Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Tom, Pexels
Calvi, France, offers a captivating blend of historical grandeur, pristine beaches, and dramatic natural landscapes. Visitors are drawn to its iconic medieval citadel, which stands majestically over the bay, and the vibrant marina that serves as a focal point for activity. The destination provides opportunities for both tranquil relaxation on its long sandy shores and active exploration of the surrounding mountains and marine reserves.
The lively marina area, known as Quai Landry, serves as a primary social hub, featuring an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops along its promenade. Additionally, the picturesque, cobbled streets of the old town offer open-air cafes where visitors can immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. During the summer, Calvi hosts various music and cultural festivals, such as "Calvi on the Rocks," which attracts a younger, trendy crowd, adding to the social vibrancy.
Top 5 Things to do in Calvi
Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's rich history, unwind on beautiful beaches, embark on adventurous boat trips, or explore scenic hiking trails.
1. Explore Calvi Citadel
Stepping into the iconic medieval citadel offers a journey through history with its cobbled streets and ancient ramparts. From its elevated position, panoramic views of the bay and mountains unfold. One can wander freely, discovering historical monuments and the believed birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Audio-guided tours are available for a deeper understanding of its past, including a fun treasure hunt for younger visitors.
Cost: Access to the citadel walls is free. Audio-guided tours are available from the Tourist Information Office, with adult rates around €8.
Transport: The citadel is within easy walking distance from the town center and marina. For those preferring to avoid stairs, a car park is located at the back, offering more direct access.
2. Boat Trip to Scandola Nature Reserve
Embarking on a boat trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Scandola Nature Reserve is an unforgettable experience, showcasing dramatic red cliffs, sea caves, and a rich marine ecosystem. These tours often include opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, allowing for appreciation of the area's pristine beauty and diverse wildlife, such as seabirds and marine life. Choose between a comfortable vessel for a relaxed journey or a semi-rigid boat for a more adventurous ride, with options to extend to the charming fishing village of Girolata or the striking Calanques de Piana.
Cost: Prices vary by tour type and duration. A 4-hour trip on a comfort vessel costs approximately €65 per adult, while a 4-hour semi-rigid boat tour to Scandola can be around €80 per person. Longer trips, including stops in Girolata or the Calanques de Piana, range from €85 to €120 per adult.
Transport: Boat trips depart directly from Calvi's marina, Quai Landry, which is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in Calvi.
3. Relax and Enjoy Water Sports at Calvi Beach
The expansive 5-kilometer-long Calvi Beach, with its fine sand and shallow, calm waters, offers a perfect setting for relaxation and various aquatic activities. One can sunbathe, swim, or rent equipment for kayaking, sailing, or windsurfing from the Club Nautique located near the marina. Diving centers also operate from the marina, offering lessons for all skill levels and excursions to explore coral reefs or a World War II bomber wreck. The beach provides stunning views of the citadel, creating a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely day.
Cost: Beach access is free. Rental costs for water sports equipment vary by provider and duration. Introductory diving lessons typically start from around €146 for private sessions.
Transport: Calvi Beach stretches directly from the marina and is easily accessible on foot from the town center.
4. Hike to Notre Dame de la Serra Chapel or Revellata Peninsula
For those seeking active exploration and breathtaking vistas, a hike to the Notre Dame de la Serra Chapel or along the Revellata Peninsula is highly recommended. The chapel, perched on a hill, offers magnificent panoramic views over Calvi Bay, the town, and the surrounding mountains. The Revellata Peninsula coastal path presents a rugged landscape with opportunities to discover secluded coves and enjoy swims in crystalline Mediterranean waters. These trails allow for a deeper connection with Corsica's wild, beautiful nature.
Cost: These hikes are free of charge.
Transport: Both destinations are accessible by foot from Calvi, though a taxi or short drive can shorten the initial ascent for the chapel. The start of the Revellata trail is west of Calvi, walkable from the town center.
5. Take the Coastal Train (Trinichellu) to L'Île-Rousse
Experience a unique coastal journey by taking the 'Trinichellu,' Calvi's charming two-carriage train. This scenic route runs along the coastline and through pine forests, offering picturesque views and stops at various beautiful beaches between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse. L'Île-Rousse itself is a delightful town with a vibrant port, the bustling Place Paoli, and the iconic Pietra Island with its lighthouse, providing more stunning panoramic views. It is a wonderful way to explore the local area at a leisurely pace.
Cost: A round trip ticket from Calvi to L'Île-Rousse costs approximately €12 per adult. Individual sections cost €2-€6.
Transport: The train departs from Calvi train station, located near the beach.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
