Discover Corsica’s northern gem, Saint-Florent! Here are 5 reasons why you should visit this charming town!

On all our trips to Corsica, I’ve dreamed of visiting the little fishing town in northern Corsica. Yet it wasn’t until our most recent journey to the island that we finally went there. It turned out to be just as beautiful and enchanting as I had imagined. In this article, you’ll find 5 reasons why you too should pay the town a visit the next time you travel to Corsica.

Saint-Florent is a small fishing town with about 2,000 inhabitants, located on Corsica’s northern coast, nestled between the sea and the mountains. The town attracts many tourists in the summer, who come to explore the charming streets and swim at the beautiful beaches of Saleccia and Lotu. Many also come to experience the Agriates Desert or the Patrimonio wine route, both situated in the direction of Cap Corse.

We had quite a long drive from where we were staying, so for us it became a day trip to the town, where we explored the old quarter, enjoyed some delicious food, and took a walk along the small harbor. So, if you’re planning on spending just a single day in town, we can highly recommend experiencing these 5 adventures.

1. Experience the Northern Corsican charm

It was undoubtedly the idea of a charming little fishing town that drew us north to visit Saint-Florent. After driving through the stunning Corsican mountains and mountain villages, the town suddenly appeared on the horizon, with the sparkling sea as its backdrop. Before long, we were wandering through the streets of the small town – and we fell in love with it immediately.

The Old Town of Saint-Florent
The Old Town of Saint-Florent

There’s simply nothing more vibrant than a charming little town by the sea, with its harbor and the warm Mediterranean breezes. It’s definitely the old town and the small harbor that are the main attractions and carry all the charm.

I love the old houses in Saint-Florent. It’s clear that wind and weather have left their mark on them.
I love the old houses in Saint-Florent. It’s clear that wind and weather have left their mark on them.

Saint-Florent was founded by the Romans and later ruled by the Genoese for many years. The town’s old quarter still bears the marks of Genoese style, with its narrow, labyrinthine streets and weather-worn, colorful houses.

The streets of Saint-Florent’s old town are charming.
The streets of Saint-Florent’s old town are charming.
It must be a joy to come home to this house.
It must be a joy to come home to this house.
Hardly anyone probably rides on this, but it’s nice.
Hardly anyone probably rides on this, but it’s nice.

You can walk from one end of the town to the other in just 10 minutes. But it’s not those 10 minutes that make the town special – it’s the relaxed, historic atmosphere, blended with the lively harbor vibes, that creates the real magic.

It’s a must to bring a backpack when exploring cities. Fill it with water, sunscreen, blister plasters, and all the little essentials you might need along the way.
It’s a must to bring a backpack when exploring cities. Fill it with water, sunscreen, blister plasters, and all the little essentials you might need along the way.

2. Enjoy delicious food with a hint of the sea

Is there anything better in the world than enjoying your meal outdoors? One of the highlights of our trip to Saint-Florent was having lunch at a café on one of the town’s squares. From our table, we had a view of the sea, and even though it was windy, it was a welcome relief on such a warm day.

There is a beautiful view of the harbor in Saint-Florent from Restaurant La Marinuccia.
There is a beautiful view of the harbor in Saint-Florent from Restaurant La Marinuccia.

Our first thought was to have lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants along the harbor promenade. But after browsing their menus, we agreed that we would probably get more value for our money by eating at one of the restaurants tucked away in the old quarter.

The harbor restaurants, like in most parts of the world, are both appealing and expensive. We were looking for a lunch that would truly impress us and offer a bit of peace and quiet – and we found exactly what we were seeking.

It’s always exciting to open a new menu and see what delicious dishes we can try. Here’s Peter at Restaurant La Marinuccia.
It’s always exciting to open a new menu and see what delicious dishes we can try. Here’s Peter at Restaurant La Marinuccia.

The many restaurants and cafés offer all kinds of food, especially seafood, as well as Italian and French dishes. Here, we enjoyed delicious Italian-style salads, accompanied by beer and cola.

We had a delicious lunch that day at Restaurant La Marinuccia.
We had a delicious lunch that day at Restaurant La Marinuccia.

After lunch, we explored the town a little more and ended up back at the harbor, where they were selling delicious ice cream for Sebastian.

There’s always room for ice cream when we’re out and about. Here, we’ve found a spot in the shade at the harbor in Saint-Florent.
There’s always room for ice cream when we’re out and about. Here, we’ve found a spot in the shade at the harbor in Saint-Florent.

3. Soak up the Mediterranean at the marina

I’ve mentioned several times that the harbor in Saint-Florent is small, but the mariana is still Corsica’s second-largest port. The marina is filled with sailboats, speedboats, yachts, and fishing boats. It’s clear that many of the tourists visiting the town arrive by sea. Many sit on their boats, enjoying themselves, and it’s fun to watch how life unfolds on board.

A small promenade runs along the harbor, lined with cafés and restaurants, offering open views of the marina and all the people strolling by.

The harbor with its many boats, cafés, and restaurants
The harbor with its many boats, cafés, and restaurants

4. Shop for Corsican delicacies

The Corsicans really know how to do charm – especially the small delicatessen shops scattered throughout Saint-Florent’s old quarter.

One of the charming little shops in Saint-Florent.
One of the charming little shops in Saint-Florent.

Some of the shops sold soaps and delightful fragrances, others offered clothing, oils, dried flowers, red wines, and souvenirs – and then there were the really good ones, the ones selling bread and pastries (I love looking at cakes). It was hard not to be tempted by all the delicious treats, but this time we managed to resist.

There are small, charming shops in Saint-Florent offering French delicacies. Here, you can buy fresh baked goods.
There are small, charming shops in Saint-Florent offering French delicacies. Here, you can buy fresh baked goods.

5. Visit the Citadel for the Most Stunning Views

The first thing we experienced on our visit to Saint-Florent was the Citadel and the breathtaking views over the town, the bay, the Agriates Desert, and the mountains – both to the south and out toward Cap Corse!

The Citadel was built by the Genoese in the 15th century and is occasionally used for exhibitions and events.

The Citadel, standing proudly with views over Saint-Florent.
The Citadel, standing proudly with views over Saint-Florent.
The little girl and the big tree, near the citadel in Saint-Florent.
The little girl and the big tree, near the citadel in Saint-Florent.
The bay at Saint-Florent, towards Corsica’s northernmost point at Cap Corse.
The bay at Saint-Florent, towards Corsica’s northernmost point at Cap Corse.
The view over Saint-Florent’s old town, with the small harbor visible in the background.
The view over Saint-Florent’s old town, with the small harbor visible in the background.

Saint-Florent is Corsica’s northern gem, but now, having visited the town and stood at the foot of Cap Corse, it has rekindled our dream of returning to Corsica and exploring this part of the island as well. Until then, we’ll continue to cherish this little gem – yet another of Corsica’s beautiful adventures.

Have you visited Saint-Florent? Do you have any tips you’d like to share with us and our readers? Feel free to leave a comment below!

We look forward to hearing from you.

  Tips for a great trip to Saint-Floren

  • It’s best to arrive by car, but park it and explore the town on foot.

  • You can use the large free parking lot at the back of the town (near the Citadel).

  Links

  Here you’ll find Saint-Florent, Corsica