Perched in the heart of Balagne, many villages dominate the northern coast of Corsica, both by their geographical position and their authentic beauty. On a trip near Saint-Florent, are you looking for an itinerary to discover them? For your excursion, we have selected 5 villages in Northern Corsica that are absolutely must-sees. All located less than 1 hour 30 minutes from Saint-Florent.
Perched Corsican village: Monticello 1 hour from Saint-Florent
Have you rented a comfortable apartment in the heart of Saint-Florent to discover the treasures of the Isle of Beauty? And why not start by visiting Monticello , a hilltop village just an hour's drive away?
Monticello is a small village in Corsica perched on the north side of the island . Located in Balagne, at an altitude of 300 meters above Ile Rousse , this natural and preserved region of Haute-Corse benefits from a perfect climate to welcome many olive trees and prickly pears giving it an air of Provence.
Monticello is a hilltop Corsican village that perfectly combines an authentic vein in its old historic center and a modern inspiration in its most recent districts. During your visit, do not miss the Saint-François-Xavier church , the chapel of the Confrérie San Carlo Borromée or the Saleccia tower . For a swimming break, the coves of Saleccia and Cala d'Olivu are also two corners of preserved nature to see near Saint-Florent.
Corbara: Corsican village perched
1h10 from Saint-Florent
The small village of Corbara is actually a group of small villages that follow one another in the Corsican landscape. Also located in Balagne , Corbara reaches 560 meters above sea level and extends over nearly 1000 hectares nestled between sea and mountains .
Here, we find a typically Mediterranean village whose hamlets are made up of magnificent cobbled streets and pastel-colored houses. During your walk, we advise you to stop at the Convent of Saint-Dominique , to take the time to admire the remains of the medieval castle of Guido de Sabellis and the castle of Jacopino . On your way, you will also have the chance to come across at least one of the six Chapels that dot the territory. To end the day in style, enjoy the beauty of the beaches of Ghjunchitu , Bodri and the Marine de Davia .
Santa Reparata di Balagna – perched village
1h10 from Saint Florent
Santa Reoarata di Balagna is one of the largest villages in Balagne , located just an hour from Saint-Florent on the north coast of Corsica . At an altitude of 264 metres, the village has a Tuscan feel with its polychrome stones and medieval-looking alleyways. Although it is not the most touristy hilltop village, it has the distinction of being a land of wine and olive oil .
As you wander through the streets, you can come across the parish church of Santa-Reparata-di-Balagna , a religious building listed as a historical monument that tells the story of the different stages of Corsica's architectural history on its walls. At the bend in another street, the church of San Roccu also points the tip of its bell tower. Don't forget to take the time to visit the ruins of the former convent of Sant'Angelo and admire the medieval fortified tower of Palmento .
Corsican Village – Pigna
located 1h15 from Saint Florent
Pigna is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Balagne . In fact, it is one of only two Corsican villages to have been awarded the label " most beautiful villages in France ". Restored over the years by craftsmen who were keen to give the village a new lease of life using only materials from yesteryear, Pigna offers a landscape of ancient techniques combining clay and typical houses with blue shutters .
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The village of Pigna is mainly known for being the home of craftsmen and musicians. Starting your stroll through the entirely pedestrianized town center, you will soon enough come across two very beautiful bell towers with rounded shapes: this is the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Inside, two listed works: the Peasant Brawl and The Last Supper . A few streets away, an open-air auditorium hosts numerous performances throughout the year. Also listed as a Historic Monument, it is a testament to the former cereal-growing activity of Balagne .
Village of Sant'Antonino - 1h30 from Saint-Florent in Corsica
Sant'Antonino is the second and last Corsican village to have obtained the label "most beautiful villages in France". At almost 500 meters above sea level, Sant'Antonino is one of the oldest villages on the island , but also one of the highest in Balagne . Situated on a granite peak, it embraces both the wild plains and the Mediterranean Sea , offering breathtaking landscapes.
Built like a labyrinth, with crossed paths and infernal spirals, Sant'Antonino is full of treasures from the past. The Church of the Annunciation built in the 11th century and the ruins of the medieval castle are among these must-see wonders. You should also not miss the Chapel of the Trinity which symbolizes the perfection of the triptych with its three colors: beige for the Father, green for the Son and red for the Holy Spirit. Finally, linger at one of the viewpoints over the valley: you can see its green plains, its olive trees and its great mountain ranges.
Now you know where to go to make the most of the surroundings of Saint-Florent during your Corsica vacation. But once the visit is over, where to go to enjoy the last rays of sunshine on the warm sand? Discover our top 3 of the most beautiful beaches near Saint-Florent in Corsica.
