Described as boring by travel professionals, the east coast of Corsica has had a bad reputation for many years. But the coast has a lot to offer, with its natural beauty, its large vineyards, fruit plantations and its high villages which offer visitors panoramic views of the coastline. On a cultural level we find the remains of ancient Roman civilizations, cathedrals, chapels but also beautiful hikes.
Classified as a Nature Reserve, the Biguglia Pond and its 1,700 hectares of surface area welcome migratory birds throughout the year. The famous Pietra brewery will welcome you to Furiani to help you discover the making of the first Corsican beer, which appeared in 1995.
Cathedral with 12th century ornaments, closed to the public, it was built on the remains of the Roman Mariana civilization, in which 10,000 inhabitants lived at the time, only today very few remains have been unearthed. To promote its rich history of more than 2,000 years, the village of Lucciana has launched a project to create the Archaeological Museum of Mariana, which should open its doors at the dawn of summer 2020.
In the direction of Solenzara, the east coast offers its visitors a sandy beach on more than 80km of coastline, suitable for welcoming families with children. You will pass through villages which are home to holiday centers and campsites which overlook the sea. In the hinterland, set off on the Corniche road to discover the mountain villages, which overlook the sea and offer a panorama of the coastline and the Italian islands off the land. On the way, you will discover typical mountain villages, and you will pass near a viaduct and a baroque church. A short walk is necessary for those who wish to go to the Ucelluline waterfall, and enjoy a preserved natural site.
Perched at an altitude of 300m, Cervione is a place of history. Stroll through the village to admire the baroque cathedral of Sainte-Marie and Saint-Erasme, from the 16th century, or the former Bishop’s palace. This building welcomed the first and at the same time the last king of Corsica, Theodor de Neuhoff in 1736.
The port of Campoloro will welcome boaters, it is the only point of attachment for boats from Solenzara to Bastia. Little known to the general public, the Bravone valley lets its walkers discover its villages high up and take advantage of the Bravone river and its basins to cool off. Aléria is surrounded by two ponds, that of Diane to the north, known for its production of oysters and mussels, and that of Urbino to the south, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Already 3000 years BC, the region of Aleria was populated. A Roman town with more than 20,000 inhabitants, today, the excavations begun in 1958 made it possible to find numerous remains and are now the subject of an open-air visit as well as an exhibition in the museum section. In the ancient city, one can find remains of the forum, temples, thermal baths and also the amphitheater.
Ghisonaccia is defined as the tourist resort in Corsica with its numerous holiday centers and campsites. Tourists liven up the city center throughout the summer period. The beach is very suitable for families. Going back up the D344, you will arrive at Ghisoni, a mountain village, below the Col de Sorba. Just before arriving at the village, you will find a Genoese bridge, with a view of the Christe-Eleison summit and Jyrie-Eleison. The Ghisoni ski resort (at an altitude of 1580m) is the starting point for the hike towards the highest peak on the island: Monte Renoso. Before arriving at Solenzara, there is the Ventiseri-Travo Air Base. The Air Force conducts training at the site throughout the year. Chisa is home to a Via Ferrata, and canyoning is very common in the Luvana and Lama rivers. The road continues towards the south and Solenzara.
