- Corsica
St Florent, Corsica
Drive north east from Calvi or L’Île Rousse, and the landscape gradually becomes wilder as the road winds through the rugged Désert des Agriates. Eventually, the mountains open out to reveal St Florent, a peaceful harbour town nestled between the mountains and the sea.
Why visit St Florent?
- A pretty waterfront setting for your holiday
- A base to explore the Désert des Agriates
- The town's vibrant atmosphere
With its sheltered marina, pretty waterfront and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, Saint-Florent feels like a tranquil oasis at the edge of the wilderness. Beyond the town, the coastline gives way to secluded coves and beautiful sandy beaches, making it an appealing base for exploring this less-developed corner of northern Corsica.
What to do in St Florent
Head to the wine country
Patrimonio is a region famed for its vineyards, with much of Corsica's best wine produced here. You will find dozens of vineyards to explore.
Tour the villages of Nebbio
Take in the relaxed pace of life. One of the finest examples of Pisan Romanesque architecture can be found at San Michele de Murato, in Murato.
Visit Conca D'oro
Oletta village perched up high, offers spectacular views over the gulf. You will find workshops and cellars of about 10 local artisans.
An in-depth guide to St Florent
Saint-Florent sits on a sparkling bay, sheltered between the rugged mountains of Cap Corse and the magnificent, untamed landscapes of the Désert des Agriates. Founded by the Romans and later developed into a flourishing medieval port under Genoese rule, the town has retained much of its historic character and remains remarkably unspoilt.
Compact enough to explore on foot, Saint-Florent’s narrow streets and passageways weave between the harbour and the imposing citadel, opening onto pretty squares lined with cafés. Along the waterfront, a lively collection of restaurants overlooks the marina, where sleek yachts from the Côte d’Azur mingle with local boats. There is a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere here — sophisticated, but relaxed and refreshingly intimate.
Beyond the town, Saint-Florent makes an excellent base for discovering the beaches and rugged coastline of northwest Corsica, as well as the mountain villages inland. Behind the bay lies the peaceful Conca d’Oro, a fertile landscape of vineyards, olive groves and traditional villages. Here, old stone houses cling to the lower slopes of the mountains, seemingly hewn from the very rock on which they stand.
With its beautiful setting, historic charm and easy access to some of northern Corsica’s most spectacular scenery, Saint-Florent offers an appealing combination of seaside relaxation and authentic island life.