Things to do in Calvi, Corsica - 15 tips for a holiday favourite

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated August 2026 | What to see and do in Calvi in Corsica? This holiday favorite is known for its long, fantastic sandy beach and for the large, impressive citadel from the 15th century. Here you will find our best tips for sights and experiences.

Calvi in Corsica

Calvi is a town with a stunning skyline. The medieval citadel sits on the edge of the promontory, surrounded by winding alleys, sandy beaches and small boats. This is holiday paradise at its best!

Calvi is located in the north-west of the island of Corsica, in France. The town is part of Balagne, which also includes the town of L'Île-Rousse.

What to do in Calvi?

So, what can you see and do in Calvi as a tourist? We visited this town for the first time ten years ago, and when we returned we were not disappointed. It was just as beautiful and charming as we remembered it. Here we share our top tips!

1. Check out the citadel in Calvi

Of course, one thing you won't want to miss doing in Calvi is checking out the magnificent citadel, which dates back to the 15th century. The site came under the control of Genoa and the citadel served as a strategic military outpost with defences against various invaders.

Today you can stroll inside and outside the sturdy walls and marvel at the mighty structure. Part of the citadel also houses a military museum.

2. Enjoy the view from the citadel

One of the best things the citadel of Calvi has to offer is the view. If you make your way up the various staircases, you'll be rewarded with view after view of the town and the marina.

3. Walk around the Old Town

It's fascinating to walk around the citadel, but also the old town below. Calvi offers historic stone houses, winding alleys and a huge dose of charm.

4. shopping

Do you like to shop while on holiday? Then you'll have a great time in Calvi's small shops. You'll find everything from fashion and swimwear to souvenirs and local delicacies.

5. Enjoy on an outdoor terrace

Although Calvi is not a huge town, there is a wide range of restaurants with cosy outdoor seating. You'll find plenty of places with traditional three-course menus, but also pizza, pasta, burgers and sandwiches. We shared a pizza, which was just right for lunch!

As well as restaurants in the old town and at the citadel, you will also find many cosy restaurants along the long sandy beach.

6. Strolling in the marina

The marina in Calvi is lively and you can spot plenty of boats here, from small motorboats to large sailing yachts and hefty luxury yachts. Why not enjoy an ice cream while you watch the boating action?

7. take a boat trip

In the marina of Calvi, many different excursion organisers are waiting to take you on a boat excursion. For example, you can discover Gulf of Calvi (2 hours), the nature reserve Scandola (4-6 hours) or go on the "Grand Tour" to Scandola, Piana and Girolata (about 7 hours). By the way, Scandola Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site since 1983. An exciting excursion to do in Calvi!

8. Sunbathing and swimming on the beach in Calvi

The beach in Calvi, Calvi Beach, is a very long and beautiful sandy beach. Along the beach are many restaurants and places that rent sunbeds, as well as places that rent boats and jet skis. Above all, it is popular for sunbathing, swimming or strolling slowly along the water's edge.

From the whole of the long, fine beach, you have a marvellous view of the mighty citadel of Calvi.

9. Try water sports

Say what not are available for hire along the beach in Calvi! You'll find canoes, stand-up paddle boards, rubber dinghies, sailboats and pedalos. There are several hire shops along the long stretch of beach.

10. Ride the Shaker train

A slightly different thing to do in Calvi is to take the "Shaker" train. Along the beach in Calvi runs a narrow gauge railway. The train is called "U trinighello" in Corsican, which can be translated as "The Shaker". The name describes the bumpy train journey, with the track connecting Corsica's two largest cities: Bastia and Ajaccio.

11. visit Notre Dame de la Serra

The chapel bearing the name Our Lady of the Serra is a Baroque chapel and shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Calvi, with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The chapel was built in 1479 and when you visit it, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the whole of Calvi. The best way to get here is by car or other vehicle, and motorhomes are also possible, as long as you are prepared to drive on winding and slightly steep roads.

12. discover the Revellata peninsula and Plage de l'Alga

Beaches Alga Beach is located on the Revellata peninsula, just southwest of the centre of Calvi. The peninsula is wild and beautiful, and diving is also popular here.

13. take a trip to Sainte-Restitude beach

Not far from the long beach in Calvi you will find the beach St Restitude, which is also worth a visit. Here you'll find a popular sandy beach, and if you're looking for a little more privacy, you can opt for the pebble beach just next door.

14. discover Bodri beach

Beaches Bodri is closer to the town of L'Île-Rousse, and here you will find no less than two fine strips of beach with soft fine-grained sand. Just above the beaches, there is a daytime car park for €3 (2025). Motorhomes are also welcome as long as there is room. There is also a campsite here.

15. Travelling to L'Île-Rousse

The town of L'Île-Rousse is also part of Balagne and is not far from Calvi. The town's name means 'the red island' and refers to the rocky island located just outside the town.

This beautiful coastal town was founded in 1758 by Pasquale Paoli, the most famous leader of the Corsican people. You'll find a monument to him here, and Napoleon Bonaparte also had his summer residence here.

More to see and do in Calvi for culture and history lovers

There is, of course, more to see and do in Calvi, in addition to our tips. Here are a few more suggestions for those who like culture and history:

• Villages in Balagne are charming and beautiful. You can check out Pigna, Speluncato, Sant'Antonino, Corbara or Lumio, for example.
• Calvi-Balagne wines can be interesting to try if you like wine.
• Pierre Napoléon's castle ruins (Le Château du Prince Pierre Bonaparte) is located between Calvi and Galéria and was the residence of Pierre Napoléon, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.

More to see and do in Calvi for nature and adventure lovers

There is of course more to see and do in Calvi for those who like nature and adventure. Here you will find even more tips:

• Boniface forest is surrounded by mountains with steep slopes, and here you will also find centuries-old trees.
• Diving is a popular activity.
• Fango Valley (Vallée du Fango) includes a river and is a protected biosphere reserve.
• Hiking and mountain biking is popular on the various trails in the area.
• Via Ferrata is available to try in the Asco Valley (Vallée d'Asco).

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

There are of course lots of different hotels and other accommodation in and around Calvi. We came here with our motorhome and we stayed at Camping Paduella, a pleasant campsite with shady pitches under the pine trees and walking distance to both beach and town.

There are about four other campsites nearby, as well as holiday villages and other holiday accommodation. The place where we stood ten years ago, La Pinède, is still there but is no longer a campsite, but has been transformed into a holiday resort with chalets, bungalows, spas and other activities.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

In the vicinity of Calvi, we can especially recommend visiting the charming little resort Saint-Florence and driving the dramatically beautiful mountain roads of Calanche di Piana.

More tips on things to see and do in Calvi?

Have you been to this part of France? Do you have any more tips on what to see and do in Calvi? Please let us know!