This perched village on Cap Corse, which nobody knows yet, hides nine hamlets, five towers and wild beaches.

In northern Corsica, there’s a commune that’s increasingly attracting travelers in search of authenticity. Rogliano, perched on Cap Corse, is home to nine hamlets, three islands and wild beaches that have nothing to envy the finest Mediterranean coasts. From historical heritage to water sports, this corner of Corsica is full of surprises.

Rogliano, a multi-faceted commune on Cap Corse

The Rogliano commune covers an area of over 26 km² at the northern tip of Cap Corse. It comprises nine hamlets: Bettolacce, Campiano, Quercioli, Olivo, Vignale, Vignalello, Magna Suttana, Magna Suprana and the marine town of Macinaggio. Each hamlet has its own atmosphere, with shady lanes and sea views.

The commune also includes three islands: A Terra, Mezzana and Finocchiarola. These islets, attached to the Rogliano territory, add a rare dimension to this destination. In fact, this is a geographical area that is both land and sea.

Holidaymakers looking for a break will find plenty to eat and drink. Some 15 restaurants, several bars and an ice cream parlour cater for young and old throughout the season.

Wild beaches within walking distance

Rogliano’s beaches are among the most beautiful on the Cap Corse peninsula. Yet not all of them are accessible by car: some can only be reached via footpaths. This wild character makes them all the more precious.

On these stretches of sand, Corsican cows sometimes come to rest. A sight as unexpected as it is charming, it’s a reminder that nature is still very much present here.

“Some of Rogliano’s wild beaches are visited by Corsican cows who rest there.

Water sports, a major asset for the community

The turquoise waters around Rogliano are ideal for water sports. What’s more, the variety of activities on offer appeals to families and thrill-seekers alike.

Some beaches offer scuba diving, canoeing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and catamaran sailing. You can also hire a jet ski or boat to explore the coastline at your own pace.

• Tamarone Beach
• Finocchiarola Islands Beach
• Santa Maria Beach
• Cala Genovese beach
• Cala Francese Beach

The beach at Macinaggio, accessible from the marina of the same name, completes the list. Visitors can choose between several sites, depending on whether they prefer a lively atmosphere or solitude.

A well-preserved historical heritage

Beyond its beaches, Cap Corse also boasts a rich history. Rogliano is a case in point: the commune is home to no fewer than fifteen chapels, a church, a municipal washhouse and the ruins of an ancient convent. There are also the ruins of a windmill.

In addition, five ancient towers still line the territory. These towers, built in the 16th century, were used to watch over the island’s coastline. Now protected and restored, they are part of the island’s heritage.

Rogliano, the gentle way of life on the peninsula

In addition to the sites to visit, Rogliano also has a great atmosphere. Holidaymakers who are simply looking to slow down will find plenty to do here. Indeed, the commune offers a gentle way of life that the island’s big cities can’t always offer.

The local tourist office also offers visitors the chance to admire the findings of local archaeological sites. It’s a simple and accessible way to understand the history of Cap Corse through its artefacts and remains.

Heritage enthusiasts will appreciate the density of monuments in such a small area. On the other hand, those who prefer pure relaxation will have plenty of time to sit on a terrace and enjoy the scenery. Rogliano caters for very different tastes within the same Cap Corse destination.

For families with children, the presence of an ice cream parlour in the commune is a detail that makes all the difference. Young and old alike can punctuate their days of exploration with a cool, well-deserved break overlooking this extraordinary Corsican coastline.

• Cap Corse