48 hours in L'Ile Rousse

Blessed with white-sand beaches, pretty paved streets and a bustling market, the charming seaside town of L'Ile Rousse is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Northern Corsica.

Situated just a short 30-minute drive from neighbouring Calvi, L'Ile Rousse is a great place to spend a day or two during your Corsica holiday. It may be small, but there's plenty to see and do: here are our recommendations for if you have just 48 hours to spend in L'Ile Rousse...
 

Don't miss the market

L'Ile Rousse holds a food market every morning, packed full of locally sourced produce. From freshly caught fish and charcuterie to olive oil, honey and home-made cheeses, your stomach will be rumbling after just the first few stalls!

The friendly stall-holders will encourage you to taste everything you set your eyes on, so be sure to sample your way through all the delicious savouries on offer.

Ride 'Le Petite Train'

L'Ile Rousse's local tourist train will take you round all the town's sites - including the lighthouse - at a slow and leisurely pace.

Don't forget to bring your camera: the views over the cliff edge and towards the sea are truly spectacular.

Dot between the town's three beaches

The beaches in L'Ile Rousse are hard to beat. Pure white sand swashed by turquoise shores, they're paradise for anyone craving their annual dose of sun, sea and sand.

Napoleon and Caruchettu beaches are the closest to the town centre and harbour, but there's  also a stretch of sand next to the port which is a popular meeting point for water sport enthusiasts.

Sheltered by the Balagne hills, L'Ile Rousse and its beaches also benefit from one of the warmest microclimates in Corsica, meaning you're pretty much guaranteed good weather here throughout the spring and summer.

Soak up the views from the town's Genoese tower and lighthouse

I'Ile Rousse's Genoese tower has become a popular tourist attraction for those looking to stretch their legs and soak up some wonderful scenery.

Simply follow the path to Ile de la Petra − the rocky red island L'Ile Rousse is named after. Here you'll also find a white-washed lighthouse which dates back to the 19th century.

Image credit: Infografick | Shutterstock 

Dine al fresco

With so many charming restaurants and pavement cafés to sample in L'Il Rousse, dining al fresco is an absolute necessity.

Enjoy breakfast by the beach, lunch in a quiet cobbled backstreet or dinner in the main square as the suns sets over the glistening horizon.

Click here to find out the top 10 restaurants in L'Ile Rousse

Want to get away soon? We have some fabulous last minute spring offers on our properties in L'Ile Rousse and the surrounding areas of Calvi and la Balagne.