L'Île-Rousse and Calvi, in the Balagne, are the western bases for the Agriates. L'Île-Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in the 18th century, is 24 minutes from Ostriconi beach; its catamarans sail along the Agriates coast for the day (from €165) or at sunset (from €120). Calvi, 8 km from its airport, is where jeep and 4x4 tours to Lotu and Saleccia leave (from €110), as well as boats to Scandola. Saint-Florent is 53 minutes from L'Île-Rousse and 1 h 19 from Calvi.
Key facts
- L'Île-Rousse: Ostriconi 14 km away (24 min), catamarans to the Agriates, ferry port.
- Calvi: jeeps and 4x4s to Lotu and Saleccia, boats to Scandola and Girolata.
- Calvi-Sainte-Catherine airport 8 km from Calvi; Saint-Florent 1 h 17 by road.
- Ponte-Leccia to Calvi railway via L'Île-Rousse, and a summer beach tram between the two towns.
Distances
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| L’Île-Rousse to Ostriconi beach | 14 km | 24 min |
| L’Île-Rousse to Casta | 34 km | 38 min |
| L’Île-Rousse to Saint-Florent | 46 km | 53 min |
| Calvi to the Ostriconi | 37 km | 50 min |
| Calvi to Casta | 57 km | 1 h 04 |
| Calvi to Saint-Florent | 69 km | 1 h 19 |
OSRM on OpenStreetMap.
L’Île-Rousse
The town was created in 1758 and founded in 1765 by Pascal Paoli under the Corsican Republic, hence its nickname, the “Paoline city”. It has 3,231 inhabitants (2023). Its port is the third largest in Corsica: Corsica Linea links it to Marseille, Corsica Ferries to Toulon and Nice. It is the departure point for the Agriates catamarans and the closest town to the Ostriconi.
Calvi
Calvi is known for its citadel and marina. Its airport, Calvi-Sainte-Catherine, is 8 km to the south-east. This is where you book the jeeps and 4x4s that cross the Agriates to Lotu and Saleccia, and the boats to Scandola and Girolata. Locally, the Revellata marine reserve can be explored by snorkelling (from €35, 440 reviews) or on a trial dive (from €90).
Between the two
The Chemins de fer de la Corse railway links Ponte-Leccia to Calvi via L’Île-Rousse, and in summer the beach tram serves the beaches between the two towns. For the Agriates, you still need a car: see getting to northern Corsica.
Book a trip
Trips from Calvi and L'Île-Rousse
Calvi: Guided visit by comfort boat to Scandola and Girolata 6 hours or 4.5 hours4.5 - 6 hours★ 4.7 (184 reviews)from €80Check availability
PopularCalvi: Snorkelling Along the Revellata Marine Reserve2.5 hours★ 4.3 (440 reviews)from €35Check availability
L'Ile-Rousse, Corsica Catamaran excursion: Agriates, aperitif, sunset4 hours★ 4.9 (61 reviews)from €120Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Agriates from Calvi?
Yes, on a full-day jeep or 4x4 tour that crosses the scrubland to Lotu and Saleccia (from €110 in November 2026), or by boat from Calvi or Lumio. By car, Casta is 1 h 04 from Calvi.
L'Île-Rousse or Saint-Florent for the Agriates?
Saint-Florent for Lotu and Saleccia (shuttles, Casta 4x4s). L'Île-Rousse for the Ostriconi, the catamarans and the Balagne.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Shuttles, tracks and prices change: confirm before you go.
- Wikipedia, L'Île-Rousse: founding, port, railway (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Wikipedia, Calvi-Sainte-Catherine airport (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- GetYourGuide widget, Calvi and L'Île-Rousse listings, accessed 9 November 2026
- OSRM on OpenStreetMap, driving times, accessed 9 November 2026
