Villa Contemporaine

West of St Florent in northern Corsica, Villa Contemporaine enjoys a remote location 35km from Bastia Airport.

Part of a large domaine (featuring only six other villas scattered apart), reached via an unmade road (a suitable car is needed), a rocky path leads down to the sea in less than five minutes where you will find a small sandy bay.

St Florent is around a 15-minute drive away (partly via unmade road) or keen walkers could reach the small harbourside town in 45 minutes. Once you arrive, it’s such a pleasant place to stroll around – stop off for a coffee in a pretty café or look out for boats coming in and out of the marina. The town’s main beach, Plage de la Roya, is popular with families and watersport enthusiasts in the summer months.

Seasonal ferries and boats depart from St Florent towards two of Corsica’s most famous beaches, Plage du Lotu and Plage de Saleccia, both part of the remote and beautiful Désert des Agriates and only accessible on foot or by sea. The most experienced of hikers could reach the beaches on foot, following the remote trails, passing Genovese towers and stunning coastal scenery.

Furthermore, take time to visit the Cap Corse whether admiring the captivating landscapes as you follow walking paths or driving around the peninsula, coming across rugged scenery, little fishing ports and vineyards. The picturesque villages of Nonza (25km) and Erbalunga (40km) are especially delightful.   

Wine-lovers won’t want to miss Patrimonio (15km), home to Corsica’s first wine appellation, to try Vermentino whites and Nielluccio reds. Take time to stop off in the characterful village of Oletta (13km) where you can appreciate the beauty of Corsica’s breathtaking interiors.

Read more about Northern Corsica

Northern Corsica offers diverse landscapes, idyllic beaches and picture-perfect villages where you can truly appreciate the Corsican way of life. From delightful seaside towns to rugged cliffs and mountains, Haute-Corse is an ideal holiday destination for keen hikers, nature enthusiasts and gastronomes as well as couples, friends and families seeking beautiful beaches for swimming, snorkelling and watersports.

Backed by mountain peaks, Calvi is so loved for its  Genoese citadel, charming old town and long sandy beach. Enjoy lunch on a restaurant terrace overlooking the rose façade of Église Sainte Marie Majeure or by the vibrant marina with its seafood restaurants and bars. Boat trips depart to the Scandola Nature Reserve where you can admire some of the most incredible coastal scenery on island.

The beaches between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse are fantastic – favourites include Plage de Sant'Ambroggio, an idyllic spot for snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea, and Plage de Bodri with soft white sand backed by wild maquis. The Balagne is also renowned for its characterful hilltop villages and the countryside is criss-crossed with walking paths where donkeys once roamed. Amongst others, visit ancient Pigna for its pottery and Corsican music, Monticello for its olive groves and perched Sant’Antonino for its rich history and panoramic views.

Soak up authentic island life in L'Île-Rousse as you watch locals play boules on the main square near the beach accompanied by an apéritif of local beer flavoured with maquis herbs or a glass of Cap Corse. The town hosts a lovely covered market every morning selling delicious Corsican delights and there are many restaurants along the narrow lanes – specialities include wild boar and chestnuts, Corsican lamb with rosemary and Cannelloni au brocciu. As the sun sets, follow the coastal promenade towards Île de la Pietra for romantic red-hued vistas.

Meanwhile, the little train, U Trinichellu, chugs along the coastline between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse with wonderful views - hop on early as it can get very busy, especially when coming home from the beach.

That said, a car is essential when exploring northern Corsica. When leaving L'Île-Rousse towards the north-east of the island, detour to Plage de l’Ostriconi, a wild beach on the edge of the remote Désert des Agriates. Follow the winding road to the attractive seaside town of Saint-Florent backed by the impressive mountains of the Cap Corse. Visit the vineyards of Patrimonio before venturing to little fishing villages and more outstanding landscapes of the Cap Corse.

Whether travelling with friends, loved ones, young kids or teens, a wealth of outdoor activities await across northern Corsica from watersports in Calvi, Algajola, L'Île-Rousse and Saint-Florent to quad-biking, horse-riding and even donkey rides in hilltop Balagne villages. Golf-lovers can play at the 18-hole Golf Reginu whilst there are so many hiking opportunities across the Balagne countryside, Désert des Agriates and Cap Corse landscapes.

Our carefully curated selection of villas in northern Corsica allows you to experience the many pristine beaches, characterful towns and stunning scenery in this mesmerising part of Corsica, the fourth largest Mediterranean island so lovingly referred to as l'Île de Beauté.