Exploring the Beauty and Herritage of the Old Villages of Pigna, San’t Antonino, and Corbara
We set off from L’Île-Rousse to explore the captivating villages of Pigna, Sant’Antonino, and Corbara. Our day began with a train ride from L’Île-Rousse to Plage de Aregno early in the morning. The train, like one from those old movies, had a unique charm as it chugged along the coastline, revealing beautiful sights of the ocean and rocky beaches. We couldn’t resist sticking our heads out the window to capture pictures of the amazing landscapes passing by.
The Coastal Train Ride
Our hike began with a train ride from L’Île-Rousse to Plage d’Aregno. Boarding an old-fashioned train reminiscent of those from classic old movies, the train travelled along the coastline, allowing us to capture photos of the scenic beaches and rocky shores. Soon after we arrived at Plage d’Aregno.
The village of Pigna sitting on the mountain top
Vibrant Atmosphere in Pigna
Leaving Plage d’Aregno behind, we started our hike, passing through a camping site and encountering friendly horses available for riding in Cantarettu. As the road in Cantarettu split into two paths, we continued in the direction towards Pigna. The path was steep and rugged, but the shade from the trees provided a tad of respite.
Pigna: Art, Music and Rustic Church
We soon reached Pigna, a small village with unique charm. At the village entrance, we spotted an abandoned church, adding to the rustic feel. Uphill, we discovered a small museum of music and art, as well as a cathedral. The village roads were steep and narrow, with cobblestones, with houses closely packed together and decorated with lovely flowers. To our surprise, we even spotted falcons, soaring in the sky above the cathedral. The village turned out to have a reputation as a hub for musicians and artists, with regular music concerts held every Tuesday and Saturday.
You can find the map here!
Local Lemonade, Church bell and Dusty roads
San’t Antonino and the Local Lemonade
Continuing our hike, we faced rocky stairs and steep hills, leading us to San’t Antonino. Located atop a mountain, this beautiful village resembled a layered cake, with buildings scattered across the hills. The village’s bell church gave the village even more welcoming vibes for both locals and tourists. At the village’s entrance, we discovered a cozy café offering homemade lemonade, made using locally sourced lemons, known for their vibrant flavor and aroma. The cafe offers also ice cream and lunch, accompanied by breathtaking views of the church and surrounding mountains. From atop the village we had also a beautiful panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Rich History of San’t Antonino and Ringing Church Bells
As we learnt later, it turned out that San’t Antonino has a rich history and is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited villages on the island. The well-preserved medieval architecture, including stone houses, archways, and cobblestone stairs are a proof of the long history of the village. After a well-deserved break beneath a tree, where we enjoyed a homemade sandwich, we were treated to the ringing of church bells and glimpses of falcons through our binoculars. A visit to the café rewarded us with their famous lemonade, and we couldn’t resist buying souvenirs from the shop next door.
The Old Village of Corbara
After this long pause, we made our way to Corbara, another old charming village. We had to return back to Pigna in order to reach Corbara, but as we hiked on the dusty pathway toward Corbara, we had a plenty of mountain views. Corbara enchanted us with its old churches, decorated with colorful flowers and palm trees. The village comprised many narrow streets, each leading to the grand church at the top of the village. We discovered that a church housing ancient Bible books and a museum showcasing antiques awaited those who reached to the top.
Return to L’Île-Rousse and Beach Bliss
Concluding our explorations of old cities, we retraced our steps toward Plage d’Aregno and admired once again the picturesque mountain views. Dusty, sweaty, and with scratched legs and arms, we arrived at Aregno beach. Without hesitation, we jumped in the refreshing waters, washing away the remnants of our adventure-filled day. We boarded the train back to L’Île-Rousse, marveling at the stunning coastal scenery along the way.
Our hiking from L’Île-Rousse to Pigna, San’t Antonino, and Corbara left us with lasting memories of old villages and breathtaking landscapes. From the coastal train ride and the artistic charm of Pigna to the hilltop gramour of San’t Antonino and the flower decorated streets of Corbara, we again revealed a new facet of Corsican nature and culture. To celebrate our amazing day, we bought some Corsican wine and grapes to enjoy on our balcony. We couldn’t help but plan our next adventures to explore more of this incredible area.
Start
Plage d’Aregno
End
Plage d’Aregno
Duration
6 hours
Length
19 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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