Centred on a peninsula dominated by the dramatic walls of an elevated 13th-century citadel, Calvi today - though still a garrison town - lives almost entirely from tourism. Measuring ¾ ml NE to SW and ½ ml NW to SE, it is a fairly compact, colourful resort with a carefree atmosphere helped along by its typically relaxed Mediterranean cafes and restaurants. It includes a modest commercial port and animated yacht marina. Behind the port, which lies at the foot of the citadel, narrow streets lead to a church square and the main commercial streets with their profusion of boutiques, souvenir and gift shops, banks, bars, restaurants and cafes. A sandy beach, backed by pine woods, extends in a graceful curve for more than 3 mls and boasts numerous inviting cafes and restaurant terraces. Most of the hotels and apartment blocks - along with a couple of medium-sized supermarkets - are on the outskirts. Summer heat waves are rare in Calvi, with temperatures moderated by a gentle, prevailing SW breeze.

Upmarket and middlemarket families and couples. Could pose a challenge to those with walking difficulties.

Wide choice from 1- to 4-star L.

The main beach is sandy and gently shelving, so suitable for small children; sun umbrellas, mattresses and deck chairs are for hire. On the other side of town the magnificent rock bathing is for swimmers only and is also top-quality snorkelling territory.

Numerous small souvenir shops, boutiques and outlets selling local produce; branches of French banks; a couple of larger supermarkets on the edge of town; a simple morning fruit and vegetable market. Local specialities are pottery, wood and leatherwork.

Daytime: exploring the town taking in the citadel, 13th-century Salt Tower, various churches and other buildings of interest (guided tours available); water sports including diving, snorkelling, sailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing and catamarans; tennis; horse riding; minigolf; go-karting; or simply strolling past the luxurious yachts moored in the marina. Cultural events throughout the summer; jazz festival in June; polyphonic song festival in Sept; wind festival in Oct. Nightlife: watching the world go by in the cafes around the port; a couple of superior discos.

A surprising number of small restaurants with reasonable prices as well as several expensive ones. Langouste, bouillabaisse and fresh local fish can be found in the latter. Choice of ice-cream parlours.

Daily train to Bastia and Ajaccio; daily bus to Bastia. Less convenient services to St Florent, Galeria and Porto. Regular "tramway" between Calvi and Ile Rousse in summer only.

Half/full day: mountain hiking and biking; guided walks in nearby national park; visit to local vineyard. Full day: range of cruises and scenic island tours in air-conditioned coaches.

On the NW coast of Corsica, 60 mls W of Bastia and 50 mls W of its airport; 4 mls N of Calvi airport.

A coastal town on the Gulf of Calvi, ringed by a range of tall, jagged mountains which rise to 9,000 ft and display patches of snow until late July.

Post Code: 20260
Website: www.tourisme.fr/calvi/

Airport : Ste Catherine
Airport Code: CLY
Flight time from ther U.K.: 3 hrs 45 mins