Located on the East coast of Cap Corse, Erbalunga Corsica is a charming fishing village and a great stop while touring the cape.
It offers a pedestrian headland, an old Genoese tower and a great vibe.
Below is my guide to plan your visit with map, tips, things to do and photos.
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Why visit the village of Erbalunga in Corsica ?
Erbalunga is a charming little pedestrian village North of Bastia.
It is one of the main villages to visit on the East coast of Cap Corse (see my full article on Cap Corse) and one of the most famous places in Corsica.
It is probably due to the tiny peninsula on which it is built. The old houses are cramped on this little piece of land with the ruins of a Genoese tower at the end.
And it has a lot of charm as well as a great vibe.
It is quite different from the other famous Cap Corse village: Nonza
Have a look:
History of Erbalunga
You won't guess visiting it nowdays, but it used to be a major port for North Corsica.
The fiefdom was created in the 15th century, and it was inhabited with a castle from the 16th century
Its tower, rebuilt at the end of the 17th century, is now in ruins but it still has a lot of character. You will see more pictures later in the article.
In recent days, it has become a small fishing village where artists and prominent people have come to appreciate the peaceful environment.
Things to do in Erbalunga
- Take a walk in the village,
- Enjoy the atmosphere,
- Walk around the small port to admire the Genoese tower.
Photos in the article after the practical advice
Planning tips & Map - Erbalunga, Corsica
Where is Erbalunga in Corsica? Map & location
- Erbalunga is located on the East Coast of Cap Corse, North of Bastia.
- Bastia to Erbalunga - 25min
- St Florent to Erbalunga - 50min
- The entire tour of Cap Corse can be done in one day. However, I recommend 2 to have time to explore those small villages and do some walking.
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Cap Corse Map, including Erbalunga
This highlight is included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Corsica road trip:
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How to get to Erbalunga, Cap Corse
- Easily accessible by car via D80
- Best option is to visit by car
- Difficult to reach by public transportation
Need to rent a car in Corsica?
My tips:
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Erbalunga Hotels - where to stay
Erbalunga could be a nice place to stay for a night on your road trip around Corsica to enjoy the character and calm of the place when most tourists have gone.
Below are some options to consider for your Erbalunga Hotel:
- Right in the center, you can find Castel Brando. It has been set up in a 19th-century mansion and kept historical charm. Plus, it has a great swimming pool - Check out photos and availability
- Otherwise if you are looking for an apartment to stay longer, the Suites in Erbalunga are located a little big higher in the village with great views - Check out photos and availability
Castel Brando, Erbalunga Hotel
Where to stay in Corsica?
My tips:
- South Corsica:
Porto-Vecchio for a city (see best rated accommodations)
Bonifacio for history and scenery (see best rated accommodations)
Propriano for beach holiday (see best rated accommodations) - Central Corsica:
Ajaccio for a city (see best rated accommodations)
Piana for the magnificent pink cliffs (see best rated accommodations)
Corte for access to the mountains (see best rated accommodations) - North Corsica:
Bastia for a city (see best rated accommodations)
Saint-Florent for a practical location with e -verything (see best rated accommodations)
L'île-Rousse for lots to do nearby (see best rated accommodations)
More tips on my article about where to stay in Corsica
Visiting the Erbalunga Village
Visiting Erbalunga - Tips
Erbalunga is one of the easiest villages to visit in Cap Corse. It has a large carpark right in the center of town. You just have to cross the D80 road to enter the pedestrian part of the town.
It is quite small and easy to navigate. Plus, there are almost no cars (except for deliveries) so it is enjoyable.
Plan 1 hour if you only tour the village.
More if you want to have lunch or want to explore the ruins of the castle of the Notre-Dame des Neiges chapel above the village.
It is one of the most charming villages in Corsica (see my list).
Erbalunga Restaurants
Erbalunga has a great variety of restaurants, around 12 or so. They range from pizza places, to local seafood and Corsican cuisine and to gastronomical Michelin-starred restaurant.
This is a great place for lunch;
However note that it is also a popular place for lunch. Many tourists and coaches stop here during Summer.
Erbalunga peninsula
As you can see the old part of the village is a series of houses squeezed on a tiny rocky promontory jutting into the sea.
At the end of the peninsula are the ruins of the tower we will see next in the article.
To see it best, turn right when exiting the carpark. Do not enter into the village but walk a few minutes along the road.
When exploring the old town you can find a few fascinating buildings. Sadly there are not well maintained. But you can see how grandiose they must have looked when built.
Don't hesitate to explore each alley (there are not that many) to get different perspectives.
Here is one, with the mountains plunging into the sea and the beautiful black rocks making the peninsula.
The houses are really at the edge of the land with balconies over water!
Erbalunga Tower
You get further onto the headland, you will approach this old building before reaching the tower.
The Genoese tower called in Corsica Torra d'Erbalunga has existed since 1488.
It was destroyed during the invasions in 1553 and rebuilt a little later. It is part of the vast defence network established by the Republic of Genoa.
It is listed as a Historical monument.
I think the best view is not from up-close but from the end of the pier in the port (see next section). I love how the rocks seem to be pushing back for the tower not to fall.
Erbalunga port
After walking to the tower, you can take another street to reach the port.
The small marina has a lot of charm with some colorful boats and the opportunity to walk all around with the piers.
You can seat at the end of the pier to admire the village and the mountains in the background.
Erbalunga beach
Beach in Erbalunga
Erbalunga has a very small beach with pebbles. It is just a short walk North from the marina.
I am sorry I forgot to take a picture.
It is really small but sufficient to get into the water and refresh during hot Summer days.
Beach near Erbalunga
Your alternative is the larger beach in Sisco-marine, 7 min drive North of Erbalunga.
Here again you will find pebbles. But the area is larger.
If you are looking for a sandy beach, you will have to continue North to Pietracorba- marine. It is a 15min drive.
Here you get a beautiful long sandy beach.
Note that like any beaches in the Mediterranean Sea it can have dead leaves on the sand. Those are Posidonia and are essentials to the protection of the coastline. Learn more on my article about the Corsican beaches.
Want to see more of the best Corsica has to offer?
- 35 best places to visit in Corsica - read article
- 21 best beaches in Corsica - read article
- 9 best things to do in Corsica - read article
- 35 of the most beautiful Corsica landscapes in photos - read article
- Tips to drive in Corsica - read article
- Beaches of Palombaggia (read the article), Tamaricciu (read the article) and Rondinara (read the article)
- The famous Calanques de Piana - read the article
- Best things to do in Bonifacio - read the article
Planning a trip to Corsica?
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