THE ALLURING TOWN OF L'ÎlE-ROUSSE

The alluring town of L'Île-Rousse stands proudly in the North of Corsica, boasting the serenity of its scenery along the coastline. The town is enriched with history, with valiant displays of historical figures and traditional Corsican properties, each with its own tale to tell. However, the town is truly brought to life by the gentle buzz of the local Corsicans, merry with their hospitality and friendliness. With just an hour drive from Bastia airport, this fascinating town deserves a spot on the itinerary.

Becky & Sebrena from Just Corsica recount and review their visit in October 2024:

Our first day began with a visit to St Florent. A forty-minute drive from Bastia airport through the mountains, the charming marina is ideal for a pit-stop for those wanting to re-charge and relax. This breezy town makes it effortless to find quality traditional Corsican cuisine, with a variety of restaurants being close to the water’s edge. We sat down for a delicious pizza lunch, our friendly attentive waiter pleased to serve us our first meal in Corsica.

After lunch, we were still keen to explore. The quaint side streets led us to an amazing view, Point de Vue sur St Florent. With beautiful blue skies, the gulf and mountains of Cap Corse were striking with elegance alongside the Citadel, built in 1439 to mark the Genoese rule of the area.  Those wishing to extend their stay in St Florent, Hotel La Roya is a splendid option. This wonderful hotel boasts captivating sea views, direct access to the sandy white beach, and a ten-minute walk to the town. 

Where is the best place to stay in L'Île-Rousse?

After an hour on the road, we found ourselves in L'Île-Rousse. The tradition of friendly Corsican hospitality continued, and we were swiftly checked into our self-catering apartment at Domaine A Marella. These modern spacious apartments make a fantastic choice for staying in the heart of L'Île-Rousse, being just a ten-minute walk into the centre of town. With generous bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/living area, and a terrace with a sea view, it is easy to see why these apartments were the perfect place for our stay in Corsica.

The second day began as we explored further into L'Île-Rousse. Hotel Villa Josephine is a wondrous hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, ideal for those wanting to still be close enough to the beating heart of town. As we drove downtown, we were greeted with views of tremendous mountains and the vastness of the sea. Countless restaurants and shops were lined up by the sea front, each one inviting us in with delicious smells and the jolly buzz of patrons. Displayed in the centre of town is the statue of Pasquale Paoli, a Corsican native who led the resistance against the French conquest of Corsica in 1768. His statue is a vital piece of Corsican history that stands proudly as a reminder to locals and tourists alike.

What is there to do in L'Île-Rousse?

We strolled along the sea front to the Best Western Santa Maria, an ideal hotel for those who desire to have the beach at their doorstep as well as the lively middle of town. Neighbouring the hotel are plenty of opportunities for water sports hiring such as jet skis, banana boats and flyboarding. Boat excursions can even be made to the distant beaches Plage de Ghjunchitu & Bodri. Further along is Fanale di Petra, a lighthouse on the rocky Pietra peninsula. It is a worthwhile fifteen-minute walk when visiting L'Île-Rousse, and in the summer season there is a small train that takes guests to the peak. The views atop the rocks are breath-taking and award a stunning overview of the entire town and beyond. We decided to treat ourselves to a delicious ice cream, flavoured to a traditional Corsican biscuit called Canestrelli.