From hilltop villages to coastal towns

Balagne is famous for its “villages perchés” — villages enthroned on the hills high above the coast. Each has its own character, but all share that mix of rough natural-stone architecture, ancient olive groves and far-reaching sea views. Down by the water lie the harbour towns of Calvi and Île Rousse — lively, mediterranean, with cafés, markets and history.

The small village of Lumio sits on a hill above the bay of Calvi and charms visitors with its authentic atmosphere. Winding lanes, natural-stone houses, shaded olive trees — and everywhere the view of sea and sunset over the gulf. Lumio is quiet, original, and yet only a few minutes by car from Calvi. The perfect base for a Corsican stay that wants to combine both: rest and discovery.

Calvi lies just 15 minutes by car from Casa di Lumi and charms with its mediterranean flair. The imposing citadel towers above the harbour, in the historic old town you happily lose yourself in narrow lanes full of cafés, boutiques and Corsican specialities. Right in front of the town: a kilometre-long sandy beach with the snow-capped peaks of the Cinto massif in the background — one of the most postcard-perfect views in Corsica.

Weekly markets, harbour concerts in summer, good restaurants — Calvi is the lively counterpart to the quiet of Casa di Lumi.

About 25 minutes by car in the other direction lies Île Rousse — smaller than Calvi, but with its own charm. The red rocky island in front of the harbour gives the town its name. Beautiful market square, fish restaurants, a long beach with fine sand, and the train station for the historic narrow-gauge railway “Trinighellu”, which runs through the mountains to Bastia and Ajaccio.

If you have time, dedicate a day to the villages perchés. A selection nearby:

• Sant’Antonino — one of Corsica’s oldest villages, on top of a rock, walkable in 30 minutes
• Pigna — the artists’ village, blue-and-white doors, concerts and crafts
• Aregno — small Romanesque church from the 12th century
• Algajola — small harbour village right on the sea with a quiet beach

A loop through two or three of these villages with a stop at a restaurant makes a perfect day trip.