Erbalunga

In medieval times, Erbalunga began exporting wine and olive oil from the 11th century, becoming more important as a trading centre than Ajaccio or Bastia.

In the 1550s, following long-standing internecine disputes, the de Gentile family lost control of Cap Corse, with French troops destroying the port in 1557.

With old stone-walled houses built directly on to the harbour and plane, laurel and palm trees shading its flowered squares, Erbalunga retains the character and charm of a small fishing port.

Religious events, centred on St Erasmus, include the carrying of the Cross by penitents on Good Friday—a ceremony called Cerca, originating from an ancient fertility rite—and a procession celebrating his saint's day (2 June) with a blessing of the sea.

[2][7][5][3] To the north of Erbalunga, in the Cintulino district, is the Benedictine monastery of the Holy Sacrament (French: Monastère des Bénédictines du Saint-Sacrement) for nuns, founded in 1862.