“All the winds lead to Corsica.” The island of Corsica, just 60 miles from Tuscany, has very favorable sailing conditions with its many winds blowing from all directions.
The “Libecciu” (W) blows across the island, the “Mistral” (NW) is more present on the west coast, the “Scirocco” (SW) brings warm gusts and the “Levant” (W) covers the east coast.
The four existing navigation routes Calvi -Bastia, Bastia-Solenzara, Solenzara -Ajaccio are, therefore, always in the best conditions to navigate.
Already in spring you will find summer temperatures of around 25 ° C and you will find many secluded coves, even in summer.
With its rugged coastline, safe bays, excellent wind conditions and sunny weather, Corsica is ideal for sailing.
The typical hostels, the hospitality of the inhabitants, the Mediterranean style and the wonderful landscape will make your vacation unforgettable.
While Corsica under the storm of the conquerors experienced one drama after another, Ajaccio led a very peaceful existence. Until its conquest by Sampiero Corso in 1553, it belonged to the Genoese. In 1592, the Corsicans settled here.
In the 18th century, Ajaccio grew considerably and became the capital of Corsica. The most important monuments are the Imperial Chapel, the Casone Cave, the Cathedral, the Plaza Mariscal Foch, the Town Hall and the Citadel. The ports of Ajaccio, which are served by ferries from France (Marseille, Nice, Toulon) and Italy (Genoa), are an important stopover for many Mediterranean yachts.
The port of Tino-Rossi has 300 berths (160 for pedestrians), while the port of Charles-Ornano has 830 berths (140 of which are for pedestrians).
Bastia
With countless churches and religious centers, its wrought iron balconies and broken facades, Bastia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Corsica.
Of particular interest are the Plaza de San Nicolás with its cafes and terraces, the small Park of Romieu, the Bastia Citadel, the Ethnographic Museum and the Maritime Museum.
Other places of interest are the silver statue, which was made in the 17th century by an artist from Siena and the black Christ of the Sainte-Croix Church, which became the legend, surrounded by four wonderful lights that are floating in the sea. Every year on May 3, there is a great feast in honor of the patron saint of the church, where the statue is carried in procession through the streets of the city.
The old port of Bastia is home to 100 berths, 50 of which are on the quay and 50 berths occupied by local barges. The reception is scheduled from 8 to 20
The anchorage takes place at the dragon dock. It is advisable to stay more than 2m from the pier due to the rocks. You should also pay attention to waves with strong east winds and splashes with strong west winds.
Bonifacio
The city, located at the southern tip of Corsica, is famous for its cliffs and the view from the water. Bonifacio is exposed to all the winds that threaten pedestrians, with incredible force.
From the port, a path that leads over the marina and the narrow path leads to the highest citadel. At the beginning of the century, it was used mainly by donkeys, who supplied water and food to the old town in the upper part of Bonifacio. It is also one of the most religious cities in the region. The Saint Dominique procession is the largest in Corsica.
The Bonifacio Marina is home to the marina and the fishing port. It is an important starting point for crossing to the nearby island of Sardinia and the island of Maddalena. Depart for the islands of Lavezzi and Cavallo also usual.
Calvi
The city of Calvi offers a lot of attractions. The most impressive building in Calvi, the citadel in the upper part of the city, which rises directly over the northwest coast of the island and one with a beautiful view of the Corsican Riviera.
In addition, in the upper part is the palace of the bishops of Sagone, the house of Laurent Giubegga, the house of Christopher Columbus, the oratory of “San Antonio” and the cathedral “San Juan Bautista”.
In the lower part of the city, we can find the Calvi marina, the church of Santa María Mayor, Salt Torre, the “Notre-Dame de Lorette,” the “Porteuse d’Eau” square and the statue of Christopher Columbus. Calvi also has a lot to offer in terms of cultural activities: an annual jazz festival, a wind festival, contemporary art and polyphonic singing.
In the shadow of the city walls is the Calvi marina, which offers 350 berths, of which 180 are reserved for passing boats. The reception is open from 7.30 a.m. M. At 8.00 p. M. And the draft varies from 1.5 to 3.5 m.
Cargese
The city of Cargese owes its cultural richness to Greek and Corsican influences. Two churches clash here: a Catholic and a Greek church, which attracts more visitors due to its exotic smell of incense. The Roman Catholic Church is worth a visit.
The marina has 235 berths, of which 25 are reserved for passersby. The draft ranges from 3 to 5 meters in front of the port.
Marcinaggio
Macinaggio is located at the end of Cap Corse. Consequently, the port is well protected from the west and southeast winds, while being particularly susceptible to north winds.
We recommend a visit to the surrounding villages where picturesque historic buildings await. In Rogliano you can see the chapel “Santa María de la CHIAPELLA” from the 11th century. Visit the church of “Sant’Agnello” from the 17th century with its altar of San Antonio in polychrome marble (1660) and numerous paintings of the centuries XVI and XVII.
The ruins of the castle “Da Mare”, the tower “Sainte-Marie” and the tower of “S. Agnello” add to a beautiful panorama.
The Tomino village, however, can gather the “Sainte Nicolás Church, 18th century, has undergone several renovations and its facades and columns are decorated in a typical Baroque style. Other places of interest: the Chapel of the Brotherhood.
The Macinaggio Marina is home to 585 berths on the quay, of which 255 are reserved for passersby. You can make use of a two hour rate. The reception is located in Ehren- and Kaiserin-Kai. The draft in front of the port is 3.40 m, the bottom is 1.20 m to 3.40 m deep. For mooring in the port are floating docks.
Solenzara
The Solenzara river, lined with eucalyptus trees, got its name from the Italian name for sun; The town in the end has taken its name and reflects its brightness, its sweetness and the vast horizon with its beautiful beaches.
The Solenzara marina is managed by the municipality and offers all the town’s services 200 meters away.
The port has a capacity for 350 berths, of which 100 are reserved for passersby. The draft is around 3 m, access is possible in all weather except in the force of the south-east wind 7.
Saint Florence
The Saint-Florent marina is located at the foot of Cap Corse, bordered to the west by the Désert des Agriates area and at the same height as Bastia, the capital of the north.
In 1440, the Genoese built a citadel that until the 18th century was the seat of the Bishop of Nebbio and the Governor’s Palace. Although Saint-Florent was affected by malaria, the place was fiercely fought in the 16th century by the French, the Genoese and the Corsicans. Only after the drainage of the swamps by Napoleon III. and the associated eradication of malaria, the city got a new growth boost. The old town of Saint-Florent and the Genoese citadel are worth visiting. The church “Santa Maria Assunta” should definitely be visited.
The fishing port and the marina of Saint Florent offer 790 moorings in the harbor and on the banks of the Aliso River, of which 270 are reserved for passersby.
The draft ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters, in front of the port, from 5 to 6 meters. During the season, the reception is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., off-season from 8 a.m. at 12 p.m. and from 15 a.m. at 6 p.m. The port is protected from all winds, but is difficult to reach in strong winds from the northwest to the north.
Propriano
In the Gulf of Valinco, south of Ajaccio is Propriano with its important port. Only in the 18th century can you observe the formation of the first houses here. Propriano is particularly popular with tourists, as it is an ideal connection between the beaches and the nearby mountains.
The port has 80 moorings reserved for passersby, and the reception is scheduled from 7.30 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 20.00.
Access is easy day and night and in any weather, as the port is protected from all winds.
Porto Vecchio
Porto Vecchio was for a long time the troublesome child of the cities founded by the Genoese. The bank of San Jorge was built in 1539 to close the local defensive line. Despite the beautiful panorama, the swamps created in Porto Vecchio were the origin of malaria, which in several waves wiped out the settlers in the city. Only in 1944, until American troops drained the swamps, that the extent of the terrain can be observed. The sights are the Genoese fortifications, the marina, the salt flats. The marina of Porto Vecchio is an ideal starting point for sailing south to cross in front of the Cerbicales or Lavezzi or Sardinian islands, at the same time it is close to the most beautiful beaches in southern Corsica. It has 450 berths, of of which 100 are reserved for passersby. The draft varies from 1 to 3.5 m. The reception is open during the season from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., out of season from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Book your charter in Corsica with Ocean Charter Club
