What to see in France

Sant'Antonino camping, a holiday in the heart of Corsican nature

Vue sur le joli village de Sant'Antonino en Haute-Corse
Vue sur le joli village de Sant'Antonino en Haute-Corse

 

Nestling in the heart of Haute-Corse, Sant'Antonino is a veritable jewel of charm and history, classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Perched at an altitude of 500 metres, this authentic village dominates the Balagne valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. If you're looking for nature and tranquillity, Sant'Antonino is the ideal place to combine outdoor adventure with the discovery of an unspoilt heritage. This article is an invitation to explore this unique destination, accessible through a camping holiday, for total immersion in the wild beauty of Corsica.

Where are the best campsites to visit Sant'Antonino?

For lovers of nature and tranquillity, we have selected several campsites around Sant'Antonino, offering an idyllic setting for a stay in the heart of Haute-Corse. Surrounded by exceptional scenery, these establishments combine comfort and closeness to nature, and are ideally located for exploring the village and surrounding area:

Camping Bella Vista in Corsica

Camping Bella Vista *** in Calvi, less than 20 km from the village of Sant'Antonino, offers an exceptional setting for a stay in Corsica. Nestling in a green setting, this campsite offers 120 spacious, well-shaded pitches and around thirty rentals, perfect for relaxing after a day's exploring. There's also an outdoor swimming pool, ideal for cooling off in the Mediterranean sunshine. Thanks to its proximity to the sea and its modern facilities, you can enjoy both the tranquillity of the mountains and the beauty of the region's beaches. Ideally located, it is the perfect base for exploring Sant'Antonino, with easy access to the town of Calvi and the surrounding area at. The campsite is open between April and October, so you can enjoy Corsica throughout the summer season.

 

Camping Bella Vista *** in Calvi
Camping Bella Vista *** in Calvi© CampingFrance

 

Camping Les Castors **** in Calvi, less than 20 km from Sant'Antonino, welcomes you to an ideal setting in Calvi, just a few minutes' walk from the beach and mountains. With 80 pitches, this 4-star campsite offers modern mobile homes and bungalows for rent, as well as pitches for tents and caravans. It has a superb 500 m² water park, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, waterslides and a secure paddling pool for the little ones. Open from 5 April to 11 October, it offers a range of top-of-the-range services, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness area and a bar-restaurant. A comfortable and enjoyable stay for your next summer holiday by the sea in Corsica.

Camping Les Castors
Camping Les Castors © CampingFrance

 

La'Bel Balagne *** campsite in Belgodère, 22 km from Sant'Antonino La'Bel Balagne campsite, in Belgodère, less than 20 km from Sant'Antonino, offers a peaceful, natural setting for a holiday in Haute-Corse. It has 100 spacious pitches and 60 top-of-the-range rentals, ranging from mobile homes to contemporary chalets. The campsite has a lovely family swimming pool with a paddling pool and slides for children, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring. Open from 1 May to 30 September, it's a great choice for families, with plenty of activities nearby, as well as being close to the beaches and typical villages of the region.

And for those who would like to extend their stay to discover the beauty of the whole of Haute-Corse, you will find more campsites here.

Discover the charming village of Sant'Antonino

An invitation to stroll

Sant'Antonino, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, reveals itself through its narrow-cobbled streets and craft shops, which seem frozen in time. Every corner of the village is an invitation to stroll welcoming terraces and invite you to take a gourmet break, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The gentle way of life is reflected in the local people, who are proud of their heritage and always ready to share their traditions. The traditional stone houses in warm colours add to the warm atmosphere of this hilltop village. The narrow, winding streets criss-cross in a fascinating labyrinth, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and Corsican landscapes at every turn. Each walk is a real opportunity to explore, to lose yourself in the history of the village while enjoying the peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.

The interior of the village and its stone staircases
The interior of the village and its stone staircases© iStock

Vaulted ceilings, galleries and remains of an ancient castle

At the heart of the village is the ancient, fortified castle, a vestige of centuries gone by, where only the ruins of the ancient keep bear witness to the history of Sant'Antonino. Surrounded by ancient houses, it is a site not to be missed. If you venture into the galleries, vaults and other high stone steps, you will discover exceptional panoramic views. From these suspended terraces and nooks, visitors can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the green valleys, scrub-dotted hills and rocky coastline of Corsica. The architecture of the old houses, with their imposing walls and weathered stonework, reveals the rich history of the village. These breathtaking views, between the sea and mountains, make Sant'Antonino a special place for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, where every glance at the surrounding landscape seems suspended in time.

An arched passageway in the village
An arched passageway in the village© iStock

The Church of the Annunciation and its heritage

The Church of the Annunciation, built in the 17th century, is another of the village's architectural gems. Its elegant, sober fade conceals a richly decorated interior, with listed heritage features such as an imposing organ and valuable paintings. This serene place of worship is an invitation to contemplate and discover Corsican religious art. Despite its location outside the village centre, it is a must-see for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in the spiritual history of Sant'Antonino. The frescoes that adorn the walls and ceiling add an undeniable aesthetic dimension, while the organ, still used during services, bears witness to the importance of the musical heritage in this region. Every visitor can feel history vibrating through the walls of this church, a true witness to Corsica's religious past, were art and faith blend harmoniously.

View of the Church of the Annunciation
View of the Church of the Annunciation © iStock

The different chapels, calm and welcoming

Sant'Antonino is also home to a few picturesque chapels that form an integral part of its religious heritage. The chapel of the Confraternity, located in a quiet corner of the village close to the Church of the Annunciation, bears witness to the devotion of the local people and their history. This small chapel, often open during local festivities, is an important gathering place for the villagers. Ste Anne's chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, is a place of meditation and tradition, offering a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Further away, the Lavasina chapel is a peaceful sanctuary offering an atmosphere conducive to meditation. It is also very popular with pilgrims and visitors in search of spirituality. These small chapels, full of character and often decorated with traditional religious objects, add a fascinating spiritual and historical dimension to a visit to Sant'Antonino, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the deep historical religiosity of the village.

The Church of the Trinity and San Giovani, a remarkable building

The Church of the Trinity and San Giovani is another remarkable building in Sant'Antonino. Its sober architecture and imposing bell tower stand out in the village landscape. Inside, ancient frescoes and sculptures still recall Corsican religious tradition. Although modest in size, this place of worship offers an intimate and serene atmosphere. Visitors can admire paintings and sculptures dating back several centuries, testimony to a rich and varied artistic past. The church, often used for concerts or cultural events, is a place where religious heritage and local cultural life come together. It's a place where history, art and spirituality meet, offering everyone a moment of calm and contemplation.

A stroll through the village
A stroll through the village© iStock

Hiking to see wild, unspoilt landscapes

Sant'Antonino is also an ideal starting point for hiking and nature lovers. The footpaths surrounding the village offer spectacular views and allow you to discover Corsican flora and fauna in all their splendour. The walks take you through a variety of landscapes, from Mediterranean scrub to oak forests, and along rocky ridges overlooking the sea. One of the most popular hikes, the Monte Sant'Angelo trail, takes you to the top of a nearby mountain and offers breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding valleys. Whether you're looking for an easy hike or a more demanding route, the paths around Sant'Antonino offer a unique opportunity to explore wild and unspoilt Corsica, away from the crowds and immersed in the purest nature. These walks offer total immersion in the island's natural environment, ideal for those looking to recharge their batteries in a majestic setting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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