Hotel Santa Maria
Saint-Florent - Lieu Dit Cisternino
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Many compare Saint Florent to Saint-Tropez, the famous resort on the French Riviera: Saint-Florent is in fact very similar in terms of its pleasant climate, its harbour full of luxury yachts and its fashionable clubs.
The heart of the town is the old sand-coloured citadel of Genoese origin, so exotic that it could be mistaken for a Moroccan resort.
The capital of the Nebbio region and the island’s second tourist port, Saint Florient is a must-see on a trip to Corsica.
The village is also known for being the entry point to the Agriates desert, renowned for its beaches ranked among the most beautiful in Corsica
A stroll along the marina is a must among the things to do in Saint-Florent. Nestled at the end of a beautiful bay and framed by the mountains, this marina is a reminder that the village was once a fishing village.
Along the quays, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood in the sunshine and admire the panorama teeming with life. As night falls, the port of Saint-Florent changes its face: the evenings in the bars and restaurants begin.
Visiting Saint-Florent means taking time to stroll through its historic centre. The old alleys overflow with charm and lead gently to pretty romantic squares, charming churches and refreshing fountains.
To cross paths with local boules enthusiasts and young people meeting up with friends, stop at Place des Portes or Place de la Doria, the city’s most picturesque spots.
The softly shaped, sun-bleached citadel of Saint-Florent was built by the Genoese. Having resisted military assaults since 1439, today this enchanting citadel is much more than a historical monument: it is a cultural centre that hosts superb exhibitions in its dungeons, while in summer it hosts festivals and popular evenings that make the ancient walls vibrate to the sound of music.
It is accessed by a graceful walk from the old town, behind the harbour. At the top of the Citadel esplanade, the view is absolutely stunning: you will have a breathtaking view of the marina, the bay of Saint-Florent and on a clear day, even the Desert des Agriates.
Saint-Florent is also best known for being the entry point to the Agriates Desert4, renowned for its beaches that are ranked among the most beautiful on the island. In fact, this protected natural area has no tourist services, hotel facilities or easy access. The best way to visit it is therefore to stay in Saint Florent and then opt for an excursion by land or sea leaving from the town.
Within the Agriates Desert are some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches, first and foremost plage de Saleccia5. This wonder can be reached from the town by a 12-km walk or by sea. Nestled between Aleppo pines and golden dunes, Saleccia looks like a tropical painting.
For those who wish to bask in the sun without straying too far, there are the beaches of Olzo6, Ospedale and Cala di Malfacu7. The first two are beautiful beaches of fine sand and pebbles, stretching out between surprising blue-green hues, while the third is frequented by motorcyclists (it is located on a road that is difficult to access by car), yachtsmen and hikers who follow the customs path.
This magnificent excursion, accessible to all, allows you to discover the splendour of the Agriates desert. One of the unmissable things to do in Saint-Florent is to at least walk a section of it. The first stage, which is absolutely exceptional, starts from Saint-Florent, from the Roya beach, and arrives at Saleccia, lasting six hours. The walk passes through beautiful sites such as Mortella Tower8 and plage de Lotu9.
Lovers of good wine should not miss a stop in the village of Patrimonio, just 6 km from Saint-Florent! Here, in fact, there are no fewer than 32 winegrowers with a registered origin label who produce a famous Muscat but also reds, whites and rosés without the use of special technologies, thanks to the excellent climatic and soil conditions.
We recommend a tour with tasting of the wineries: the most renowned caves are Domaine Gentile, Domaine Orenga de Gaffory, Clos de Bernardi, Domaine Leccia, Domaine Lazzarini, Clos Marfisi and Clos Mantemagni.
Patrimonio is also famous for an original tradition of guitarists that in 1989 gave rise to the Nuits de la Guitare, a festival held in July with the participation of the world’s leading guitarists.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Saint-Florent is full of accommodation for all needs: campsites, B&Bs, cheap hotels or charming hotels.
We recommend you stay in the area near the Roya beach, a long, wonderful tongue of sand surrounded by a fabulous panorama, or in the old town centre. If, on the other hand, you wish to visit Saint-Florent without sleeping inside the town, you can choose accommodation in the Tettola district.
What's the weather at Saint Florent? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Saint Florent for the next few days.
It is located in Upper Corsica, at the beginning of the Cap Corse peninsula and at the gateway to the Agriantes desert.
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