Situated in France on the northwest coast of Corsica, the small town of Calvi offers visitors an idyllic setting, nestled between the bright turquoise waters of the Golfe de Calvi and the snowcapped mountains of Monte Cinto. A wide variety of bars, shops and cafes grace the Quai Laundry along the seafront, while an impressive citadel looms over the port on the north end of town.

Although the governor’s palace, the Caserne Sanpiero, is not open to the public, visitors can walk through the gateway and tour the ramparts of the citadel, as well as the Cathedral of St. Jean Baptiste.

The beaches here are gorgeous, so be sure to reserve a rental car for your visit to Calvi, as the free public beach is a little over a kilometer from town, but well worth the trip! Boat trips to the nearby seaside ports of Girolta, Ile Rousse and Galeria are also a great way to spend a day (or two).