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    Cap Corse

    France

    Cap Corse

    Point of InterestCultureFor Families

    Cap Corse in northern Corsica is a wild, authentic peninsula with rugged coasts and dense maquis. The D80 panoramic road offers spectacular views and passes historical Genoese towers.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Corsica
    9. Cap Corse
    Cap Corse in northern Corsica is a wild, authentic peninsula with rugged coasts and dense maquis.The D80 panoramic road offers spectacular views and passes historical Genoese towers.Discover charming fishing ports like Erbalunga in the east and Centuri in the west, known for their architecture and fresh seafood.The Sentier des Douaniers north of Macinaggio invites you to delightful coastal hikes.The peninsula is best explored by car; spring or autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer visitors.

    Places of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Tour d'Albo

    1Tour d'Albo

    The Tour d'Albo is a Genoese watchtower from the 16th century, situated above the small port of Albo on the west coast of Cap Corse. It was part of the network of towers used by the Republic of Genoa to secure the coast against pirate raids. From the port, you can reach it via a short walk and enjoy a wide view over the sea. Our tip: In the early morning or late afternoon, it's cooler and the light is more beautiful.
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    2Les Ruines d'Imiza et la chapelle

    The Ruins of Imiza and their chapel are nestled on the slopes of Cap Corse's west coast. Preserved are wall remnants of an abandoned hamlet, standing amidst the maquis, along with views of the coast. Our tip: Access is via an unpaved path; sturdy shoes and water are advisable. Early morning or late afternoon is more pleasant.
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    3Moulin d'Ogliastro

    The Moulin d'Ogliastro is an old stone mill above the village of Ogliastro on the west coast of Cap Corse. Such mills recall the time when grain was still cultivated on the peninsula's terraced slopes. From this spot, you have panoramic views of the coast and sea. Our Tip: The path is short but steep, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
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    4Plage de Baracataggio

    This beach is on Cap Corse's northern tip, near Barcaggio, away from the main road. Pebbles and sand alternate, surrounded by macchia, with clear water. Infrastructure is minimal. Our tip: Take water and sun protection. The Sentier des Douaniers also begins here, heading towards Macinaggio.
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    Tour de Nonza

    5Tour de Nonza

    The Tour de Nonza stands on a rocky promontory above the village of Nonza on the west coast of Cap Corse. Unlike most coastal towers, it's not a Genoese round tower, but a pentagonal defensive tower commissioned by Pasquale Paoli in the 18th century. From above, you gaze out over the coast and down onto the dark pebble beach below the village, its color stemming from waste from the former asbestos mine of Canari. Our Tip: The most beautiful light bathes the sea in the late afternoon. The descent to the beach is steep and long.
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    Dining & Drinks

    U Scogliu – Restaurant & Hébergement en bord de mer

    Restaurant in Marine de.
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    Snack chez Tony

    Restaurant in 20217 Nonza.
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    À Mugliarese

    Restaurant in 13 A Marina Di.
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    Restaurant Morganti

    Bar in Marine d'Albo.
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    U FRANGHJU

    Bar in Village.
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    L'ANVI foodtruck restaurant Centuri

    Restaurant in Port de Centuri.
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    L'Antonino

    Restaurant in 20238 Centuri.
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    Epicerie Ersinca

    Restaurant in Communaute de communes du Cap.
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    Restaurant Pizzeria - Le Pinocchio

    Restaurant in Le.
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    Restaurant "chez Sandrine"

    Restaurant in 20238 Centuri.
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    Food and Drink

    At the Cape, fishing meets viticulture. The peninsula is sparsely populated; the eateries are in the small harbors and are often closed off-season.

    Centuri Spiny Lobster

    The small harbor on the west coast is known for its lobster fishing. The fishing season is in spring and summer; in summer, reservations are recommended in the restaurants.

    Wines from Patrimonio

    At the peninsula's southwestern base lies Patrimonio, in 1968 Corsica's first appellation. Nielluccio red wines and Vermentinu white wines define the area.

    Muscat du Cap Corse

    The sweet, fortified white wine is drunk as an aperitif or with dessert. Several estates between Rogliano and Macinaggio produce it.

    Cap Corse Mattei

    The wine-based herbal aperitif has been produced since 1872 and is found throughout the island. It tastes bitter-spicy and is served on ice.

    Culture, Art & History on Cap Corse

    Cap Corse, the distinctive finger of Corsica, is an area of profound historical character and unique cultural heritage. Its eventful past is reflected in the architecture and living traditions that endure to this day.The history of Cap Corse is closely linked to the strategic importance of its coastline. Already settled by Romans in antiquity, Genoese rule from the 13th century onwards profoundly shaped the region. Numerous watchtowers, such as the tower of Nonza or the Tour de Sénèque, bear witness to this era and served to defend against pirates. These architectural testaments are characteristic of the entire peninsula.The villages on Cap Corse, often perched on hilltops, are characterized by robust stone houses with dark slate roofs. They reflect a construction style that prioritized protection and functionality. Culturally, a strong identity has been preserved here, evident in customs and language. The polyphonic singing, the Paghjella, is part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage and continues to be nurtured in churches and at festivals to this day.

    Exploring Locally

    The most flexible way to explore Cap Corse is by car on the winding circular road D80; allow about four hours for the circuit from Bastia without stops. Buses connect Bastia with some places on the east coast, but they run infrequently. For cyclists, the route is scenic but challenging.In the villages, you get around on foot. Taxis should be booked in advance, especially outside Bastia.

    Accommodations in Cap Corse

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    Campgrounds in Cap Corse

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    Nearby

    Bastia

    Bastia

    Bastia, Corsica's second-largest city, captivates with maritime charm and rich Genoese history. You'll discover architecture, strongly shaped by the past, especially in the quarter around the **Citadel**. The Vieux Port with its colorful fishing boats and the imposing Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste forms the city's lively heart. The Citadel houses the former Governor's Palace and offers expansive views over Bastia. Stroll across the Place Saint-Nicolas and explore the alleys of Terra Vecchia for authentic Corsica. The ideal travel time is spring or autumn.
    Calvi

    Calvi

    Calvi is located on the northwest coast of Corsica in the Balagne region. The Genoese citadel on a headland above the bay dominates the townscape, and local tradition declares Calvi to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. During the British siege of 1794, Horatio Nelson lost the sight in one eye here.Below the fortress lie the harbour and lower town with quayside cafés, and to the east stretches a kilometre-long sandy beach backed by a pine forest. With its own airport and seasonal ferry connections, Calvi is a good starting point for the villages of Balagne and the coastal railway to L'Île-Rousse.
    Corte

    Corte

    Corte lies in the mountainous heart of Corsica, at the confluence of Tavignano and Restonica. Above the town, the citadel rises on a steep rock. From 1755 to 1769, under Pasquale Paoli, Corte was the capital of the independent Corsican Republic and is still considered the island's historical center.The Università di Corsica, the island's only university, gives the small town a youthful feel. In the citadel, the Museu di a Corsica showcases the island's folk culture. Corte is also a starting point for hikes into the gorges of Restonica and Tavignano and lies on the railway line between Bastia and Ajaccio.
    Restonica Valley

    Restonica Valley

    The Vallée de la Restonica stretches about 15 kilometers into the mountains from Corte. The Restonica River has cut into the granite, forming clear pools, surrounded by Laricio pines. The destination for most hikers are the glacial lakes Lac de Melo (approx. 1,700 m) and Lac de Capitello (approx. 1,900 m) at the head of the valley. Important: Since the storms of November 2023, the road above Tragone has been destroyed and closed to cars; the former starting point at the Bergeries de Grotelle is now only accessible on foot, extending the tour by more than two hours. Sturdy shoes and good fitness are required. In the lower valley, there are shorter walks and swimming spots by the river.
    Porto (Corsica)

    Porto (Corsica)

    Porto is a small coastal village on Corsica's west coast, part of the Ota municipality. It lies at the end of the Gulf of Porto, which a Genoese watchtower on a rock above the river mouth overlooks. The Gulf, with the Calanques de Piana, the Bay of Girolata, and the Scandola Nature Reserve, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.Boat trips depart from the harbor along red porphyry cliffs to Scandola and Girolata, accessible only by water or on foot. Inland, hiking trails lead through the Spelunca Gorge; the Piana coastal road is deemed one of the island's most striking.

    Sources & method

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