Villa Poinsettia

In the Balagne region of north-west Corsica, close to some of the region’s most idyllic beaches, Villa Poinsettia enjoys incredible sea views from its perched position in the countryside.

Set above a small country road with other villas dotted around, it’s only a 2km drive to the main part of the local village where you can appreciate more wonderful vistas towards the Mediterranean.  

Heading down towards the coast, within a short distance you can be exploring some of Corsica’s loveliest beaches. Plage de Ghjunchitu is a scenic sandy bay with crystal-clear sea backed by gorgeously scented maquis with a couple of summer beachside restaurants. Plage de Bodri is another Corsican gem close by or come across picture-perfect little bays such as Plage de Cala di Furnellu. The small seaside town of Algajola (5km) is easily reached with its restaurants, watersports and glorious long beach, Plage d'Aregno.

L'Île-Rousse (4.5km) is a particularly beautiful old town with little streets filled with shops and restaurants specialising in delicious Corsican food such as chestnuts, wild boar or the catch of the day on one of the beach restaurants. The little covered food market is also a joy to experience. Walk up to the lighthouse at Ile de la Pietra for spectacular views, especially around sunset when the rock glows red.

Take time to discover many of the traditional villages in the Balagne countryside such as Pigna (5km), known for its ceramics, Monticello (8.5km) and Sant'Antonino (11km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Lumio (11km) is also incredibly picturesque with its baroque church, olive trees and Wednesday morning market. From Lumio, keen hikers can venture up to the abandoned village of Occi for more panoramic scenery or take advantage of the many walking trails across the superb Balagne landscapes.

Back by the coast, the handsome town of Calvi (20km) has an amazing citadel with spectacular vistas, narrow streets filled with charming restaurants and shops as well as a glitzy marina with cafes and bars. The town beach has lovely shallow waters and watersports including jet-skis, paragliding and windsurfing. The setting of Calvi is particularly spectacular with the rugged mountains in the background.

Boat trips can be taken from the marina in Calvi to the Scandola Nature Reseve (a World Heritage Site), an unspoilt area of fascinating rock formations with restricted access only by boat (or foot via high mountains).

Another area of outstanding beauty is the beach at Ostriconi (18km), north-east of L'Île-Rousse, a wild beach only accessed by foot. Continue along the winding roads of the Desert des Agriates to the harbourside town of St Florent (50km) at the foot of the equally stunning Cap Corse, a wild peninsula with characterful fishing villages and mesmerising scenery. There are also some good wines to taste in this part of the island, especially around Patrimonio (57km).

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.