Saint-Florent

Located 23km or about a 30-minute drive from the main city of Bastia, the coastal town of Saint-Florent (in Corsican San Fiurenzu) is a gem well worth visiting.

Saint-Florent was founded by the Genoese in the 15th century. Originally a fishing harbor located in the gulf that bears the same name, the city is intertwined in the rich history of the island.

One of the symbols of the city is the Genoese citadel, which was constructed in 1440 at the same time the city was founded. Several Genoese towers were also built as part of a series of coastal defenses constructed by the Republic of Genoa between 1530 and 1620 to repulse attacks by Barbary pirates. One of them, the Tower of Mortella (in Corsican Torra di Mortella) was briefly captured in 1794 by then British Navy Captain Horatio Nelson during the French Revolutionary Wars.

The Romanesque Saint-Florent Cathedral, or the cathedral of the Nebbio, now the church of Santa Maria Assunta is also a well-known landmark. Each summer, many Corsican polyphonic singing groups perform there, don't miss this unique experience!

In contemporary Saint-Florent, fishing boats have largely been replaced by pleasure boats and yachts. Every summer, this quiet small town

becomes a bustling tourist destination as the city's marina welcomes over a thousand boats, making it Corsica’s second-largest after Ajaccio.

Saint-Florent is also the entry point to the Agriates desert, a protected natural reserve consisting of 37 kilometers of coastline with breathtaking and unspoiled natural landscapes. There are several magnificent and idyllic beaches, which are some of the most beautiful on the island. The area can be accessed via hiking trails or by shuttle boats from the city.

The marina and the old town are always lively and the most-visited parts of the city. Tourists enjoy strolling along the docks, experiencing the city's many bars and restaurants, or appreciating a refreshing and delicious cup of ice cream.

Across the bay from the city, a short walk away is la plage de La Roya, a public beach where people enjoy sunbathing and water activities. With its shallow water protected by the bay, it is perfect for families with small children.

Anyone looking for a more peaceful and secluded beach can take a shuttle boat to the idyllic plage de Saleccia and Plage du Loto, with their white sand.

In addition to the traditional Corsican food you can find in Bastia, Saint-Florent is located right next to the sunny hills where the renowned Patrimonio AOC wine is made, so don't forget to enjoy it! Our favorite is the red “Orenga de Gaffory”, especially their “cuvée des gouverneurs“.

There are many restaurants to choose from, some our favorites are the timeless “Le Petit Caporal” on the Marina (fun fact, this was Napoleon's nickname), “La Cigale“ right outside of town if you are trying to escape the crowds, and for a more budget-conscious travelers the “Pizzeria Aqua Dolce“ right on the beach (limited menu but awesome food).

The best place to buy authentic and locally made charcuterie (sausage such as Lonzzu and Figatellu) is by far U San Petrone.