The Route of Authentic Flavours - Strada di i sensi - en Corse

Genoese Towers and American Houses

Genoese Towers and American Houses

At the northern tip of the Island of Beauty lies a truly unique region. This is a land where agriculture played a major role in centuries past. It is also from Cap Corse that many Corsicans, driven by a spirit of adventure, set off to conquer distant lands. Some returned wealthy enough to leave a lasting mark by building the famous Palazzi di l’Americani, or “American Houses” — vast stone mansions resembling palaces or grand residences, often inspired by colonial architecture. These buildings feature exterior colonnades, majestic staircases, and painted ceilings in every room, not to mention expansive parks and gardens that once likely housed exotic species.

Some of these homes have since taken on new roles:

• As visitor attractions: Villa Gaspari-Ramelli in Sisco
• As charming guesthouses and hotels: Maison Battisti in Barettali; Hôtel Castel Brando in Erbalunga; Hôtel Le Vieux Moulin in Centuri; Palazzu Nicrosu in Rogliano; Hôtel Marian d’Oru in Macinaggio.

Others, still visible from village to village, have been restored by their owners or acquired by local authorities. All proudly bear witness to the rich history of Cap Corse and its people.

Must-See & Must-Do

Nebbiu is a region nestled between Cap Corse and the Désert des Agriates. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the island’s interior. The Conca d’Oru is also part of this micro-region in Upper Corsica, offering an authentic lifestyle between sea and mountains, maquis and deep blue waters. The region is also known for its agricultural expertise, with dedicated winemakers producing award-winning wines of unique character. Nebbiu is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Information and Enquiries

• Bastia Tourisme
• Corsica Saint-Florent
• Cap Corse Tourisme
• Lucciana-Mariana
• Gusti di Corsica – Nebbiu – Cap Corse

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to discover Nebbiu – Cap Corse – Conca d’Oru, departing from Brussels, Dole*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Bastia.

*seasonal flights

Hiking and Discovery in the Niolu

Hiking and Discovery in the Niolu

La Casinca – Castagniccia, a fertile and bountiful region, has offered high-quality fruit and vegetable production since Antiquity. Here, the emblematic product is the chestnut, which remains the region’s main inland economic activity to this day. Each micro-region boasts its own hilltop village and unique heritage: the convents of Castagniccia, the Romanesque chapels of Casinca, the Galea Park, the Pascal Paoli Museum, the Orezza spring site… not to mention the many fairs that enliven the area throughout the year.

Must-See & Must-Do

• Casinca Rural Fair (Fiera di San Branca) – Early May in the village of Castellare
• Col de Pratu Rural Fair (Fiera di a Bocca di u Pratu) – Late July at the Col de Pratu
• Arcarota Market – Every Sunday from July to August at the Col d’Arcarota
• Castagniccia Rural Fair – Early July in Piedicroce
• Hazelnut Fair (Fiera di a Nucciola) – Mid-August in Cervione
• Niolu Fair (Santa di u Niolu) – A religious event held every year in early September, featuring cultural and traditional gatherings of artisans, producers, and polyphonic singers from across Corsica

Information and Enquiries

• Destination Castagniccia
• Costa Verde Tourism
• Gusti di Corsica – Casinca – Castagniccia – Costa Verde

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit Casinca – Castagniccia – Costa Verde, departing from Brussels, Dole*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Bastia.

*seasonal flights

Sightseeing Tour in the Eastern Plain

At the heart of the Eastern Plain lie lakes and lagoons renowned for their production — Urbino and Diana are famous for their oyster farming — as well as the pastoral lands of the Fium'Orbu shepherds, and the legendary city of Aleria, prized by the Romans since Antiquity, who made it a thriving trading post envied throughout the Mediterranean. Proud to uphold its livestock farming tradition, the region has also turned to viticulture and grape varieties, along with new crops such as kiwi, clementine, and pomelo.

Must-See & Must-Do

• Museum & Heritage: the archaeological site of Aleria
• Nature site: Diana Lagoon
• Fairs and markets: local producers' markets – Les Halles de Prunelli in Migliacciaru
• Beer Festival (Biera in Festa) in Ghisoni – last weekend of July
• Religious celebration: Notre Dame de Pancheraccia in Pancheraccia – July 1st and September 8th each year

Information and Enquiries

• Corsica Orientale – Fium’Orbu Castellu
• Oriente Tourist Office
• Gusti di Corsica – Corsica Livantina

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Eastern Plain and Corsica Livantina, departing from Brussels, Dole*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Bastia.

*seasonal flights

Heritage, Memory and Nature in Cinarca

The region boasts truly remarkable flora and fauna: pink granite illuminates the rock formations; crystal-clear waters border the gulfs; centuries-old Lariccio pines fill the forests; rugged coastlines, mountain lakes, and natural pools make the areas of Dui Sevi – Dui Sorru and Cruzzini – Cinarca a one-of-a-kind destination in Corsica.

Must-See & Must-Do

• The Gulf of Porto
• The Scandola Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Aïtone and Lonca forests
• The Spilonca Gorges
• The convents of Cargese and Vico
• The Greek Church of Cargese, listed as a historical monument
• Meet local producers and artisans at the region’s fairs:
  – Rencontres Inter Confréries, late July in Piana
  – Pork Fair (A Tumera), December in Renno
  – San Roccu Rural Fair, mid-August in Renno
  – Honey Festival (Mela in Festa), late September in Murzo
  – Chestnut Festival, late November in Evisa

Information and Enquiries

• The West Corsica Tourist Office, covering nearly 34 villages in the region
• Gusti di Corsica – Dui Sevi – Dui Sorru – Cruzzini – Cinarca

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Dui Sevi – Dui Sorru region, departing from Brussels, Clermont-Ferrand*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Rome*, or Toulouse to Ajaccio.

*seasonal flights

The Southern Tip of Corsica

Arriving in the far south of Corsica is a breathtaking experience — the beauty of the landscape is truly striking. The statue of the “Lion of Roccapina” marks the symbolic gateway to this southernmost part of the island. From the roadside viewing area, you can take in the panoramic view and capture unforgettable photos.

Must-See & Must-Do

• Bonifacio: its citadel, cliffs, and steep alleyways
• Porto-Vecchio: its Genoese gate and fully restored old town
• The Ospedale Forest
• Alta Rocca, or the “Land of Lords,” with its many villages
• Local markets showcasing regional producers and artisans
• Olive Oil Fair (Festa di l’Oliu Novu) – mid-April in Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano
• Corsica Raid Aventure – June 7–11, starting from Monaccia d’Aullène
• Les Médiévales – September 6–7 in Levie
• Religious festivals and processions in Bonifacio following the Catholic calendar
• Art’è Gusto Festival (Taste and Know-How) – around April 20 in Bonifacio

Information and Enquiries

• Bonifacio Tourist Office
• Porto-Vecchio Tourist Office
• Alta Rocca Tourist Office
• Lecci Sud Corse Tourist Office
• Gusti di Corsica – Southern Corsica

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Southern Corsica region, departing from Brussels, Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Rome*, or Toulouse to Ajaccio and/or Figari.

*seasonal flights

The Land of Pascal Paoli

Central Corsica is a haven for nature lovers. It stretches from the renowned Vizzavona Forest to the Col de Verghju, which rises to 1,478 metres above sea level. Since 1984, visitors have been welcomed by the “Christ the King” statue, sculpted from a single block of granite by artist Noël Bonardi. Between these two remarkable landmarks, you can explore the region through its many villages (Vivario, Venaco, Saint-Pierre-de-Venaco...) and a wide range of outdoor activities, including tree climbing, horseback riding, canyoning, hiking around the Cintu and Rotondu massifs, and visiting Lake Tavignano.

The heart of Central Corsica beats in Corte, the town that embodied the great ambitions of the illustrious Pascal Paoli, who left his mark throughout the city — from the Citadel to the Museum of Corsica.

Must-See & Must-Do

Mountains, valleys, and lakes form a spectacular natural landscape:

• Vizzavona Forest
• Verghellu and Restonica Valleys
• Monte Cintu
• Monte Rotondu
• Capu Tafunatu
• Paglia Orba
• Local producers’ markets

Fairs and Events

• Corsican Craft and Gastronomy Fair – early April in Corte
• Cheese Fair (Fiera di u Casgiu) – early May in Venaco
• Horse Festival (Cavall'in festa) – mid-June in Corte
• Hunting and Fishing Fair – late June in Ponte Novu
• Wood and Forest Fair – early August in Vezzani
• A Santa di u Niolu – religious celebration, early September in Casamaccioli
• Pascal Paoli Museum – Morosaglia

Information and Enquiries

• Corte Tourist Office
• Pasquale Paoli Tourist Office
• Gusti di Corsica – Centru di Corsica

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Central Corsica region, departing from Brussels, Dole*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Ajaccio and Bastia.

*seasonal flights

Corsica of Origins

The cradle of Corsican history. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the region of Sartenais – Valinco – Taravu has continuously adapted to the many changes that have shaped it over the centuries. Nestled between mountains and sea, the local population developed a strong pastoral tradition that has endured through time. Charcuterie, cheese, olive oil, honey, and wine are still widely produced today.

Must-See & Must-Do

• The archaeological sites of Filitosa and Cauria
• The Departmental Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology in Sartène
• The Lion of Roccapina
• Hilltop villages
• Campomoro Tower
• Senetosa Lighthouse
• Mare a Mare Sud trail
• Mare è Monti Sud trail
• Local producers’ markets
• Wine tours – every Friday in July
• Sartène market – Saturday mornings
• Filitosa Rural Fair – early August
• Baracci Rural Fair – mid-August

Information and Enquiries

• Corsica of Origins
• Gusti di Corsica – Sartenais – Valinco – Taravu

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Sartenais – Valinco region, departing from Brussels, Clermont-Ferrand*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Ajaccio and Figari.

*seasonal flights

The Garden of Corsica

Once known as “the garden of Corsica,” Balagne is one of the island’s most beautiful regions. From the gorges of Asco to the Désert des Agriates and the Fango Valley, discover a truly enchanting land. Calvi and L’Île-Rousse are the two main towns, surrounded by hilltop villages, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. The land has been cultivated since Antiquity, notably for olive groves and vineyards, and more recently for peach orchards, almond trees, and everlasting flowers (immortelles). Local arts and crafts are also very present in the surrounding villages.

Must-See & Must-Do

• Fango Biosphere Reserve
• Bonifato Forest
• Asco Forest
• Saleccia Botanical Park
• Hiking along restored trails
• Guided tours and immersive heritage and music experiences

Fairs and Events

• Rencontres du Bien-Être – mid-May in Calvi
• Santa Restituta Rural Fair – late May in Calenzana
• Olive Fair – mid-July in Montegrosso
• Winegrowers’ Festival – late July in Calvi
• Almond Fair – early August in Aregno
• Bread Fair – mid-August in Lumio
• L’Île-Rousse Fair – early October
• The Balagne Artisans’ Route Meet local knife makers, beekeepers, luthiers, winemakers and more in the villages of Calenzana, Cateri, Algajola, Olmi-Cappella, Feliceto, Calvi, Occhiatana, Lumio, Corbara, Santa Reparata, Pigna, and many others.
• The Wine Route

Information and Enquiries

• Balagne Corsica Calvi
• Gusti di Corsica – Balagna

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Balagne region, departing from Brussels, Dole*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Calvi and Bastia.

*seasonal flights

Ajaccio Region, Land of Napoleon and Tino Rossi 

From the Gulf of Ajaccio to the Col de Vizzavona, passing through the Gravona and Prunelli valleys, this region offers the perfect blend of sea and mountains — a welcoming land that proudly preserves its natural heritage.

Must-See & Must-Do

Discover the many local farmers who have developed their expertise around:

• Wine
• Honey
• Orchards and vegetable gardens
• Charcuterie and cheese
• Olive and chestnut cultivation

Not to mention the region’s skilled artisans.

Heritage and Culture

• The Fesch Palace, Fine Arts Museum
• The Bonaparte House
• Events celebrating Tino Rossi

Information and Enquiries

• Ajaccio Region Tourist Office
• Gravona – Prunelli – Paesi d’Aiacciu

Plane Ticket

Plan your flight with Air Corsica to visit the Ajaccio Region, departing from Brussels, Clermont-Ferrand*, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, or Rome* to Ajaccio and Figari.

*seasonal flights