Known is the Island of Beauty, Corsica as a holiday destination truly has something for everyone from family vacations to groups of friends to solo travel.

This idyllic island offers a mediterranean climate, natural beauty, history and stunning food that blends French and Italian influences.

If you are planning a trip to Corsica, Calvi, between the sea and the mountains on the island’s northern coast is a vibrant and attractive town with a rich history. Set around a sandy bay, Calvi is in the Balagne region, the mountainous area of northwest Corsica with stunning countryside and villages perched above the sea.

Calvi has its own airport, Calvi St Catherine Airport which is one of four serving the island. The airport welcomes passengers from a number of European destinations including Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the UK where there are regular weekly flights from London Gatwick.

One of the smallest of the island’s airports, it’s a great place to begin your Corsican adventure and hiring a car is the best way to explore this captivating destination. Our friendly Avis team at Calvi St Catherine Airport is on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

Calvi St Catherine Airport is one of the smallest airports on the island of Corsica. You’ll find our Avis counter in the arrivals area within the terminal building. To reach the Avis rental car park turn right as you leave the terminal entrance and you’ll find our car collection point a 5min walk away.

From the Avis car park at Calvi St Catherine Airport, Calvi town centre is a 15min, 7.1km drive. Turn left out of the airport car park onto Route de l’Aeroport and continue to the D81. After about 3.3km take the second exit onto the T30 and head into the centre of Calvi.

You’ll not want to miss Calvi’s main attraction, the magnificent medieval citadel which dominates the townscape on a promontory above the harbour. It dates to the 12th century from the era of Genoese rule over Corsica. Climb up here to take in the breathtaking views and you are rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of the city, Calvi marina, and the mountains beyond. Stop off at Caserne Sampiero, the 13th century former Governor’s house which today is home to the Foreign Legion.

In the citadel, step inside the Baroque Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste, home to some incredible artworks. Tour the yacht-filled marina and spend some time on Calvi’s sweeping white sandy beach with its shallow, warm, sparkling blue waters.

Wander the narrow maze of streets in the old town and as the sun goes down, enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants around the marina and below the citadel.

In summer catch one of the events at the city’s popular festivals from jazz to modern art.

Calvi is on the northern tip of Corsica in the island’s beautiful La Balagne region.

Corsica is a year-round destination but as the weather warms, you can enjoy the best of Calvi without the crowds in early spring or autumn. In the summer Calvi is alive with celebration with several festivals in peak season while the town’s annual firework display lights up the citadel on 14th July. Explore further afield by car and you’ll experience a real flavour of Corsican life.

L’Ile Rousse

Just a 30min drive north of Calvi along the coastal T30 road, the seaside town of Ile Rousse is a popular Corsican destination. As well as stunning white sandy beaches, the town has a famous golf course, a mini railway and a daily market showcasing local food and produce.

Follow the track to Ile de la Petra − the rocky red island which gives L'Ile Rousse its name -  and arrive at the town’s 19th century white-washed lighthouse.

Mountain road trip

Head inland and drive through the mountains and into the Regional Natural Park of Corsica stopping off to explore pretty villages like Pioggiola, Olmi-Cappella, Vallica and Mausoleo.

Villages of the Canale

Tour the Canale, a valley between the mountains and the sea and stop off in the local villages including flower-filled Lamas, home to an international film festival for over two decades.

While Calvi is a walkable city and you can catch an airport shuttle bus from the airport to the centre of town, you will need a hire car to travel further afield and explore the wider area.

The Avis team at Calvi Airport are experts on the region and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

Hiring a car is an easy way to explore Calvi and northern Corsica. Be aware that as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave Calvi airport.