Calvi

Calvi is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the Italian island of Sardinia.

From the tender dock, it's a short steep climb before you enter the walls and find a small, cobbled web of streets.

Walking the ramparts affords great views of the surrounding area and mountains.

Inside the walls are the Governors Palace, the Baroque St Jean Baptiste Cathedral and Museum of Corsican History in the 'Tower of Salt'.

The pink L'Eglise Santa Maria is an old style Catholic church.

Out of town lies Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra which sits on a high point above the harbour.

Rue Artisanat is the main shopping street where an amazing variety of honey, olive oil, spices and herbs can be found.

The beaches long the southern coast of the bay, beginning just outside the city centre, are perfect for all ages as the water is shallow.

The busier Algajola Beach offers snorkelling, diving, parasailing and paragliding.

Tempting dishes to try include Civet de sanglier (Wild boar casserole), Veau aux olives (Veal with olives) and Agneau Corse (Corsican lamb), slow roasted with whole garlic cloves, fresh rosemary and potatoes.

Cruise ships are required to anchor and tenders passengers to the dock just below the Citadel.

It's a 5-10 minute walk to many of the attractions from here.