Nonza
Nonza is a charming village located on the western shore of Cap Corse in Nothern Corsica, known for its stunning cliffside views and rich historical heritage. This picturesque destination is worth visiting for its striking landscapes, including the dramatic contrast between its black pebble beach and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. The village has played a role in Corsican history, including resistance against Genoese rule. Village is known also for its local crafts and products, including wine and olive oil.
Wgy to visit?
Nonza is particularly special due to its well-preserved Genoese tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the quaint charm of its narrow streets lined with traditional Corsican houses. Visitors can explore the remnants of the village’s history, enjoy local cuisine, and take in the serene beauty of the nearby Desert des Agriates, making Nonza a perfect spot for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in a unique Corsican setting.
Wheather in Nonza:
Nonza travel guide
Nonza combines natural beauty, historical interest, and traditional Corsican culture, making it a popular stop for those exploring Cap Corse. Its dramatic setting and unique features make it stand out among Corsican villages, offering visitors a memorable experience of the island’s coastal beauty and cultural heritage.
Getting in
The main way to access Nonza is by road. It’s located on the D80 coastal road that circles Cap Corse. The nearest larger towns to Nonza are Bastia (about 35 km south) and Saint-Florent (about 25 km southwest).
Corsicabus (www.corsicabus.org) operates intercity bus services on the island. However, services to smaller villages like Nonza may be limited or non-existent. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Nonza, given its remote location.
What to see
Despite being a tourist attraction, Nonza maintains its traditional Corsican character. Its dramatic setting on a steep cliff makes it one of the most photographed villages in Corsica.
- Stunning views: Offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Corsican coastline.
- Unique black pebble beach: Below the village is a distinctive beach with black pebbles, creating a striking contrast with the blue sea.
- Historical architecture: The village features well-preserved Genoese architecture.
- Paoline Tower: A 16th-century watchtower built during the Genoese period, offering great views.
- Santa Giulia Church: An 18th-century Baroque church with a beautiful interior.
- Scenic drives: The road to and from Nonza offers breathtaking coastal views.
What to do
- Explore the village: Walk through the narrow streets lined with traditional houses, visit the 16th century Church of Sainte-Julie, known for its bright orange-pink color, see the small Chapel of the Confrerie Santa-Croce next to the church
- Climb the Paoline Tower: walk up about 125 steps to reach the top of the square tower, enjoy panoramic views of the village, beach, and surrounding area from the platform, learn about its history as an 18th century watchtower
- Admire the views: take in the stunning views of the long black sand beach below and enjoy the village’s dramatic location perched on 100m high cliffs
- Visit the Fountain of Saint Julie: follow the short path with steps near the northern entrance to see the fountain and associated chapel
- Relax in the village square: have lunch or coffee at one of the cafes/restaurants and soak in the charming atmosphere
- Go to the beach: walk down the steep 10-minute path to reach the unique grey/black sand beach. Note that swimming is not recommended due to strong currents
- See the ruins: check out the ruins of the 13th century Convent of Saint Francis south of the village. View the ruins of La Sassa, a former noble residence, from the tower
- Shop for local products: browse small gift shops and charcuteries in the village. Look for Cap Corse wine, which is famous from this region.
- Hiking: several hiking trails start from or pass through Nonza, offering beautiful coastal walks.
Main attractions
Paoline Tower (Tour de Nonza): 18th century square tower built on ruins of a 12th century castle. Climb 125 steps to reach the top for panoramic views. Tower has an interesting history of being defended against French troops by a single man in 1768. See heart-shaped hole in the rock face below the tower, which according to legend, was created by a Moorish king’s arrow.
Church of Sainte-Julie: 16th century church painted bright orange-pink. It contains a polychrome marble altar and other decorative elements
Village center: narrow streets with traditional houses, small square with cafes and restaurants
Black sand beach: unique long beach with grey/black sand visible from the village. It is formed from asbestos mining waste (safe for sunbathing but swimming not recommended)
Fountain of Saint Julie: natural spring associated with the martyrdom of Saint Julie. It can be reached by a short path with steps near the village entrance
Ruins:
- Ruins of the 13th century Convent of Saint Francis south of the village
- Ruins of La Sassa, a former noble residence, visible from the tower
Views: panoramic vistas of the coastline and mountains from various points in the village
Local products: small shops selling Corsican specialties like charcuterie and Cap Corse wine
What to eat and drink
Several restaurants in the village offer traditional Corsican cuisine with spectacular views. There are no specialries of Nonza in terms of food, but you have to enjoy local wines from Cap Corse with these incredible views from the hill! The wines from this region have been famous since the 16th century, though the AOC status was only granted in 1993.
The Cap Corse wine region is located on the northern peninsular tip of Corsica, with distinct soil composition of chalky clays and limestone, which differs from other parts of the island. This unique terroir contributes to the wine’s character. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with sea breezes that moderate temperatures. This allows for a long growing season and excellent ripening conditions.
Cap Corse is known for its Muscat du Cap Corse AOC, which produces sweet fortified wines. These wines are made by adding alcohol during fermentation to stop the process and retain residual sugar. The Muscat du Cap Corse wines are known for being exceptionally nuanced and varied, with complex aromas and flavors.
Around Nonza
- Nonza Beach: A unique black sand beach visible from the village, known for its dramatic contrast with the turquoise sea.
- Tour de Nonza (Paoline Tower): An 18th-century tower built on the ruins of a Genoese castle, offering panoramic views of the area.
- Cap Corse: The broader region where Nonza is located, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and picturesque villages.
- Saint-Florent: A nearby town (about 12 km away) worth visiting for its historical sites and beaches.
- Bastia: A larger city about 13 km from Nonza, offering more urban attractions and historical sites.
- Baracataggio: A nearby location, though specific details are not provided in the search results.
- Plage d’Albo: Another beach in the vicinity of Nonza.
- Farinole Beach: A beach area near Nonza.
- Monte Stello: A mountain in the Cap Corse region, likely offering hiking opportunities and views.
- Church of St-Martin: A religious site in the area, though its exact location is not specified.
- Plage de Lavasina: Another beach in the region.
Saint-Florent
Nonza on the map of Corsica:
→ Back to Corsica travel guide