Haute-Corse is about much more than Bastia and its beaches. Its hilltop villages, baroque churches and stone lanes tell the story of another Corsica. Here is our selection, region by region, to discover them from Hôtel Résidence A Torra in Vescovato.
The Casinca, around the residence
Start with the nearest villages: the Casinca, clinging to the hills south of Bastia, offers views over the eastern plain and the sea.
Vescovato
Once the seat of the bishops of Mariana, Vescovato has kept its tall stone houses, shady squares and rich history. We dedicate a full article to it: Discover Vescovato and the Casinca.
Loreto-di-Casinca
Loreto-di-Casinca is a hilltop village known for its Corsican charcuterie and its viewpoint over the plain and the sea.
It is the perfect opportunity to taste the island’s iconic products, such as prisuttu, coppa, lonzu and figatellu, and to discover know-how passed down from generation to generation.
Penta-di-Casinca
A neighbour of Vescovato, Penta-di-Casinca stretches along a ridge. Its tightly packed houses and narrow lanes offer lovely views over the surrounding landscapes in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Castagniccia, the land of chestnut trees
Further inland, the Castagniccia is known for its chestnut forests, green valleys and small mountain villages. It reveals a rural, unspoilt side of Corsica.
La Porta
La Porta is one of the most emblematic villages of the Castagniccia. Its baroque church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and its tall bell tower overlook the valley.
Cap Corse
North of Bastia, Cap Corse is lined with fishing villages, Genoese towers and cliff roads above the sea.
Erbalunga
About ten kilometres north of Bastia, Erbalunga is a former fishing village with a small harbour and a Genoese tower. Ideal for a stroll and lunch by the sea.
Nonza
On the west coast of Cap Corse, Nonza is perched on a rocky spur crowned by a Genoese tower, above a long beach of dark pebbles.
The Balagne
Between sea and mountains, the Balagne is famous for its hilltop villages, craftspeople and olive groves.
Sant’Antonino
Perched on a rocky peak, Sant’Antonino is one of the most visited villages in Corsica, with its cobbled lanes and views over the sea and mountains. It also features in our article What to see in Haute-Corse?
Pigna
A small, carefully restored village, Pigna is known for its craft workshops and its musical tradition.
Tips for visiting the villages
Mountain roads are narrow and winding: allow plenty of time and plan half a day per area. The villages are best explored on foot, so bring comfortable shoes.
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for a quiet visit. To choose your dates, read our article When to visit Haute-Corse?
Where to stay to visit the villages of Haute-Corse?
From Vescovato, the Casinca is just a few minutes away, and the Castagniccia, Cap Corse and the Balagne are within reach for a day trip. After your visits, enjoy the pool and the peace of our studios and apartments.
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To discover the city too, read our article What to see in Bastia in one day?