Calvi – Lumio

In Calvi, the citadel overlooks the bay and the marina. Behind the ramparts, the narrow streets, St John the Baptist’s Cathedral and the sea views serve as a constant reminder of the town’s Genoese history; its motto ,“semper fidelis” – always faithful to the Republic of Genoa – is proudly displayed. Below, the open-air theatre, the marina, the bustling terraces and the long beach lined with pine trees lend it a seaside atmosphere, where you can easily move from a café overlooking the pleasure boats and fishermen’s nets to a sun-drenched swim or a stroll at sunset.

From Calvi, the black lighthouse beckons visitors to explore the Revellata peninsula. The steep red cliffs and crystal-clear waters attract hikers, lovers of rocky coves and glowing sunsets. From both Calvi and Lumiu, boats also sail to theScandola Nature Reserve, aUNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its volcanic cliffs, sea caves and coves accessible only by sea.

Overlooking the Gulf of Calvi, Lumiu retains a lively local atmosphere centred around its square, its craft workshops and its narrow streets, where the voicesof A Filetta can sometimes be heard echoing from U Carrubu, a former school that has been converted into a rehearsal studio and a space for artistic collaboration. Further up, the path leading to the sleepy villageof Occi is , without a doubt, one of the best-known walks in the Balagne. The weathered stones of the old village, abandoned at the start of the 20th century, dominate the horizon and offer one of the most sweeping views of Calvi Bay.

Below, the beaches of Arinella, the harbour at Sant’Ambroggio, the coves and the Spanu tower reinforce this constant connection with the Mediterranean. The ‘beach train’ is the perfect way to slow down and easily travel between Calvi, Sant’Ambroggio, Algaiola – Algajola or L’Isula, as it winds its way along the coastline and through the maquis.