The highlights of Cap Corse

Cap Corse, a jewel of the Mediterranean

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A true wild peninsula 40 kilometers long and 15 wide, Cap Corse (U Capicorsu in Corsica) is often nicknamed the “island within an island”. Its eastern and western slopes offer two radically different faces: on the east side, peaceful seascapes and Genoese towers; on the west side, steep cliffs beaten by the winds and secret coves. Ranked among the most preserved natural territories in the Mediterranean, Cap Corse is a total change of scenery less than an hour from Bastia.

To organize your exploration, Cap Corse Tourist Office, based in Macinaggio, offers hiking maps, topo-guides of the Customs Trail and information on charming accommodations scattered in the villages.

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The highlights of Cap Corse

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Erbalunga, the gateway to Cap Corse

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Only 10 kilometers north of Bastia, Erbalunga is the first essential stop in Cape Town. This fishing village with its cobbled streets juts out onto the sea around a ruined Genoese tower. Its pastel-colored facades, its restaurant terraces on the rocks and its particular light have made it the historical den of artists and watercolorists. The Holy Week procession, one of the most impressive in Corsica, attracts hundreds of visitors every year.

Nonza, the village suspended from the cliff

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On the western coast, Nonza is arguably Cape Town's most spectacular village. Clinging to a rocky outcrop of black shale more than 150 meters above the sea, it dominates a grey-anthracite pebble beach that is absolutely unique in Corsica. The Genoese square tower and the Sainte-Julie church offer a breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Saint-Florent. The descent to the beach on foot, via a steep slope, is worth the detour in itself.

Centuri, the lobster port

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At the north-western tip of Cape Town, Centuri is the most authentic Corsican fishing port. Its colorful boats, its nets that dry in the sun and its houses with lauze roofs compose a picture of rare tranquility. The village is renowned for being the first lobster port in the Mediterranean: its quayside restaurants serve grilled lobsters that fans of iodized cuisine will not soon forget.

Excursions departing from Cap Corse

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Saint-Florent and its gulf

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At the junction between Cap Corse and Balagne, Saint-Florent is a refined seaside resort whose lively marina contrasts with the wild atmosphere of Cape Town. The Romanesque Cathedral of Nebbiu, a jewel of 12th century Pisan architecture, is worth a visit. Summer shuttles also leave from Saint-Florent to the beaches of the Agriates Desert.

The beaches of Saleccia and Lotu

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Accessible from Saint-Florent by sea (shuttle or kayak) or by a motorized track from Casta, the beaches of Saleccia and Lotu are regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Their kilometers of pristine white sand, their turquoise waters with Caribbean reflections and their umbrella pines make them exceptional places at the gateway to the Agriates Desert. Separated by a string of dunes and scrub, they each offer a slightly different atmosphere: Saleccia, the largest and best known, attracts fans of the open sea, while the Lotu, more confidential and secluded, seduces those in search of almost absolute solitude. In both cases, arriving early in the morning is still the best advice to enjoy these landscapes of unreal beauty before the summer crowds.

The Customs Trail of Macinaggio

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Traced in the 19th century to allow customs officials to monitor the coasts, this mythical trail runs along the entire eastern coast of Cap Corse for more than 30 kilometers, between Macinaggio and Centuri. Marked in orange, it crosses scrub, vineyards and rocky promontories, with constant views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tuscan Islands. The stage between Macinaggio and Barcaggio (3 hours round trip) is ideal for an introduction, with the Giraglia island and its lighthouse as a highlight.

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Where to stay in Cap Corse

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For accommodation, Cap Corse offers a varied choice according to your desires. Les Marines and villages offer charming guest rooms and cottages run by local families. Don't miss the famous Palaces of the American Corsicans — these majestic mansions built in the 19th century by emigrants enriched in the Americas, converted into elegant guest houses. For travelers looking for hotel comfort, a few charming hotels are scattered along the coast, especially in Macinaggio, Centuri and Erbalunga, combining simplicity and an exceptional setting facing the sea.

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Reach Cap Corse from Bastia

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Disembarking in Bastia with Cors'Express is an excellent gateway to explore Cap Corse and Nebbiu. Car rental is essential: several agencies are accessible as soon as you leave the port:

1. Direction north towards Erbalunga and Cap Corse: Follow the east coast in the direction of Cape Town. Erbalunga is only 15 minutes away. To travel all of Cape Town via the Belt Road (D80), count on a full day — the road is twisty and narrow, but the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea are worth every turn.
2. Direction west towards Saint-Florent and the Nebbiu: Reach Saint-Florent in 40 minutes by crossing the Patrimonio vineyards via the Teghime pass. From here you can reach the beaches of Saleccia and Lotu by sea by summer shuttle.

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