Anchorage

Golfe de Calvi

Shelter: W, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Deep sandy bay on the north-west coast of Corsica, overlooked by the Genoese citadel of Calvi, with holding on sand across most of the anchorage.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the north between Pointe de la Revellata to the west and Punta di Spanu to the east. No off-lying dangers once past the Revellata light. Anchor on sand in 5 to 12 metres off the 4 km beach running east from the town. Exposed to northerly winds which can build a heavy swell inside the gulf.

Practical

Shelter from W, SW, S, SE and E. Calvi marina 1 NM west for fuel, water and provisioning. Port Eugène Ceccaldi at Sant'Ambrogio 3.3 NM NE as an alternative refuge in northerlies.

Ashore

Citadel of Calvi 1 NM west, built by the Genoese from 1483, with ramparts, the Oratoire Saint-Antoine and the cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste inside the walls. Pine forest of Calvi behind the beach, crossed by a coastal path toward the Agriates. Sentier des Douaniers starts from Pointe de la Revellata 2.5 NM west.

History

Calvi was a Genoese stronghold from 1278 until 1768, when Corsica passed to France. The town claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, disputed by Genoa. The citadel was bombarded by the Royal Navy in 1794 during the siege in which Horatio Nelson lost the sight of his right eye.