Erbalunga in Corsica is a small, old fishing village on Cap Corse in the north of the island, about 10 kilometres (a 15 to 20 minute drive) north of Bastia. For us it was one of those spontaneous stops along the spectacular D80 coastal road that turned out to be a real highlight. We visited Erbalunga in September 2026, wandered through the narrow lanes and had an ice cream break by the harbour.
Here we show you what you can see in Erbalunga and where to park. You will find more about the whole peninsula in our article on the best things to do on Cap Corse.
Last updated: September 2026.
Erbalunga at a glance
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Cap Corse, approx. 10 km north of Bastia
Parking: large car park by the supermarket (EasyPark)
Region: Haute-Corse, Cap Corse
Highlights
Narrow lanes & authentic architecture
Genoese tower on the headland
Small fishing harbour
Coffee & good food by the harbour
Quick pick! Here is our hotel recommendation:
Our tip right in Erbalunga
Things to do in Erbalunga: strolling through the village
Erbalunga stands out for its authentic architecture: narrow lanes, stone houses packed tightly together and a small, picturesque harbour where the village pushes out into the sea on a narrow headland.
We simply wandered through the lanes, walked along the harbour and let ourselves drift. That is also the best way to experience the village. Erbalunga is tiny, so one to two hours is plenty for a visit.
Genoese tower and history
At the very tip of the headland stands a half-ruined 16th-century Genoese tower, one of many watchtowers the Republic of Genoa had built along the coast of Cap Corse between the 15th and 18th centuries to watch the sea and warn of pirate raids.
The paternal ancestors of the French poet Paul Valéry came from Erbalunga. During Easter week the village is also known for two traditional processions.
Saint-Érasme church
In the middle of the village stands the church of Saint-Érasme with its baroque facade. It is dedicated to Saint Erasmus, the patron saint of sailors, and according to the municipality of Brando it hosts the Good Friday ceremonies and the annual blessing of the boats, among other events. You can find more on the municipality’s website.
Erbalunga beach
Erbalunga beach is a narrow pebble beach about 500 metres long. It starts roughly 150 metres beyond the village below the D80 and is reached by steps. The beach is not well sheltered from wind and currents, so the sea can be rough. In return you get a lovely view of the village and the Genoese tower. You can find more information at Visit Corsica. We did not swim here ourselves.
Restaurants and coffee by the harbour
Right by the small harbour there are several cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal with a view of the boats and the Genoese tower.
Restaurant Le Pirate is popular with fish lovers and also became known as a filming location for the film “L’Enquête Corse” with Jean Reno and Christian Clavier. For a short break during your walk, it is the nicest spot in the village. According to TripAdvisor, the restaurants L’Esquinade and Cantinalolo are also well rated, but we did not eat there ourselves.
Parking in Erbalunga
We parked in the large car park (Google Maps) near the local supermarket, where you can easily pay with the EasyPark app. A large playground sits slightly above the car park, handy if you are travelling with children and need to fill some time.
Signs say that parking campervans is not allowed here. We stayed with our Ford Transit campervan anyway and did not get a ticket. In high season that may of course be different.
Where to stay in Erbalunga
We did not stay in Erbalunga ourselves, so here is the accommodation that stood out during our research. The Demeure Castel Brando* is a 19th-century house with its own garden, two pools, a spa, a restaurant and free parking, and is rated around 9.0 out of 10 on Booking.
View rooms at Castel Brando now*
Frequently asked questions about Erbalunga
How long should you plan for Erbalunga?
The village is very small, so one to two hours is plenty for a relaxed walk.
Where can you park in Erbalunga?
There is a large car park by the supermarket where you can pay with the EasyPark app. According to the signs, campervans and motorhomes are officially not allowed to park there.
How far is Erbalunga from Bastia?
Erbalunga is about 10 kilometres north of Bastia, and the drive takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the best things to do in Erbalunga, Corsica?
The half-ruined 16th-century Genoese tower at the tip of the headland, the narrow lanes, the baroque church of Saint-Érasme and the small fishing harbour.
Is there a beach in Erbalunga?
Yes, about 150 metres beyond the village there is a narrow pebble beach roughly 500 metres long, reached by steps from the D80. It is not well sheltered from wind and currents.
Where can you stay in Erbalunga?
One well-known address in the village is the Demeure Castel Brando, a hotel in a 19th-century house with pools, a spa and a restaurant.
Where is Erbalunga in Corsica?
Erbalunga is on the east side of Cap Corse in the north of Corsica, about 10 kilometres north of Bastia.