Discover Farinole

If you would like to explore coastal paths, nature and cultural heritage during your stay, Farinole offers concrete starting points. Its entire coastline borders the Cap Corse et Agriate Marine Natural Park. Farinole is also part of the Grand Site de France Conca d’Oru – Vignoble de Patrimonio – Golfe de Saint-Florent. Paths, beach and historic buildings offer different perspectives on the area.

Coastal paths, beach and plant life

The Vecchiaia coastal path can be started at Catarelli beach. It runs along the seashore through fragrant maquis and offers views of turquoise coves and limestone caves. The sandy beach in the Marine de Farinole is considered family-friendly and easy to access. This means the coastline and beach can be explored as distinct attractions alongside the paths leading inland.

Signs along the A Ferrera path provide information about plant species and local biodiversity. Since 2016, the path has been designed as a botanical nature trail; the signs also cover endemic plants. Another walking path starts at the Church of Saint-Côme-et-Saint-Damien and leads to the old A Ferrera magnetite mine. The focus differs: Vecchiaia is a coastal route, A Ferrera provides botanical information, and the walking path from the church has the mine as its destination.

Monastery, tower and history

Marianda Monastery was legally founded in 1606. Construction continued until 1671 and resumed from 1702 to 1750. A lime kiln illustrates part of the construction history: limestone was burned in it to produce lime, which was used as mortar in the monastery walls. The kiln’s function was therefore directly connected to the building for which the lime was used.

The Tour de Farinole is a Genoese tower dating from 1562 and has been listed as a historic monument since June 23, 1993. The Church of Saint-Côme-et-Saint-Damien dates from the 17th century. Together with Marianda, the tower and church provide a timeline for Farinole’s religious and architectural heritage. Each year on September 26, the town’s patron saints are celebrated with a procession.

Mining and maritime heritage

Mining and coastal shipping are also part of the area’s history. The Farinole-Olmeta iron mines have left behind tunnel entrances, fragments of Decauville railway tracks, chutes, a hand winch and a powder magazine. These remains illustrate the different components of the former mining operation, without requiring them all to be associated with the same stage of work.

The Magazini served as warehouses for goods, including grain and animals. Residents transported these goods by boat from the Nebbiu/Agriate plain to the Marine de Farinole. A half-galley was built at the U Scalu Vecchju shipyard between January and March 1762. Together, the warehouses, boat transport and shipyard tell of the different activities involved in the movement of goods and maritime traffic at the time.

Wine in the Marine de Farinole

Domaine Guissani Paoli in the Marine de Farinole is an organically farmed AOP Patrimonio wine estate. Estate visits and wine sales are available by prior appointment only. Arrange your appointment with the estate in advance and check the current arrangements before planning a visit.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Corse.