Calvi
The port city of Calvi is located in the northwest of Corsica on the bay of the same name. It is the capital of the Balagne region. With its 5,400 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Corsica. With its picturesque citadel and beautiful old town, Calvi is one of the most visited cities on the island. Even in high season, when it is filled with tourists, Calvi does not lose its charm, acquiring a more Italian noisy atmosphere.
Calvi Bay with its 6-kilometer-long beautiful beach is a favorite summer vacation spot for many tourists.
The airport located near Calvi has direct flights from Vienna, Salzburg, Memmingen and Cologne.
Weather in Calvi
Calvi travel guide
Calvi has long been a sought-after destination, with its appeal historically rooted in its strategic significance. The imposing Citadel, built in 1268, is a testament to this military importance. Perched on a high promontory above the town, it was designed to fend off invaders, including the notorious Admiral Nelson, who famously lost sight in one eye during an attack on Calvi.
Getting to Calvi
By train: The Calvi-Bastia train line runs regularly, with a scenic route through Corsica’s mountainous landscape. The journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. You can also take a train from Ajaccio to Calvi, though it involves a transfer at Corte. This route can take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
By bus: Several bus services operate between Bastia and Calvi, with journey times around 2.5 to 3 hours. There are bus services from Ajaccio to Calvi, typically requiring a transfer in Corte. The total journey time is about 4 to 5 hours.
By ferry: While ferries generally serve routes between mainland France (Marseille, Nice, Toulon) and Corsica (Bastia, Ajaccio), you can travel by ferry to nearby ports and then continue by train or bus. Calvi does not have a direct ferry service but is accessible by connecting transport. These ferries are operated by companies like Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale, and others.
By car: There are several picturesque routes to Calvi from Porto, Ajaccio and Bastia allowing you to anjoy the beaty of Corsica. Parking in the city is limited, but free during winter period.
History of Calvi
The territory of Calvi was first inhabited by the Phoenicians, then the Greeks, then the Etruscans. In the Roman era, the current Lower Town of Calvi was founded here. It was called Sinus Caesiae or Sinus Casalus, from which the current name Calvi comes.
In 1278, the city came under the rule of Genoa and remained so for several centuries, periodically subjected to attacks by Corsican nationalists. This gave Calvi the opportunity to claim that Christopher Columbus was born here. However, many cities in Italy, Spain and Portugal lay claim to the honorary title of the birthplace of the great discoverer of America.
To see
Wander through the citadel’s ancient walls to discover a maze of tightly packed houses linked by cobblestone streets and alleys. Notable within is the 13th-century Cathedrale St.-Jean-Baptiste, renowned for its remarkable architecture and the Christ des Miracles crucifix. Legend has it that this revered crucifix caused the retreat of advancing Turkish forces during a 1553 siege.
After exploring the citadel’s bastions and taking in the sweeping views of the town and coastline, descend to the Marina. Enjoy a seafood meal at a waterfront café or restaurant while watching the yachts sail by.
Calvi walking tour
The Calvi walking tour usually starts from the central square, named after Christopher Columbus. You can walk across the drawbridge to the Citadel, located on a massive rock overlooking the Gulf of Calvi. This part of the city was almost impregnable in the Middle Ages due to its thick walls, reinforced by three bastions. From here you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Punta de la Rivellata to the west and Punta di Spano to the east.
In contrast to the narrow, dark and quiet streets of the Upper Town, below is the noisy, bright and colorful Lower Town. The liveliest streets are Quai Landry and Rue Georges Clemenceau. Even out of season, numerous festivals and concerts are held here.
Main attractions:
- Palais des Gouverneurs
- Salt Tower
- Hotel Nord-Sud
- La Pinède
- Revellata
- Punta di Revellata
- Revellata Lighthouse
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Oratory of Saint Antoine
- Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure
- Notre-Dame de la Serra
- Read more…
Tourist map
Eating in Calvi
Calvi’s cuisine stands out from other Corsican cities because of its strong coastal influence, blending traditional Corsican flavors with a heavier focus on seafood due to its location by the sea. While cities like Corte or Ajaccio might highlight mountain dishes or charcuterie, Calvi specializes in fresh Mediterranean catches such as grilled fish, lobster, and seafood pasta. The city’s cuisine incorporates the natural bounty of the surrounding waters, offering oysters, mussels, and octopus, which are less prominent in the inland towns.
Local specialities in Calvi include dishes like civet de langouste (lobster stew) and sea urchin delicacies. The use of local ingredients, such as herbs from the maquis (Corsican scrubland), is still central, tying Calvi’s cuisine to the island’s traditions but with a distinctive maritime twist. You can find these dishes at many seaside restaurants offering al fresco dining with views of the sea and the citadel.
In comparison, inland towns like Corte may focus more on wild game (like wild boar stew), cheese-based dishes, and hearty meals, while Calvi’s offerings tend to be lighter, reflecting the Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Corsican cuisine
- Traditional dishes of Corsica
- Corsican cheeses
- Corsican charcuterie
- Wines of Corsica
- French wines
- French cuisine
Dining in Calvi
Calvi offers a vibrant restaurant scene with a wide variety of dining options, from high-end eateries to budget-friendly choices. Many of the more upscale and scenic restaurants are located near the Citadel and the Marina area. Here, you’ll find restaurants with stunning views of the sea, such as Le Comme Chez Soi and A Piazzetta, offering local Corsican cuisine and Mediterranean dishes.
More casual and affordable options, including bakeries, cafes, and small eateries, are found in the town center near Rue Clemenceau and Cours Lucien Bonaparte, offering a mix of Corsican and international food.
The Michelin Guide does not list any starred restaurants in Calvi, but there are Michelin-recommended spots, such as A Piazzetta, known for its Corsican specialties.
Read more: best restaurants in Calvi…
Shopping in Calvi
Shopping in Calvi offers a unique blend of traditional Corsican products, artisan crafts, and modern boutiques. The city’s streets are filled with shops selling everything from local delicacies to handmade souvenirs, making it a great destination for discovering Corsican culture through its products.
Shopping Areas
- Rue Clémenceau: This is one of the main shopping streets in the city, where you’ll find a variety of fashion boutiques, gift shops, and stores offering Corsican products like honey, jams, and charcuterie. Many local designers also have shops here, showcasing Corsican-inspired fashion.
- Boulevard Wilson: Another popular shopping street, Boulevard Wilson offers a mix of luxury boutiques and smaller artisan stores. It’s a great spot for buying locally made perfumes, jewelry, and artwork.
- Around the Marina: Near the marina, there are many shops catering to tourists with local delicacies such as Corsican cheeses, wines, and olive oil. This area also offers numerous souvenir shops, perfect for those looking to take home a piece of Corsica.
Corsican Specialties to Buy
- Lonzu (Corsican charcuterie)
- Brocciu cheese
- Corsican honey
- Wine from the nearby Balagne vineyards
- Corsican perfumes, made from the island’s wild herbs and flowers
Festivals and celebrations in Calvi:
- Festival of the Three Cultures (Festival des Trois cultures) in May.
- Celebration of Saint Erasmus (Sant-Eramu), patron saint of fishermen and sailors, it is also the patronal festival of the brotherhood of the same name. Every year at the beginning of June, a procession passes through the streets of the lower town. His statue is carried by members of the brotherhood of Saint Erasmus and Saint Antoine before being loaded into a boat and sent to sea, where it is thrown in memory of all the lost sailors.
- The Calvi Jazz Festival has been held in Calvi every June since 1987. The festivities begin every evening from 6pm in the amphitheatre of the marina with free concerts. At the same time as the Saint Antoine Oratory, other concerts are held in the Citadel: polyphony, a cappella, guitars, saxophone, etc. Finally, in the evening from 9 pm, jazz concerts on the ramparts, at the foot of the Citadel.
- National holiday: every July 14, the city offers a great fireworks display. The fireworks are visible from the pier of the port.
- Calvi on the Rocks. This annual festival is a meeting point for local and international culture. It lasts for three evenings in July, on the beach, with the participation of big names in the field of electronic music and popular DJs.
- Festival du Vent – 5 days at the end of October – annual festival: exhibitions of works of brass art, concerts, conferences, symposia, presentations of unusual objects, creative workshops, street entertainment, meetings with the scent of freedom.
Around Calvi
Calvi is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and picturesque villages, offering visitors a wealth of excursions and attractions. The area is known for its unspoiled beauty, featuring striking cliffs, turquoise waters, and dramatic scenery. While some spots can only be accessed by car, others are best explored through organized excursions. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the diverse surroundings of Calvi offer something for every traveler.
Calvi on the map of Corsica
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