Saint-Florent: starting point for discovering Corsica
Saint-Florent, a city nestled in the heart of preserved nature bordered by the Mediterranean, is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Haute-Corse.
The Gulf is one of the most beautiful in the island and the Nebbio region is probably one of the most interesting, with many opportunities for vacationers lining up to go there every year.
What to see in St Florent
One is immediately captivated by the serenity emanating from Saint-Florent. Moreover, artists have been proved right and many of them preach the benefits of this typical and authentic village. It is an historic city, where one enjoys discovering some of the remaining buildings, starting with the XII century Cathedral or the Citadel, which is now home to many contemporary exhibitions and concerts at the Festival Porto Latino.
A street in St Florent near the port
Time seems to stand still here, people are playing boules on Place des Portes or des Ormeaux, one can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town or on the docks and enjoy the view of the Gulf and Marinuccia, which has lost none of its charm when the place was still a small fishing village.
The port of St Florent with the beginning of Roya Beach in the background
Nicknamed the Corsican St Tropez, one enjoys the show on display in the village, from the beautiful mansions that seem to dive straight into the sea to the magnificent wild beaches running towards Balagne.
The Tower of the Mortella protecting the entrance of the Gulf is a must see, a pleasant stroll before heading to the prettiest beach of the village, Roya.
View of the port of St Florent from the road of the Agriates desert with Cap Corse in the background
The Agriates desert
Saleccia - a beautiful wild beach in Agriates
There are plenty of activities around town. Do not miss a cruise on the Agriates desert, a succession of white sandy beaches surrounded by scrub, perfect for those looking for peace and quiet. Most athletes prefer to go through dirt tracks to reach Saleccia Beach, which was the setting in 1960 of the film "The Longest Day" and hikers will stride along the old sentier des Douaniers. Loto Beach is directly accessible by boat from the port of St Florent (extremely crowded in summer).
Ostriconi Beach south of the Agriates Desert
The 43-kilometres-long paths, heading straight to Punta di Acciolu then to the site of Ostriconi, which grey rock blends with the blue of the sea, are a real treat. The Agriates is also a natural and wild territory where one can still find old barns, traditional shepherd houses, and small corners of paradise with crystal clear waters, provided one dares to venture along the long rocky ridges and valleys.
Ghignu Beach seen from a dune. There are barns at the end of the beach opposite
Ghignu Beach, located more than an hour away from Saint-Florent, is one of the wonders of Corsica. One can even rent barns on the seafront overlooking the beach, a way to discover authentic Corsica in a unique atmosphere. For more details see our article on the beaches in the Agriates desert.
Balagne
One can also choose to visit Balagne for the day, a rich region where people still visit the castle ruins before exploring Calvi and Ile-Rousse.
Saint-Florent is also located on the wine route, this is the opportunity to stop in one of the many vineyards and enjoy a glass of Patrimonio, AOC, unless one prefers to taste local meats, cheeses, olive oil, honey and discover the totally wild coastline of Patrimonio.
Cap Corse
Finally, one should ideally take advantage of one’s stay to go on Cap Corse, which mountains surround the small village. This peninsula, bordered by Serra and a jagged coastline, abounds with breath-taking views from the hamlets in the mountains and seaside resorts are real picture postcards. Brando, Nonza or Pino are perfect to try out scuba diving unless one prefers to bask in Centuri, to enjoy lobster, a specialty of this village on the tip of Cap Corse. For more information, read our article on Cap Corse.
From Saint-Florent, one can easily reach the East coast. Bastia is only 23 km away (about 40 minutes away by car). The coastline is totally different with vast expanses of sand stretching for several kilometres. We are on the beaches of the East Coast.
It is enough to enjoy one’s stay in Saint-Florent.
