Cargese is a seaside village surrounded by rolling green hills and turquoise bays. It’s set on the west coast of Corsica and perched 100 metres above sea level, with sweeping views over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Plage de Pero is a short walk from the village and is a great place to swim and sunbathe. A pair of Genoese watchtowers flank the beach and add to the postcard-perfect setting.
Eglise St-Spyridon was built in the 1800s and recalls the island’s rich Greek heritage. The interior is sumptuously decorated with murals. Eglise de l’Assomption is a short stroll away and overlooks the valley. The Catholic church was built in the 19th century and welcomes you with a pastel yellow façade.
Walking around Cargese, you’ll be drawn into bistros serving Corsican dishes like “aziminu” rockfish stew, “figatelli” smoked sausages and “pulenda” chestnut flour polenta. Patisserie counters overflow with “canistrelli” cookies flavoured with almonds, lemon zest and anise.
Getting there
Cargese is on the west coast of Corsica, a one-hour drive from Ajaccio. Local buses run between Cargese and Ajaccio or you can take a taxi. The village is compact and easy to get around on foot. Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport is a one-hour drive away.