Solenzara village is a charming town on the east coast of Corsica, in the department of Corse-du-Sud.
This coastal village, backed by the Alta Rocca mountain range, is famous for its marina and magnificent beaches.
It is part of the Côte des Nacres micro-region, which comprises 3 communes:
-Solaro,
-Solenzara
-Conca.
The commune of Solenzara borders the Porto-Vecchio region. The village is 38km from Porto-Vecchio.
HISTORY OF SOLENZARA VILLAGE
The area around Solenzara village has been inhabited since ancient times, although the village itself is not mentioned in historical texts until much later.
Like many parts of Corsica, in the Middle Ages Solenzara was influenced by the Genoese, who controlled the island for several centuries. However, the village remained fairly isolated, with a population mainly devoted to farming and fishing.
But the village’s name, Solenzara, actually dates back to the 19th century and is named after a nearby river.
It came into being thanks to Commandant Poli, who set up a factory in 1840 that produced 6,000 tonnes of cast iron.
It began to develop further with the improvement of infrastructure and roads linking the east coast of Corsica to the rest of the island.
The village prospered thanks to its natural resources, notably the forest and rivers, which enabled the development of small local industries.
In the 20th century, the arrival of tourism transformed Solenzara. Its marina, built in 1974, has become a major attraction, drawing yachtsmen and water sports enthusiasts alike.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Architecture and heritage of Solenzara village
Although Solenzara village is a relatively modern village, it retains some elements of its past. The parish church and traditional houses offer a glimpse of local architecture.
During your stay you can visit
Monastery of the Assunta Gloriosa
Chapel of Saint Sebastian
Church of Saint Paul de Solenzara (19th century)
Genoese Tower
Mont Santu, accessible from the village
Traditions and Festivals
Solenzara, like many Corsican villages, is rich in tradition. Local festivals, often linked to the patron saints and the agricultural seasons, are an important part of community life.
NATURE AND TOURISM
Beaches around Solenzara and Activities
Solenzara’s beaches, such as Scaffa Rossa and, further south, Canella or Favone (which marks the boundary of the commune), are among the most beautiful in Corsica.
The marina offers a wide range of activities, from sailing to scuba diving. From the harbour, you also have access to the large Solenzara beach.
For thrill-seekers, the Solenzara accrobranche park, one of the biggest in Europe, is open to children aged 3 and over, with different courses for different ages.
Mountains and hiking
In the immediate vicinity of Solenzara are the Alta Rocca mountains and the Aiguilles de Bavella, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring Corsica’s wilderness.
Not forgetting the Solenzara river, the jewel of the region, with its many natural pools. These are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, inviting you to swim and relax. Ideal for swimming and family picnics.
The must-haves
– U tafonu di u cumpuleddu = hole of the bomb.
– A Purcaraccia waterfalls hike 20 minutes by car from Solenzara, towards the Col de Bavella.
– Canyoning from Solenzara +/- 20 to 30 mins: Purcaraccia, Pulischellu, Vacca.
– The monastery of the Sisters of Bethlehem at Sari Solenzara.
– Hiking trails from Sari-Solenzara, Monte Santu climbing point.
– Wildlife trails from Ponte Grossu, on the Bavella road 10 minutes from Solenzara.
– Swimming in the Solenzara river from Solenzara, where you will find numerous natural pools.
A FEW NUMBERS ABOUT SOLENZARA VILLAGE
Population: 1429 (INSEE 2021)
Surface area: 7400ha
Marina: 450 mooring rings
TRANSPORT
There is no commercial port, so the village is accessible from the commercial port of Porto-Vecchio as well as from Figari and Bastia airports.
The village is located on the N198, which links the entire east coast from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia.
