CAROLYN'S GUIDE TO
Base yourself in the laid-back, non-touristy seaside town of Algajola. Its central position makes it ideal for exploring the island’s northwest coast, especially if you hire a car. The mood here is unhurried and quietly chic, with fantastic boulangeries, gelato shops and boutique beachfront hotels dotted throughout the area.
The beaches are a highlight. Plage de Sant’Ambroggio offers almost Maldivian turquoise water, while the wilder Punta Spano is great for a scenic coastal walk with a more rugged and untouched feel. For a more secluded escape, take the local train to Corbara and wander down to the hidden cove of Crique de l’Alga, perfect for snorkelling in crystal-clear water.
Inland, the hilltop villages of Pigna and Sant’Antonino offer panoramic views, artisan shops and plenty of hidden treasures to discover at your own pace. For a day trip, head into the Bonifatu forest for wild swimming in the piscine naturelles along the Figarella River, followed by a visit to the family-run Auberge de la Forêt for what might be the best steak tartare on the island.
Another must is Saint-Florent, where you can take a boat across to the breathtaking Plage de Saleccia. Lunch at Cabane du Lodu for a laid-back beach club atmosphere with very cool decor and an eco-conscious ethos. For the perfect ending, a sunset dinner at U Nichjaretu is the standout moment of the trip.
