A natural, unspoilt landscape
The immense rock, nicknamed the "Finger of Corsica" and pointing north, remains the wildest and most authentic part of the island. Located north of Saint-Florent, the first stop at Nonza will set the tone for an astonishing discovery.
Overlooking the black pebble beach, Nonza's tower offers a dazzling panorama. A must-see among the many villages you'll pass through, Nonza is just the beginning of a series of heritage and architectural discoveries. A few kilometers further on, you'll find the village of Canari, itself offering a breathtaking view from the church square.
40 minutes later, Centuri and its little port will give you the warmest of welcomes. Made up of several hamlets, its port, where old fishing boats are still anchored, remains one of the region's most beautiful postcards. 15 minutes further on, you'll come across the emblematic site of Cap Corse's economic and cultural success, the famous Moulin Mattei. The drink of the same name, an iconic Corsican aperitif, is the result of a subtle recipe made from the famous Muscat du Cap Corse. Situated on a promontory, this is a must-see stop for the panoramic view of the destination and the horizon.
Your route will continue in the direction of Macinaggio, but we invite you to fork off halfway along the road to the left, towards what might be considered the last northern point of the region accessible by car, to discover Barcaggio. This picturesque hamlet in the municipality of Ersa will charm you as much for its beauty as for the view it offers towards the horizon and the no less famous Giraglia island.
Beyond that, the road takes you to Macinaggio for a very basic stopover. With its Tourist Office and one of the largest marinas in northern Corsica, Macinaggio offers a wide range of activities.
Tamarone beach is one of them, and the Cap's customs path is one of the things to do if you're not short of time. You've now passed the western part of the Cap and are on your way back to Bastia. You'll pass through numerous hamlets, seaside resorts and villages, including Santa Severa, in the commune of Luri, and Porticciolo marina with its small port. Finally, among the many landscapes you'll cross, Erbalunga will be the final note on this coastal journey. Its harbour and layout will charm you as much as the rest. You'll then return to Bastia and take the road over the Col de Teghime to Saint-Florent and the Nebbiu region. The view of the Gulf from this same pass will complete your tour of the island's most breathtaking panoramas.
Our recommendations are just one way of discovering Cap Corse from Saint-Florent. The choice of a west-to-east route is by no means an obligation. Similarly, depending on the time you have to devote to it, the route could be shortened by taking the road linking the communes of Pino and Luri, via the Col de Sainte-Lucie and its no less famous Seneca Tower. As far as vehicles are concerned, the roads are classic but winding, so only heavy and cumbersome vehicles will need to be careful at certain points. The route from Saint-Florent to Saint-Florent covers 136 km, so everyone will be able to estimate their journey time.
