Guide to Calvi

"Guarded by a grand waterfront castle and laced with fragrant pine trees, Calvi has long been a popular destination with travellers. And it's no wonder - with luminous seas and sands so pearly-white you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in the Caribbean."

The medieval hilltop castle of Calvi takes centre stage in a marvellous natural arena. For a start, a circle of craggy mountains plays the backdrop to six kilometres of opal-white sands. And then there the cushiony-green forest of fragrant umbrella pines – the most evocative of Mediterranean trees. The Bounty-like beach is within easy walking distance of the town centre. And as the coastline to the east can be explored by the little train, the 'Trinichellu', Calvi, like the other small resorts on this coast and Ile Rousse, is one of the few destinations in Corsica where a hire car is not essential. Add to the mix a beautiful old town and a tranquil harbour and it's no surprise that this gorgeous town has long been a travellers' hotspot. Between Calvi and Ile Rousse, 'the red island', you'll find the little village of Algajola which has one of the most spectacular beaches of the Balagne. With houses fitting snugly around a restored castle, which sits on the rocks right by the water's edge, it's can't-believe-your-eyes pretty. Don't overlook the Balagne region's inland charms, though. Many visitors here don't realise picture-postcard villages set in olive groves and vineyards lie just a few kilometres away. The beauty of these villages is breathtaking, especially for the keen photographer as every bend on the narrow lanes brings yet another hamlet and cry to 'stop the car'. Of course, you could pull on your hiking boots or cycle through them so you don't miss a single thing.

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