The two churches of Cargese represent different religious and architectural traditions, while the town’s location between two gulfs also gives it a strong connection to the coast. Hiking, guided snorkelling and local products offer other distinct highlights. When planning your trip, you can decide whether church history, scenery, outdoor activities or culinary discoveries should take centre stage.
Churches: two traditions, different architectural styles
The Greek church was built between 1854 and 1872 and has been classified as a historic monument since 1990. It is Greek Catholic and follows the Byzantine rite, not the Orthodox rite. Four icons from Vytilo, dating from 1676, adorn the church, where the Byzantine liturgy is celebrated in Greek. The church’s history, icons and liturgy give it a distinctive cultural identity.
The Latin church was completed in 1850 and was fully added to the supplementary list of historic monuments in 1989. It is designed in the Neoclassical style. Its two-storey west façade features a Doric entablature, pilasters and a curved pediment; the four-sided bell tower is topped by an octagonal lantern. While the Greek church stands out for its icons and Byzantine liturgy, the Latin church’s architectural character is defined above all by its Neoclassical façade and tower.
Location, beaches and historic coastline
Cargese lies on Punta di Carghjese at an elevation of almost 100 metres, between the northern end of the Gulf of Sagone and the small Gulf of Peru. The municipality includes five beaches. Porto Monaghi beach has a special historical connection: it is said to be where the Greeks who founded Paomia came ashore in 1676. The coastal landscape can therefore also be linked to the history of the Greek community.
Hiking and snorkelling
The Boucle de Puntiglione is a PR walking and hiking trail that starts and ends in Cargese. If you’re planning to hike the loop, check current trail conditions and access information before setting out, as these can change.
A different kind of activity is offered by A L'EAU RANDO’s guided snorkelling excursions. The tours depart by boat from Cargese harbour and head to suitable snorkelling spots. During the snorkelling experience, participants are given waterproof identification boards to help them identify different species. This means that identifying species is one of the specific parts of the experience, alongside the guided excursion.
Local products and living traditions
At Terra Corsa, visitors can discover and taste farm-made raw-milk cheeses from goat’s and sheep’s milk, Brocciu and cured meats directly from the producer. This offers a culinary focus on several different products rather than a single speciality. A visit to the farm is possible by appointment, so be sure to arrange a time in advance.
The celebration in honour of Saint Anthony is also part of local cultural life. It includes a mass, a procession through the village and the subsequent distribution of blessed bread. If you would like to include the celebration in your trip, check in advance when it takes place.
Discover more destinations: Calcatoggio, Levie, Viggianello, Coggia, Cannelle, Porto-Vecchio, Bocognano, Aullène
Return to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
