ABOUT AREA
40km south of Bastia, lies the small village of Moriani Plage. Known as part of the Costa Verde, which is ideal for families, Moriani plage is centrally located. It is the largest of the Costa Verde offering a perfect place from which to explore the coastline. Due to its wetter climate the region is one of the most fertile areas, and boasts many vineyards and fruit farms producing lemons, clementines, kiwis and other citrus fruits.
BEACHES
Moriani Plage
The coastline of the Costa Verde nestles between the Castagniccia hills and the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, and boasts a 14km stretch of golden sand with Moriani Plage as its main resort. There are various access points to the beach and several beach bars along this vast stretch. A couple of spots also offer water sports.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Rock' Inseme – Biguglia, June
A rock and pop music festival bringing together recognised artists and up-an-coming bands.
Fiera di u Vinu – Luri, July
A lively festival celebrating the wine produced in the Cap Corse region.
A Notte di a Memoria – The Relève du Gouverneur - Bastia, July
A re-enactment of the arrival of the French governor with a light and drum parade through the streets of the citadel.
Les Nuits de la Guitare – Patrimonio, July
The amphitheatre in the village of Patrimonio is the setting for this popular festival that takes place every July and draws stars from the world of guitar, be it jazz, flamenco, blues or rock.
Porto Latino - St Florent, August
A hot Latin festival with nightly open-air concerts held in the citadel.
Festival de la Chanson/Corse Pascal Paoli – Furiani, August
Corsican singing concerts.
Festival de Musique – Erbalunga, August
An established music festival showing off some of the greatest national and local talents.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Visit Bastia
The old town of Bastia lies south of Place St Nicolas and surrounds the old port which should not be missed. It is overlooked by the high honey coloured Genoese citadel (quite a climb) and bustles with harbourside bars and restaurants. Wander through the old streets behind the old port to find the Place du Marché where there is a local farmers' market each morning.
Castagniccia
Going eastwards from Corté, over the mountain ridge that separates the Tavignano and Golo rivers, lies the very fertile region of the Castagniccia (literally meaning 'small chestnut grove'), wherein lies over 100km² of primarily sweet chestnut forests. On a clear day, the altitude affords views over the Tuscan Islands and occasionally, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps are visible.
Cap Corse
On the west of Cap Corse, narrow roads wind above a dramatically serrated coastline, dotted with little coves, whilst the sea washes on the rocks below and woods and maquis outline the peaks above. A complete circuit of the Cap Corse will take you about four hours (without stops) and we recommend that you always drive in a clockwise direction so that you are always in the inside lane (the road can be narrow and winding and the drops are precipitous and rather scary!).
Erbalunga
Just past Bastia, approximately one-hour drive, the fishing port of Erbalunga on the eastern coast clings to a little jagged promontory, opal waves slapping against gaudy fishing boats. The pedestrianised village has many cafés and restaurants and a Genoese tower on the headland and is the home of a Jazz festival in August.
