso, Calenzana, Nessa, Pietralba, Lumio, Oci, Moncale, Novella, Lavatoggio, Zilia, Cateri, Ville di Paraso, Avapessa, Muro, Santa Riparata di Balagne, Feliceto, Vallica, Olmi-Capella, Pioggiola, or seaside villages like Algajola, Occhiatana, Losari trail to discover preserved religious, historical, and traditional heritage: Romanesque chapels, Baroque-style churches, 19th-century manor houses and castles, convents, Genoese towers, amphitheaters, and even abandoned villages.

Protected Areas, Walks and Hikes

La Revellata Point: just outside Calvi, this rocky headland is home to wild coves. Ospreys, crested cormorants, and gulls find refuge here. It is a fully protected area for local flora and fauna, dedicated to biodiversity.

• Site Regulations: camping, bivouacking, and extended occupation are prohibited. Camper vans and fitted vans may park only during the day (no tents, tables, chairs, etc.). Parking is forbidden from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. throughout the site.

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Find all the seasonal events in Calvi and Balagne:

2023 Exhibitions

Culture – Polyphony – Concerts

• MUDDAC Exhibition – inquire at the Calvi Tourist Office for the full schedule and opening times.
• Ange Marie Calistri Exhibition – until October 20, 2023 – L’Île-Rousse
• I Campagnoli – St. John the Baptist Cathedral – October 9, 2023 – Calvi

Events from October 2023 to September 2024:

• Tour de Corse Historique – 23rd edition: 18-stage motorsport competition over 5 days for car enthusiasts – October 7 to 14, 2023 – Calvi
• Artisanal and Commercial Fair of Munticellu: crafts, entertainment, and musical evenings – October 13 to 15, 2023
• Lisula Cine Musica Encounters: musicals, biopics, documentaries, animated films, classic and contemporary cine-concerts – October 18 to 24, 2023 – L’Île-Rousse, Le Fogata Cinema
• Green Orizonte Festival: a new festival dedicated to sustainable development and tourism in Corsica – 3 locations and 3 dates to discover the region: October 20–22, 2023 – Calvi - October 21 – Lumio - October 22 – Calenzana
• Corsica Bike Festival: the French Enduro MTB Cup Final with shows, beginner sessions, pump tracks, and concerts – October 27 to 29, 2023 – L’Île-Rousse
• Balagne National Rally – 25th edition: an official FFSA-registered car race – December 8 to 10, 2023 – L’Île-Rousse
• Trail Palazzi Sant’Anghjulu: sport and pushing your limits in a stunning setting – March 12, 2023 – Santa Reparata di Balagna
• A Petralbinca – 5th edition for thrill-seekers and sports enthusiasts (trail running and power walking) – June 2, 2024 – Pietralba
• Lisula Cine Musica – Fête de la Musique – June 20 to 23, 2024 – L’Île-Rousse
• Lama Film Festival: a must for film lovers and more – July 27 to August 2, 2024 – Lama
• Fiera Muntagnola: the friendly atmosphere of Giussani and Olmi-Cappella centered around food and crafts, all about sharing – August 4, 2024 – Olmi-Cappella, community hall
• Pétanque International – Le Paoli – September 20 to 22, 2024 – L’Île-Rousse

A professional team is here to assist you in planning your stay:

• Welcome services
• Travel information
• Guided tours and audio guides
• Ticketing for shows, concerts, and events
• Markets, fairs, and local artisans
• Gift and souvenir ideas

Four Tourist Information Offices at your service to explore Calvi and Balagne:

1 – Calvi Balagne Tourist Office

• Port Marina Office – Calvi Balagne
• Open year-round, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Reception: +33 (0)4 95 65 92 90
• Email: resa@calvi-tourisme.corsica
• Information and assistance

2 – Galeria – Falasorma Tourist Information Office

• Carrefour des Cinque Arcate – 20245 Galeria
• Open from June 1 to September 15 (June and September: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; July and August: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Reception: +33 (0)4 95 62 02 27
• Email: tourisme@balagne-corsica.com
• Information and assistance

3 – Algajola Tourist Information Office

• Algajola Train Station – 20220 Algajola
• Open from June 15 to August 31 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Reception: +33 (0)4 95 65 16 67
• Email: tourisme@balagne-corsica.com
• Information and assistance

4 – Calvi Citadel Tourist Information Office

• Citadel – Entrance Archway – 20260 Calvi
• Open from June 1 to September 29 (June and September: Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; July and August: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
• Reception: +33 (0)4 95 65 16 67
• Email: tourisme@balagne-corsica.com
• Information and assistance

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