Attractions and Places To See around Ersa - Top 20

The Fontaine de Cannelle (also known as the "Fontaine de Palmieri") is located in the picturesque, old Hameau Cannelle, above Port de Centuri in northern Corsica. This charming village spring is nestled into a rugged, weathered slate cliff, exuding natural charm combined with artistic architecture. ✨ Brief description: Installation & design: The vaulted spring lies directly beneath the cliff face, with a small brick barrel vault, an elegant arched opening, and a rectangular basin that served as a drinking and washing fountain. Historical context: Located at the terminus of the old paved road ("Via") to the village – formerly a central meeting place. The elevated access and vaulted structure demonstrate clever use of water in the mountainous terrain. Atmosphere: Surrounded by rustic lushness – old rock, overgrown spiny or medicinal plants, moss – creates a tranquil, almost meditative ambiance. Accessibility: Easily accessible via a short route from Port de Centuri or the small camping or parking area near Cannelle. Ideal as a stopover on hikes along the coast or during a village walk. 🧭 Ideal for: Photo enthusiasts: Stylish rock and water scenery with plenty of flair. Beginner hikers: A small addition to walks around Centuri-Port or the Sentier des Douaniers. Cultural explorers: A witness to traditional village infrastructure, now lovingly restored. In a nutshell: The Fontaine de Cannelle is a natural spring nestled beneath rocks, with charming architecture, surrounded by wild greenery – a quiet, culturally rich gem in Cap Corse that exudes authenticity and tranquility.

Tamarone Beach is located on the east coast of Corsica near Macinaggio (municipality of Rogliano) and is considered one of the most beautiful, quiet beach destinations in Cap Corse. 🌊 Brief description: Nature & surroundings: Approximately 500 meters of fine sandy beach, framed by Mediterranean scrubland (maquis), pebble and rocky coves. The vegetation appears wild and untouched. Water & marine life: Crystal-clear turquoise water with good visibility – ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or sports activities such as paddleboarding and kitesurfing. Access: Accessible via a 2.5 km unpaved road by car or on foot via the "Sentier des Douaniers" (Customs Path) – accordingly, it is rather quiet and unspoiled. Services & infrastructure: Parking available, seasonal paillote (beach café) nearby. Several smaller, quieter coves are located nearby. Posidonia seagrass grows in places on the sand. In a nutshell: Tamarone is a protected sandy beach with fine sand and crystal-clear water, nestled in a wild coastal landscape. It impresses with its tranquil atmosphere and its direct location on the historic coastal path – perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the unspoiled nature and the sea.

In April 2021, the mill got its wings back. It is a tourist information center (Cap Corse - Capicorsu Tourist Office) open in season with "ecotourism" projects in partnership with the Conservatoire du littoral, the Community of Corsica, the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Natural Park and the Corsican Environmental Office.

To get there: stop at a dirt parking lot between Ersa and Centuri on the D80 and then walk (10-15 minutes) along a path to the mill where you will discover an extraordinary panorama. Passing the mill you will see a statue of the Saint Devote.

Around 1930, François Mattei transformed the "Franceschi" mill in Ersa into an advertising object for the L. N. Mattei Cap Corse aperitif, a wine from Cap Corse with cinchona bark, the company's flagship product, marketed since the end of the 19th century and whose reputation quickly became internationally known.

The Mattei mill, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, dominates the port of Centuri. It offers a splendid panorama of the west coast of Cap Corse, the Agriate and in the background the high peaks often covered in snow (Monte Padru). To the north the village of Ersa and the island of Giraglia, further offshore the Tuscan archipelago: La Gorgon and Capraia.

In front of the mill there is a great rest area that offers magnificent views of the sea, villages and valleys

A literary - albeit rather bizarre in the context of the story - monument has been set by the Spanish author Miguel de CERVANTES to the windmills, with which our ancestors harnessed the energy of the wind centuries ago to move the large and heavy millstones : His tragic novel hero Don Quixote, the “knight of the sad figure”, wants to defeat them in a duel in one episode, believing that he is competing against giants with four arms.