Villages of the Balagne

Your holiday starts in L’Ile Rousse, on the North West coast. Check into your hotel before exploring the cobbled streets of the old town, the cafés of the Place des Platanes, one of the beautiful beaches and the ‘Red Isle’ that gives the town’s name. The town was founded by Pascal Paoli, in response to the Genoese at Calvi, and has a wonderful lived in feel. 

Today is a pleasant stroll through the Balagne, you take the train to the village of Algajola ( train ticket not included, can be purchased directly at the train station). The tracks hug the coast, and the views are sublime on this short 15 min ride. From Algajola you climb between dry stone walls to the village of Sant Antonino and the artists village of Pigna, the narrow streets of the village are home to various crafts. From Pigna you take a path to Corbara, and pass through narrow alleyways of the village of Corbara before dropping down to return to Ile Rousse. 

The path leaves the outskirts of the town to reach the village of Santa Reparata di Balagna. You'll cross the ancient hamlet of Palmento through its alleyways, before arriving at the 11th-century parish church. It was built over an ancient Romanesque chapel. The path crosses a wide plateau before reaching the village of Monticello. You can head down to the sea to visit the Saleccia park, which boasts a fine collection of Mediterranean plants.

After a short transfer, you are dropped in the perched village of Speluncato. After exploring this high villages, you have a choice of walks today via perched villages and paths that down drop onto the Regino plain, between market gardens, past old chapels and ruins of long forgotten hamlets before climbing again to the village of Monticello.

From the hill village of Feliceto, you pass through the villages of the Haute Balagne including Avapessa and Cateri, past a Convent and washouses to Lavatoggio. From here we follow on across lofty land, climbing to the abandoned village of Occi high above Lumio. The village was deserted in the 20th Century, when no road could be built for access. The views from here towards Calvi are sublime. A transfer takes you from Lumio to Calvi. 

There are a few walks to do in Calvi. The first is a beautiful walk on the Revellata peninsula, an unspoilt area of maquis and sea cliffs. Head around the coast towards the lighthouse, a real highlight of the trip. This protected area is a haven for wildlife, with much flora and fauna that is found only here. The walk passes along sea cliffs and down to unspoilt coves, your journey back can be extended to take in Notre Dame de la Serra, high above Calvi, this beautiful chapel is the ideal spot for a few shots.