ABOUT AREA
The resort of Sant'Ambroggio is served by the little train that runs along the coast between Calvi and Ile Rousse and with its relatively new marina it is a growing and thriving little resort. It has a sandy beach and the yachting marina has facilities that include an open air, salt water swimming pool and tennis courts. There are a number of shops and restaurants here, but please be aware that some of these may not be open out of season.
BEACHES
Sant'Ambroggio
Sant'Ambroggio boasts a fabulous beach of white sand and turquoise sea, which can be busy in the height of summer season.
Punta di Spano
Punta di Spano is a small headland just outside Sant'Ambroggio with a small beach with plenty of room on the rocks - ideal for snorkelling or bathing in the Corsican sunshine.
Aregno
This beach is a kilometre-long curve of coarse sand beneath the picturesque Genoese citadel of Algajola. During the months of July & August, the beach is extremely busy, but out of high season, you can have this beach pretty much all to yourself! There is a good selection of cafés, restaurants and water sports.
Bodri
East of Sant’Ambroggio lies Bodri Plage, an unspoilt beach reached by a walk through the maquis and over the railway line. The walk is worth it, as the beach has almost white sand and a turquoise sea.
Arinella
The beach at Lumio, Arinella Plage, is small and personal and has stunning views of Calvi Citadel across the bay. Sheltered between rocky headlands there are opportunities to swim, paddle or snorkle.
FESTIVALS
Festimare in L'Ile Rousse
A celebration of the sea held each May. In addition to fish and seafood produce, there are many activities for children as well as scientific stands, competitions, exhibitions and workshops.
Foire de l’Amandier in Aregno
Since 1997, Aregno has played host to Corsicas only Almond festival. Held at the beginning of August, nut farmers and their families travel from all over the island to take part in the cooking competitions.
Foire de l'Alivu in Montegrosso
Around 10,000 visitors honour the olive in July, in a delightful olive grove setting with exhibitions demonstrating olive production over the years and artisans selling refreshments and local produce.
Festivoce in Pigna
Held early August, this festival provides a forum for long nights of traditional a cappella singing in the outdoor amphitheatre.
Fiera di l’Artigiani in Felicetu
The craftsmen of the Strada di l’Artigiani congregate to celebrate their crafts every August.
Fiera di u Sumere in Sant’Antonino
Celebrating the donkey in August, the only form of transport in the cobbled winding streets of this mountain village. Take a donkey ride around the village to view the picturesque surroundings and magnificent views.
Rencontres Polyphoniques de Calvi
Polyphonic singing is at the heart of Corsican culture and musicians from around the world perform in the citadel at this event.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Algajola
Algajola is a charming, sleepy little village 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.
Sant’Antonino
Explore the narrow streets of the oldest inhabited village in Corsica, labelled as “one of the most beautiful villages in France” and enjoy some of the most spectacular views over la Balagne.
Pigna
The pretty blue shuttered village of Pigna is also well worth a visit, home to some fabulous craft shops and the irresistible setting to the Festivoce, a festival of Corsican polyphony.
Strada di l’Artigiani
Follow the craft trail “Strada di l’Artigiani” through the villages of la Balagne and sample the local specialities en route.
Visit Calvi Town & The Citadel
Calvi Towns social life focuses on the many restaurants and cafés of the quai landry which is a large seafront walkway that links the marina and the port effortlessly. To get the best possible feel of the town, this is the place to be! A walk up through the narrow passageways off quai landry will take you to rue Clémenceau where you will find an array of restaurants and souvenir shops plenty. Further walking will present the Ste-Marie-Majeure, built in 1774.
Each week held at the Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste, which stands at the highest point of the Citadel you can experience Corsican Polyphonic singing with the concerts of “Chansons polyphoniques”.
Calvi – L’lle Rousse by train
This regular service allows you to explore the coastline to the east of Calvi, stopping at all of the beaches en route, which means you can jump on in Sant'Ambroggio and travel in either direction! The line built in the 1880’s and 1890’s hugging the coast is undoubtedly one of the worlds most scenic railways. The complete journey takes approx 50 minutes, and depending on the time of year travelling, there are between 5 and 10 return journeys a day.
