EXPLORE CAP CORSE, FROM ERBALONGA TO ST-FLORENT
One of the most beautiful Mediterranean villages
Erbalunga, a national historical site, is arguably one of the most beautiful villages not only in Corsica but in the entire Mediterranean. Its Genoese tower, picturesque lanes and quaint fishing port dating back to the Middle Ages create a lovely, charming atmosphere.
Erbalunga hosts variety of restaurants (a dozen or so from pizza houses, to gastronomical Michelin-starred restaurants, and several offering Corsican cuisine and local seafood), cafés and boutiques. The numerous café and restaurant terraces are ideal spots for a before or after-dinner drink.
Every year Erbalunga welcomes a number of celebrities who come to enjoy the region’s tranquility and no-fuss approach. The centre of the village is pedestrian-only, ideal for children and for those seeking peace and quiet.
The island within the island
From Erbalunga, starting point of Cap Corse, you can easily discover all the natural and patrimonial wonders of Cap Corse, the most protected region of the island of Beauty.
EXCEPTIONAL NATURAL SITES
Cap Corse have numerous classified, exceptionally protected natural sites. Among them, some are real jewels, that can be discovered by road or by sea:
• The Nature Reserve of Cap Corse and its famous Customs 'Officers' Trail that connects the port of Macinaggio with Barcaggio, only 30 minutes north of Erbalunga (more informations on the blog : onmyway.fr)
• West of Saint Florent, a 45-minute drive from Erbalunga, is the Agriates Reserve and its 'Customs Officer’s Trail.
BEACHES AND HIDDEN COVES
Near the hotel, you will discover a number of hidden coves with crystal clear water, and only a short drive away are wonderful sandy beaches, most of them wild, although some have sea-side restaurants and snacks.
• In the Cap Corse, the sandy beaches are Pietracorbara (15mn), Tamarone, (30mn) and Barcaggio (45mn),
• South of Bastia you will find beaches with loungers and umbrellas available along Marana beach (20 to 25 mins depending on traffic ), ideal for families,
• Near Saint Florent (45 mins driving) is Saleccia beach, one of the most beautiful in Corsica. Saleccia is accessible by off-road vehicules or by sea.
A MAGNIFICENT HERITAGE
The emblematic Genoese Towers, the famous ‘American's Houses', villages perched atop rocky outcrops, the small harbors tucked against the rocks and the magnificent mausoleums which dot the landscape... all contribute to the Cap Corse's renowned architectural heritage.
A LAND OF FLAVOUR
Wine has been cultivated in the Patrimonio and Cap Corse regions since antiquity and nowadays these wines are among the best on the island. Dry, elegant whites, strong reds ideal for aging and sweet muscat wines are exported around the world and can be enjoyed in some of the world's finest restaurants. The Cap Corse Wine Trail (Routes des Vins) along with the Patrimonio Wine Trail are both near Erbalunga : we are happy to advise you of the best winemakers, which winemakers and vineyards you may visit to taste the best wines the region has to offer.
A city of culture and history
Just 10 minutes drive from Erbalunga are the Old Port and Bastia’s Citadel, dating back respectively from the 14th and 16th centuries, and also the city’s baroque churches that constitute the most important architectural heritage of the island.
The multi-coloured façades, the lanes and the paved squares remind Bastia’s Tuscan past, and is nowadays the island’s cultural and historical capital.
in Erbalunga
JAZZ festival at CASTEL BRANDO
The Castel Brando, in partnership with the association Jazz Equinox, welcomes every year in its walls the famous artists of Jazz among which in particular Melody Gardot (godmother and regular guest of the hotel), for confidential concerts, reserved to our guests and a handful of privileged persons.
music festivals
During the summer period, the village of Erbalunga vibrates at the pace of music notes during the Nights of the Piano which proposes in partnership with the academy of Paris, concerts on Steinway in the open-air theater of Erbalunga.
In June, Ballà Boum in Pozzo, is a festival that takes you on a journey through house, disco and techno..
In mid-August, the Festival of Music welcomes a selection of “variété française” singers.
CAP SUR LE RIRE
In the middle of July, in the open-air theater, the Festival “Cap sur Le Rire” proposes a young and dynamic programmation that gathers the most fashionable humorists of the moment.
Erbalunga is also the meeting place of several concerts of Corsican polyphony, meeting and religious events.
Explore Cap Corse from Erbalunga
Whether it is by foot, by boat or on horseback, Cap Corse is to discover from every angle. It is a great playground for youngs and adults in seek of nature. All our team is at your disposal to help you to plan your holidays in our region.
PRIVATE SEA EXCURSIONS
Private boat trips are available, leaving from Erbalunga’s port just 50 metres from the hotel or from the harbor of Macinaggio, for a leisurely day-trip along the Cap Corse’s stunning coastline.
GROUPS EXCURSIONS
San Paulu is a company offering boat trips in the Cap Corse area, leaving from Macinaggio, in the north of the Cap Corse. Ideal for discovering the northern tip of the Cap, the Natural Reserve of the Cap Corse Islands, the Giraglia lighthouse, Centuri, Barcaggio, Capraia and a National Park of Tuscany.
CAP CORSE UNDERWATER
Within the village of Erbalunga, few minutes on foot from the hotel, the center of dive Calypso proposes:
• First dive on exceptional submarine sites
• Training for every levels
• Snorkeling to discover the seabed of Cap Corse
HIKINGS
Cap Corse can also be discovered by foot.
The 'Monte Stellu', the summit of Cap Corse (1307m) dominates the valley of Brando. The panorama from the top is just gorgeous : we can see the East coasts and the West as well as the peak of Cap Corse, the region of Balagne all the way from Calvi and, when the weather is clear, the Italian coast. The hike is of intermediate level: 1000m of elevation for a total of 6-7 hours round-trip.
The beautiful Customs 'Officers' Trail, at the peak of Cap Corse, goes along the wild coast between sea and maquis. You can make stop to dive in small wild sand beaches. It is a ballad of easy level, even if you will need sports shoes. The path is marked out well from Tamarone, to Macinaggio, it will takes you 30 at 40 minutes until Cala Francese, after Santa Maria's tower, and 2 hours more to reach the small village of Barcaggio.
Directly, from the hotel, a nice walk of the valley of Brando will allow you to visit the hamlets which dominate us as well as beautiful chapels, then, you take some height to discover beautiful panoramas.
HORSE RIDING
You can also discover the region on a horse with Cavallu di Brando who proposes one hour, half-day or full day rides.
CYCLING TOURS
Discover Cap Corse by bike with our partner Gattu Corsica who offers half-day and full-day bike tours.
STAND UP PADDLE & SURFING
Learn stand up paddle boarding and surfing with the school of Surfing and Stand-up Paddle du Cap Corse in the village of Grisgione, and discover the incredible landscapes of the Cap Corse by the sea.
