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Winter in the Bastia region
Stepping off the ferry at Bastia, head into the heart of the city where, at the foot of the Citadel sits a district that is home to the fishing port and marina. To get a view of the ensemble you need to head out to the Dragon Jetty that was constructed in the XIX Century. From here on a clear day (often on days when the "Libecciu" wind blows) you can spot the Tuscan archipelago: Elba, Capraia and Monte Cristo.
After having tasted a Pietra, a Corsican beer brewed using malt and chestnut flour, on the Place St Nicolas, stroll along the maze of narrow streets in the Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova quarters, and head for the Jardin Romieu along the stairway that rises from the south quay.
Baroque churches, oratories in the Rococo style and convents represent the rich religious heritage of Bastia and come to the fore during the religious events. Bastia is a very dynamic city and you can enjoy a great many concerts all year round. The Tourist Office of Bastia will be glad to welcome you to offer you advice and to put at your disposal electric bikes and a variety of circuits that can be experienced in and around the city.
Take the La Marana route in the direction of the Biguglia Pond nature reserve, a vast stretch of water that is the largest body of water on the island and one of the last refuges of nesting and migratory birds. This site of exceptional ecological interest is home to more than 200 species of water birds. Take your binoculars and observe the kingfishers, the flight of the marsh harrier and the variety of migratory species that stop over at the pond, such as the greater flamingo. You can enjoy free access to the reserve from the car park that is opposite the beach of La Marana.
On the edge of the lagoon in La Marana, the Haute Corse equestrian school offers horse rides all year round along the long, deserted beaches
The Cap Corse on foot, by bike or by car.
The Cap Corse can be visited in one day, but if you have a bit more time you can let yourself be seduced by this land of sailors and fishermen and book into a hotel or guest house to better enjoy this part of Corsica. Take the coastal route and discover Erbalunga, a picturesque village at the water’s edge, with its ruined Genoese tower that has charmed numerous painters and is sure to make an impression on you.
In Luri, at the Col de Sainte Lucie, take the path that leads to theTour de Sénèque, where the view is splendid. Legend tells us that Seneca, the Roman philosopher, spent a large part of his exile in this tower, although this watchtower and defensive structure was actually medieval in its construction. The confusion came from the fact that the tower was situated at a place known as A Seneca.
Macinaggio is the departure point of the coastal path that leads to the beach ofBarcaggio, a small port at the tip of the cape, providing an exceptional springtime walk that borders the Finocchiarola reserve.
If you are on two wheels, make the most of the descent from Moulin Mattei to the port of Centuri, passing through the hamlet of Cannelle,to admire the superb views and imposing Tuscan inspired buildings known as the « homes of the Americans » that belong to residents of Cap Corse that made their fortune across the Atlantic. If the mood takes you, you can enjoy lunch at the port of Centuri and treat yourself to a meal of fish caught that morning and served with a glass of AOC Cap Corse white.
In Canari, the costume museum and its photo library showcases and lets your discover the daily life of the people of Cap Corse through the centuries (visits by appointment in winter).
This winding coastal route gives you an aerial view of the cape and ends up in one of Corsica’s most beautiful villages,Nonza, a fortified village that perches majestically 167 metres above the sea. Don’t hesitate to climb up to the square Paoline Tower, constructed under the orders of Pascal Paoli, providing a magnificent view with the grey beach as its backdrop, accessible along an interminable staircase that also takes you to the miraculous fountain of Sainte Julie.
The Cap Corse is a wine hotspot and has been producing quality wines since Antiquity. You’ll have the opportunity to sample the Muscat with its intense aromas, and to go and discover a great many wine producers of thePatrimonio region, whose Niellucciu and Vermentinu grape varieties are sure to delight your taste buds!
Le Nebbio
Wander along the quays at the port of Saint-Florent and pass through the narrow streets of the old town that will lead you tothe parochial church of Ste Anne, dating from the XVII Centuryand open to the public, and to the « Piazza Posta », the square of the old post office where you can sample locally caught fish: John Dory, Denti fish red mullet and scorpionfish will be served depending on the catch.
Take advantage of the mild winter weather to cross the Agriates desert, this site that is protected by the Coastal Conservation Agency, providing beautiful walks and horse rides.
The Patrimonio wine route allows you to explore the estates and cellars of the wine region. It is a way of showing visitors the richness of the terroir, the grape varieties that are specific to Corsica and their diversity.
In the heights of the Nebbio, Murato boasts a history and heritage that is especially rich. Take the time to visitthe church of San Michele, which Merimee claimed was « the most beautiful church he ever saw in Corsica ».