Perched on the lush green hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Résidence Olivadia, nestled in the charming village of Monticello, offers you exclusive access to one of Corsica’s most enchanting regions: the Balagne. Nicknamed the ‘garden of Corsica’, this land of contrasts blends turquoise coastlines, hilltop villages, centuries-old olive groves and spectacular walking trails. Just a few minutes from your residence, a world of discovery and adventure awaits you. L’Île-Rousse, the ‘pink town’ just a stone’s throw away Just five kilometres from Monticello, L’Île-Rousse — Isula Rossa in Corsican — is your first must-visit destination. This lively seaside town owes its name to its red porphyry rocks, which rise majestically from the sea. Founded in the 18th century by the national hero Pascal Paoli, it retains its Provençal charm with its narrow streets shaded by centuries-old plane trees, its Place Paoli with its bustling terraces, and its covered market with its granite columns, where the aromas of marinated olives, Corsican cheeses and artisanal charcuterie mingle from early in the morning. The seafront offers several easily accessible beaches: the large, fine-sand beach opposite the harbour, ideal for families, and Bodri Beach, a little further east, prized for its unspoilt character. The marina is the starting point for numerous boat trips to the surrounding coves and islets. The idyllic beaches of Balagne The Balagne region boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean. From the Résidence Olivadia, you can reach a multitude of coves and stretches of sandy beach with crystal-clear waters in just a few minutes. Lozari Beach, about ten kilometres to the east, stretches its ribbon of golden sand for over two kilometres in an unspoilt natural setting, facing waters with emerald hues. Continuing on, you’ll reach Ostriconi Beach, a true unspoilt gem at the gateway to the Agriates Desert, with its very fine white sand lapped by deep blue waters. To the west, towards Calvi, the vast white-sand beach stretches for several kilometres, offering an exceptional view of the Genoese citadel. All these beaches are characterised by the purity of their waters, which are regularly awarded the European Blue Flag. The Agriates Desert: an exceptional natural area Some thirty kilometres east of Monticello lies one of Corsica’s best-kept secrets: the Agriates Desert. This vast protected area of over 60,000 hectares, part of the Natura 2000 network, offers a spellbinding landscape of maquis and arid hills, set against the backdrop of beaches of dazzling beauty. Saleccia and Lotu, accessible only on foot or by sea, are among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Their turquoise waters and pristine sands offer an extraordinary seaside experience. Boat trips departing from L’Ile-Rousse take you to these idyllic beaches, with stops for snorkelling in coves of remarkable clarity. Guided walks through the maquis will introduce you to the endemic flora and fauna of this unspoilt natural environment. The hilltop villages of Balagne: a living heritage Among Balagne’s treasures is a constellation of hilltop villages, clinging to the hillsides like sentinels facing the sea. The most iconic, Sant’Antonino – listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France – sits atop a rocky outcrop some ten kilometres from Monticello. From a height of 500 metres, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the sea and the surrounding villages. Its narrow alleyways, stone vaults and shaded squares form an unspoilt medieval setting, bustling with artisans carrying on centuries-old traditions. The village of Pigna has established itself as Corsica’s village of arts and crafts. Its workshops – home to luthiers, potters, weavers and jewellers – make it a unique cultural destination. The Casa Musicale in Pigna is a leading centre for traditional Corsican music, hosting regular concerts. Corbara with its Baroque church, Speloncato built right into the rock, Belgodère with its steep alleyways: each village has its own distinct character and secrets that travellers will discover by following the Balagne Villages Route, a signposted circuit that winds its way through the fragrant hills. The Balagne Railway: a regional icon Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Trinighellu’, the Balagne Railway links L’Ile-Rousse to Calvi, running along the coast for around 24 kilometres. This picturesque train serves around twenty stops, several of which offer direct access to the beaches. The scenery visible from its windows — turquoise sea to the left, soft green hills to the right, villages clinging to the mountains in the distance — is in itself a memorable experience. Running from June to September, it makes it easy to reach the beaches without a car, which is particularly welcome during the high season. Children and adults alike fall under the spell of this legendary train, a true icon of Upper Corsica Water sports and marine activities Balagne is an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. From L’Ile-Rousse, numerous organisations offer introductory sessions and sea kayaking trips, allowing you to explore coves inaccessible by road and paddle along the coast at your own pace. Scuba diving is also a highlight: the seabed is home to caves, drop-offs and Posidonia seagrass beds teeming with a rich variety of marine life — groupers, moray eels, lobsters and corbs thrive in waters of remarkable clarity. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at jet-skiing or tubing, whilst sailors will appreciate the boat hire options, with or without a skipper. Snorkelling in the crystal-clear coves reveals unexpected underwater treasures to everyone, accessible without any special equipment. Sport fishing can also be enjoyed from the port of L’Ile-Rousse, with organised day trips available. Hiking and nature: exploring the trails of Balagne For nature lovers and walkers, the region offers a multitude of signposted trails of all levels of difficulty. Walking routes wind through olive groves, chestnut woods and maquis landscapes fragrant with rockrose, wild lavender and everlasting flowers. The Corsican mountains are easily accessible from Balagne: Monte Grosso offers challenging hikes with breathtaking panoramic views across the whole island. The famous GR20, renowned as one of the most beautiful trails in Europe, is accessible from several inland villages. Local tour operators offer guided excursions suitable for all levels, allowing even novice walkers to immerse themselves in the magnificent landscapes of the Corsican mountains. Gastronomy and local produce Balagne is a region of exceptional agricultural production. Corsican olive oil holds an AOC designation, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of traditional production methods: several olive groves in the region offer tours and tastings. Local farmers’ markets, which are plentiful during the summer season, offer AOC cured meats (coppa, lonzu, figatellu), sheep’s and goat’s cheeses (broccio, tomme), maquis honey and exceptional Corsican wines. The Patrimonio vineyard, less than an hour’s drive east of Monticello, produces renowned wines: its mineral-rich whites and full-bodied reds can be savoured in an exceptional natural setting. The region’s restaurants delightfully showcase all these local treasures in generous dishes that remain true to Corsican culinary tradition. Calvi and Saint-Florent: two unmissable stops Some thirty kilometres to the west, Calvi is one of Corsica’s most beautiful towns. Its 15th-century Genoese citadel, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking a deep-blue bay, is ranked among the island’s most remarkable historic sites. The lively old harbour and the narrow streets of the upper town make it an ideal destination for a day trip. The marina offers boat trips and excursions to the calanques. Saint-Florent, nicknamed the ‘Corsican Saint-Tropez’, lies about 45 kilometres to the east. This marina, nestled at the head of a gulf with emerald waters, is the departure point for boat shuttles to the unspoilt beaches of the Désert des Agriates, and its lively summer atmosphere makes it an unmissable stop on any holiday in Balagne. Its Nebbiu Cathedral, a beautiful gem of Pisan Romanesque art, is well worth a visit. Cultural life and events Balagne is a culturally vibrant region, particularly in summer. Music, craft and food festivals regularly bring the villages to life. Evenings of Corsican polyphonic singing in Baroque churches, local farmers’ markets and village festivals offer plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the traditions of the ‘Isle of Beauty’. Corsica has a strong cultural identity, shaped by its language, music and traditions, which the locals are happy to share with visitors. Whether you’re looking to relax on idyllic beaches, go hiking in spectacular scenery, enjoy culinary discoveries or embark on water-based adventures, the Résidence Olivadia offers you the perfect base from which to explore all the treasures of the bountiful Balagne region, reflecting the authentic and welcoming spirit of Corsica that is sure to charm you throughout your stay.

Olivadia Residence 454 Strada Di Funtana Marina 20220 Monticello