Around the Gulf of Saint Florent

On the foothills of the Tenda massif, whose highest point is Monte Astu (1,535 m), numerous villages perched on hillsides overlook the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Vallecale, Rapale, Pieve, San Gavinu, Santu Petru di Tenda, Sorio, and Murato are surrounded by oak and chestnut forests and maquis shrubland. A multitude of walking trails between the villages offer the opportunity to discover the vestiges of an agropastoral way of life, as well as the close connection between the secular and the sacred. This first day will be a true immersion in the island's soul, so close to the mountains and yet always facing the sea.

Saint-Florent is nestled against the Conca d'Oro, a ring of arid limestone hills, behind which stretches a sheltered plain where the Patrimonio vineyards flourish, protected by a mountain range that rises to nearly 1,000 meters. Up there, the panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent, the Costa Verde, the island of Elba, and the city of Bastia are magnificent. This second day will offer the opportunity to gain some altitude and better understand the history of the people who shaped the slopes of these mountains, sometimes to escape invasions from the sea.

Embark on a crossing of the Gulf of Saint-Florent towards the bay of Lodu Beach, renowned for its fine sand and translucent waters. From there begins a magnificent seaside walk leading to one of Corsica's most beautiful beaches: Saleccia. It was here that the film The Longest Day was shot, recreating one of the Normandy landing beaches. You can enjoy its azure waters before returning to Saint-Florent by boat. A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure.

Cap Corse is nicknamed "the island within the island." With its windmills, Genoese towers, marinas, coastal hamlets, and fishermen's houses, a different side of Corsica unfolds with every kilometer of this picturesque road. Nonza, Albo, Giottani, Pino, Canari, Morsiglia, and finally Centuri, renowned as the lobster capital, dot the route. Centuri will be the starting point for a magnificent hike in the hills above the village, offering superb views. At the end of the walk, the village of Maccinagio welcomes us for two nights by the sea.

We all dream of climbing to the mountain peaks, reaching the most extreme points… So, without further ado, let's head towards the northern tip of Cap Corse and the village of Barcaggio. This will be the starting point for a magnificent walk along the coast, facing the island of Giraglia, which leads to the Genoese tower of Agnello. But, as all good things must come to an end, it is with regret that we must say goodbye to Cap Corse and return to the larger city of Bastia, which will bring our trip to a close.