Destination Guide

Sant'Ambroggio, Algajola and Davia

Pleasure ports and citadels

Long favoured by the discerning British traveller, the Balagne is the perfect introduction to Corsica. Dotted along the coast between the towns of Calvi and Ile Rousse lie the coastal villages, sandy beaches and secluded coves that make this area so appealing. Backed by high mountains that remain snow capped until early summer, the landscape demonstrates that Corsica is a mountain in the sea.

From delightfully atmospheric seaside villages to holiday pleasure ports and private estates, the Balagne coast has something to offer everyone.

The resort of Sant'Ambroggio with its sandy beach and yachting marina has facilities that include an open air, salt water swimming pool and tennis courts. Algajola is a charming, sleepy little town with a long stretch of beach, half way along the coast between Calvi and L'Ile Rousse. An ideal place to relax, unwind and dodge the crowds, the town remains calm and tranquil even in the height of summer. Algajola is a real treasure, wandering around the streets and passageways shows a way of life that is essentially Corsican, the atmospheric citadel itself guarded the townsfolk from marauding pirates in medieval times.

Marine de Davia is an exclusive private estate of luxury villas, just four kilometres from the town of L'Ile Rousse. With several fine sandy beaches, many houses are situated with direct access to the sea or 'pieds dans l'eau' as the French say, making this an ideal place for a family holiday.

Things to see and do

• Explore the narrow streets of the oldest inhabited village in Corsica: Sant'Antonino, perched high above Algajola. Labelled as 'One of the most beautiful villages in France', vaulted, cobbled alleyways rise to some of the most spectacular views over the Balagne. Children can ride a donkey through the streets whilst you drink a refreshing glass of fresh citron pressé at the caves Sant'Antonino.
• Spend a day on Algajola beach. Clustered about the castle of the Genoese governor, Algajola is a delightful old village with much character and charm. You can walk around the ramparts behind the castle.
• The pretty blue shuttered village of Pigna just above Davia is also well worth a visit, its houses are home to some fabulous craft shops where you can buy pottery, musical instruments and many natural products such as honey, olive oil and cheese. The setting is irresistable to artists. The village itself is set out in a typical architectural Chjapatta or 'hedgehog' shaped plan with streets radiating from the central hub. For lovers of music and the arts, the Festivoce based in Pigna showcases Corsican Polyphonic music, Folk music as well as theatre throughout the year.
• Visit the town of L'Ile Rousse just a hop on the train along the coast.
• The convent and the magnificent mausoleums perched high above the sea at Corbara are well worth the detour.
• If you like splashing about in the water and want to discover the underwater life off the coast of the Balagne, guided snorkelling tours are available from San Damianu at Algajola (8yrs and over).

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