Calvi holidays

How to reach Calvi

Flight time: Flights to Calvi from the UK typically take around two hours 15 minutes.

Transfer time: Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport is just 7km south of the town, making it a swift 15-minute taxi ride into the centre. While there’s no public transport directly from the airport, taxis are readily available.

Price: A taxi from Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport to the town centre costs around €20–€25. Car hire is another convenient option, with rates starting at approximately €35 per day.

Best time to visit Calvi

Choosing the best time for your holidays to Calvi depends on whether you’re after sun-soaked beaches or quieter, cooler months for exploring.

March to June:

• Spring is an excellent time to visit, with the weather warming up nicely (15°C to 25°C), and around 8–10 hours of sunshine daily.

• Rainfall is minimal, and the area’s famous beaches are far less crowded than in summer.

July to August:

• Summer is peak season, meaning far more crowds and extreme heat: temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C and there are about 11–13 hours of sunshine daily.

• Be prepared for higher prices and book well in advance.

September to November:

• Autumn offers far more pleasant, though still hot, weather with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C; the water is still warm enough to swim in.

December to February:

• Winters are short and not very cold at all, with temperatures still a relatively balmy 10°C to 15°C.

• Rainfall is higher, averaging 60–100mm per month, and there are around 5–7 hours of sunshine daily.

• Very definitely off-season, which makes it a good time to explore the historical sites without the crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language, but you will also hear Corsican spoken. English is not as widely understood, so learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful.

• Local habits and customs: Corsicans value their traditions and a relaxed pace of life; for example, siestas are common, and many shops close in the early afternoon.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is used in Corsica. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Calvi is compact and walkable, but for exploring further afield, hire a car or use the scenic coastal train that connects nearby towns like L’Île Rousse. Train fares between Calvi and L’Île Rousse start at around €6 one-way.

• Electricity and plug types: Corsica uses the standard continental 220 volts with two-pin plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Corsica is in the Central European Time zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Best things to do in Calvi

Corsica’s hallmark resort is a beautiful spectacle, with its three immense bastions topped by a crest of ochre buildings, sharply defined against a hazy backdrop of mountains.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Notre Dame de la Serra: This iconic hilltop chapel provides sweeping views of Calvi, the bay and the surrounding mountains - perfect for a spot of sunset photography.

• Citadelle: From the ramparts connecting the three immense bastions, the views, which extend out to sea and inland to Monte Cinto, are nothing short of sensational.

The best districts

• Quai Landry: A spacious seafront walkway linking the marina and the port, this is the best place to get the feel of the town.

• Old Town: Within the citadel walls, discover a maze of narrow streets, quaint shops and historical buildings that transport you back in time.

Historical monuments

• The Citadel: Perched high above the marina, this Genoese fortress is a testament to Calvi’s storied past and offers fascinating exploration opportunities.

• La Maison Colomb: A shell of a building which Calvi believes – as the plaque on the wall states – was Christopher Columbus’s birthplace.

• Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste: Set at the highest point of the promontory, the church’s great treasure is the Christ des Miracles, which is housed in the chapel on the right of the choir; this crucifix was brandished at marauding Turks during the 1553 siege, an act which reputedly saved the day.

Day trips in the area

• Girolata: Set against a backdrop of red cliffs and dense maquis, this is the last fishing village on the island still inaccessible by road, but well worth making the effort to get to.

• Corte: A nationalist stronghold, with loads of 18th-century charm and a rugged mountain setting.

• Balagne villages: A short drive from Calvi, hilltop villages like Sant’Antonino and Pigna are perfect for discovering Corsican artisan crafts.

• Scandola Nature Reserve: Accessible by boat, this UNESCO World Heritage site comprises vertiginous cliffs, crystal-clear waters and fabulous marine life.

Activities for families in Calvi

Families won't be struggling to find things to do on their Calvi holidays, thanks to a plethora of fantastic, mostly water-bound activities, as well as some more cerebral activities.

• Beaches: Calvi’s beach sweeps around the bay from the end of quai Landry, and while the sea might not be as sparklingly clear as at many other Corsican beaches, it’s warm, shallow and free of rocks - ideal, therefore, for families.

• Boat tours: Take a family-friendly cruise along the coastline to explore hidden coves and enjoy some swimming stops along the way.

• Interactive activities: Visit artisan workshops in the Balagne villages, where kids can see traditional crafts in action.

Free things to do in Calvi

Whilst Calvi itself is not a particularly cheap destination, there are ways that you can reduce your spend, especially with so much accessible coast and countryside to explore.

• Cultural events: Check the local calendar for free concerts, markets and festivals held throughout the year in Calvi and nearby villages.

• Beaches: Relax on Calvi’s public beaches or venture to nearby Plage de l’Alga for a quieter experience.

• Citadel exploration: Wander the citadel’s streets and ramparts and soak up its atmosphere at the same time as taking in endlessly superlative views.

Nature and outdoor activities

For fans of the outdoors, Calvi is a great spot to base yourself, thanks to the proximity of some of France’s most interesting hiking trails, coastal waters offering all kinds of pursuits, and some scintillating wildlife.

• Hiking trails: Discover scenic trails like the Sentier du Littoral or more challenging routes leading to the Balagne villages. The ultimate, however, and arguably France’s most dramatic and most demanding long-distance footpath, is the GR20, which climbs through and over Corsica’s precipitous mountains, starting near Calvi.

• Water sports: Dive into adventure with activities like paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling along the clear waters of Calvi’s bay. Explore the underwater world or paddle around hidden coves.

• Cycling routes: Rent a bike and ride through picturesque countryside, including paths to hilltop villages and coastal roads. These routes are perfect for soaking up the region’s beauty at your own pace.

• Wildlife: The Réserve Naturelle de Scandola supports significant colonies of seabirds, dolphins and seals, as well as some remarkable fish such as the grouper, a species more commonly found in the Caribbean - you might even see the odd fish eagle.

The best beaches for your Calvi holidays

Calvi is home to some of Corsica’s most breathtaking beaches, offering everything from long stretches of golden sand to hidden coves with crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re after a lively beach with plenty of amenities or a quiet escape surrounded by nature, there’s a perfect spot for you along Calvi’s stunning coastline.

• Plage de Calvi – the town’s showstopper

  Stretching for nearly 6km along the bay, Plage de Calvi is the town’s main beach and the most popular spot for sun-seekers. With soft white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and a gorgeous mountain backdrop, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining. A range of water sports, from paddleboarding to jet skiing, adds to the lively atmosphere.

• Plage de l’Alga – a peaceful retreat

  Nestled near the Revellata Peninsula, Plage de l’Alga is a quieter alternative to the main beach. Surrounded by rugged nature, this cove is ideal for snorkelling, with clear waters revealing an abundance of marine life. There’s also a beach bar where you can grab a drink and take in the stunning scenery.

• Plage de Lozari – wild and unspoiled

  A 30-minute drive from Calvi, Plage de Lozari offers a more untouched feel. With golden sands, rolling waves, and fewer crowds, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking for a more natural, relaxed beach experience. The surrounding maquis vegetation adds to the wild charm of this stretch of coastline.

• Plage de Bodri – postcard-perfect

  Just outside Calvi, this hidden gem is a dream for those looking to escape the crowds. With its soft white sand and dazzling blue waters, Plage de Bodri is often compared to a tropical paradise. It’s a little off the beaten path, but well worth the short walk from the main road.

• Plage d’Ostriconi – a true hidden paradise

  For a truly remote and breathtaking beach experience, head to Plage d’Ostriconi, located in the Désert des Agriates. The scenic setting, with rolling dunes and a wild, untouched coastline, makes it one of Corsica’s most beautiful and peaceful spots.

From lively beachfront to secluded bays, Calvi’s beaches showcase the best of Corsica’s coastline, offering something for every type of traveller.

Local dishes in Calvi

The herbs of the maquis lend the island’s cuisine its distinctive aromas, whilst the bountiful supply of seafood will ensure that your holidays to Calvi will entail eating some wonderful food.

Some typical dishes

• Brocciu: A soft mozzarella-like cheese made with ewe’s milk, this is found everywhere on the island, forming the basis for many dishes, including omelettes and cannelloni.

• Civet de Sanglier: The island’s signature dish is a scrumptious wild boar stew slow-cooked with carrots, chestnuts, fennel and lots of red wine.

Meat dishes

• Figatellu: A traditional Corsican sausage made from pork liver and flavoured with garlic and spices, and typically cooked over an open flame.

• Agneau Corse: Corsican lamb, much prized for its tenderness, roasted with rosemary and garlic.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Stufatu di Pezzu: A scrummy fish stew packed with a variety of fish, to which is added tomatoes, onions and herbs.

• Trout: Freshwater trout from Corsica’s rivers, grilled or baked and served with potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Street food

• Farinata: A savoury chickpea pancake with crispy edges and a delicious custardy centre.

• Bastilles: Salty cakes stuffed with onion, spinach and brocciu cheese, these have a powerful taste.

Sweets and desserts

Canistrelli are Corsican biscuits made with flour, sugar and white wine, and come in various flavours, such as lemon, almond and anise. Fiadone is a local cheesecake made with brocciu cheese, lemon zest and eggs.

Local drinks

• Corsican wine: The local wine is mostly from indigenous vine stocks that yield distinctive, herb-tinged aromas. Names to look out for include Domaine Torraccia (Porto-Vecchio) and Domaine Fiumicicoli (Sartène).

• Cap Corse: A popular aperitif is the drink known as Cap Corse, a fortified wine flavoured with quinine and herbs.

• Pietra beer: Corsican beer brewed with chestnut flour, giving it a distinct flavour probably unlike anything else you've ever tasted before.