Northern Corsica: Bastia, the Biguglia Lagoon, the Calanques de Piana and Girolata

Northern Corsica

Bastia

Bastia is one of the main gateways to Corsica. At the heart of its old town is the Place Saint-Nicolas, and its old port has a charm all of its own.

The Biguglia lagoon

Just outside Bastia, the Biguglia lagoon is a nature reserve covering 1,450 hectares, home to more than 240 bird species.

The Calanques de Piana

On the west coast, in the Gulf of Porto between Calvi and Ajaccio, the Calanques de Piana are jagged cliffs of red rock. Together with the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola nature reserve, they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

The Gulf of Girolata

The small village of Girolata, part of the same UNESCO site, can only be reached by boat or on foot along a trail.

Where to stay to discover northern Corsica

For a base in the north of the island, read our guide to Calvi, with its citadel and beaches.

How to get to Corsica

Corsica has four airports: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari. Bastia has more daily flights, and for the north of the island you can also fly to Calvi or take the ferry into L’Île-Rousse.

Explore our collection of luxury villas for rent in Calvi