The 12 things to do in Saint-Florent

Discover the 12 essential things to do in Saint-Florent, the incredible Saint-Tropez Corse!

Saint-Florent is part of one of the most beautiful pieces of the Island of Beauty. Here, the mountain covered with maquis and steeped in high summits reigns in absolute mistress. Yet, it remains no less generous!

It accepts to break at times to leave room for the sparkling beaches, the vertiginous peaks jonched with eagle nests, the clusters of bravely hung villages and the gentle valleys leading into the sea. Saint-Florent, apart from being an ideal starting point to explore the Cap Corse, is a drop point that deserves a few days.

The village attracts fishermen, sailors, stars and locals in search of absolute nature. No doubt: it will seduce you too. So discover the 11 essential things to do in Saint-Florent, the Saint-Tropez Corsica. In less pretentious and more intimate...

1. Old town

Visiting Saint-Florent is necessarily taking the time to stroll around his old town. The old streets are full of charms and lead you, smoothly and romantically, to the squares, charming churches and refreshing fountains.

To meet petanque enthusiasts and young people who have come to meet with friends, ask yourself more about Place des Portes or that of the Doria . Raise your eyes on the beautiful facades that enlacent you.

2. The citadel

The citadel of Saint-Florent, round and bleached in the sun, was built by the Genoese. She has been tossing time and resisting assaults since 1439. This citadel is much more than a historic monument to visit in Saint-Florent.

It is a cultural centre that houses great exhibitions in its dungeon. In summer, festivals and popular evenings make old walls vibrate. You get there by a nice walk from the old town behind the port. At the top of the Citadel esplanade, the panorama throws it! The view is stunning on the Marine, the Bay of Saint-Florent, the Desert of Agriates: a real postcard!

3. The port

A walk on the small port is a must among the things to do in Saint-Florent. Nestled at the bottom of a wonderful bay surrounded by mountains, this marina recalls that the village was a fishing village.

Along the docks you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood under the burning sun and admire the landscape! At nightfall, the port of Saint-Florent changed his face. Place aux soirées dans les bars et restaurants : passage obligatoire if you wish to visit Saint-Florent as it should be.

4. A boat ride

If you are on the island of beauty, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: the boat rental in Saint-Florent ! It is a dream afternoon that will then offer to you...

On the programme, you will then be able to follow the sublime coasts of the region, and understand why this destination has become one of the true must-sees in Corsica. You can navigate to the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio , then go and lose yourself in the 8,000 hectares of the Natural Reserve of the Mouths Bonifacio . But this is not all, with a little more time, you will even have the opportunity to access the famous Lavezzi Islands This sublime Corsican archipelago...

5. Corsican specialties

Let's be honest... The Corsican cuisine alone justifies the journey! Imagine: Cannellonis with Brocciu that you sauce the remains, the smell of smoked roast cabri and dip in sage and oregano. The wine that intoxicates you (a little) and the stuffing of tartin cheese with fig jam.

Then, your taste buds dream of a sweet touch despite an already well filled stomach. The divine flavor of the flan with the chestnut explodes in the mouth. To drag the whole thing, you'll take a lot of myrtle liquor.

Then, finally, you're quite starting to get this back the next day! This time you taste a tray of pignails with a subtle and fragrant taste. You believe in a piece of Corsican calf, rustic and tasteful. You love, even if you have long hesitated between this meat and lobster pasta...

You will have understood it. Visiting Saint-Florent is IM-MAN-QUA-BLE-MENT make your taste buds travel and take a few comforting pounds!

6. The Desert of Agriates

Pierre Benoit wrote: “It looks like a huge field of bones, a disparate and disturbing land, the imagination is easily lost: the dolmens are ships of the oar and the bridges of the constructions of the Devil...”.

This is a wonderful description of the Agriates. Do not trust his name, this desert is indeed one of the largest natural sites of the Mediterranean coast. Peupled with animals of all kinds, streams of water, touffus plants and impetrables, revived rocks: it is a real Corsican oasis.

However, no dwelling or trace of human life. But what a joy to take adventure paths in a rocky, light and wild symphony that has discouraged all real estate agencies. A figure of things to do in Saint-Florent, you go through the customs trail, on foot or at mountain biking, by the road or by the sea.

On site, you can hike between shores and back country or sunbath on a beach worthy of Bahamas (Saleccia, Ghignu or Lotu).

7. The beaches

As we talk about it! Here, the beautiful beaches form a rosary of wonders. Already there are the paradise beaches of the desert of Agriates, including Saleccia : certainly one of the most beautiful in Corsica. This marvel is accessible from the village (12 kilometers walk) or by the sea. Tremped with Aleppo pines and golden dunes, Saleccia looks like a tropical painting.

Other beaches to see when you want to visit Saint-Florent while licking in the sun: those of Olzu , of Ospedale and Malfalco . The first two are splendid beaches of fine sand and pebbles, stretched between a stunning blue-green cameo. The third is a plebiscity of bikers (a difficult road to access by car), boaters and hikers who cross the customs trail.

Less spectacular but almost in the centre of Saint-Florent: beach of la Roya . Ideal for a picnic on the edge of pinewood, feet in a quiet water.

8. The Customs Trail

This beautiful hike, accessible to all, allows you to discover the splendour of the Agriates. One of the unmistakable things to do in Saint-Florent is at least a section of it. The first exceptional stage, from Saint-Florent (departure from the Roya beach) to Saleccia, lasts six hours. The walk leads to splendid sites such as the tour Mortella and beach of Lotu .

Walking bits will continue the way. From Saleccia to Ghignu, the coastal path runs in three hours. Finally, the last stage lasts six hours and takes you by the sea to Ostriconi.

This beach is a subtle blend between the Agriates, the Ostracon Valley, the meanders of the river and the sea. Sure, it's impossible to do everything in one day. Take a look at the stages and relay hostels located at the end of each stage.

9. Water sports

Corsica is a privileged place for the practice of water sports: windsurfing, waterskiing, flyboard, paddle, jet-sky, surf, kitesurfing... It's all there! In the corner of Saint-Florent, it is the scuba diving that has the coast.

Visit Saint-Florent gives you access to fabulous spots where wildlife is rich. Chickens, murene, strips of merous: it is an incessant ballet in the middle of red corals and coloured gorgones. Among our favourites: Point de Curza , Roche de Nonza and The Vecchia .

10. The wine route

Saint-Florent is a vineyard country. The Wine Route, which testifies to the winemaking know-how of Cap Corse, passes through this epicurean hamlet. If the vineyard and its importance are to be found in a wide variety of wines, it is especially the white one who is honoured.

Especially a certain muscat. Then board along the Wine Route and the large cellars. On the way, you will find picturesque Corsican villages in the hinterland. Heartburn for Patrimonio , with its superb view of the valley and its baroque church.

11. The Cathedral of Santa Maria-Assunta

Among the things to do in Saint-Florent when you are in love with the old stones: the Cathedral of Santa Maria-Assunta. Also known as the Cathedral of Nebbio, it is the apogee of your historical pilgrimages.

This beautiful church is flamboyed and houses stylized sculptures of great beauty. His Romanesque style is a testament to the splendor of the Pisane era. Do you know that this is the most elaborate medieval monument in Corsica?

12. The Porto Latino Festival

If you have the chance to visit Saint-Florent between 25 and 28 August Don't miss the Porto Latino festival. For four days, since 1998, the city has been battling its full rhythms of Latin American music.

How to get to Saint-Florent?

The main entrance door to Saint-Florent is Bastia . It is indeed the nearest airport. It is about 40 minutes drive .

Every day, many planes fly from Metropolitan France to Bastia. To find the most attractive offer, don’t hesitate to compare flights to our partner site Ulysses .

If you arrive by ferry to Bastia : In the same way, you can reach Saint-Florent by car!

If you don’t have a car, buses regularly take the Bastia-Saint-Florent route.

Where to stay in Saint-Florent?

Camping, bed and breakfast, cheap or chic hotels and even Airbnb , Saint-Florent is full of housing. To find your happiness without a headache, don’t hesitate to use a Compare hotels which will scan all the best offers for you.

We advise you to stay in the area near the beach of la Roya ( Fromontica ) or historic centre of the village . If you wish to visit Saint-Florent without sleeping in the heart of the village: direction Tettola .