Ersa is located at an altitude of 320 metres and is part of the ancient parish of Luri, on the Cap Corse peninsula. The small island of Giraglia –which is part of the Natura 2000 site: Plateau du Cap Corse – is part of the municipality of Ersa. On this island you will find a military building built by Napoleon to protect the Corsica-Provence link from the English fleet, an oratory dedicated to Saint Mary, a lighthouse visible 100 km away, a 16th-century Genoese tower and the ruins of an old chapel dedicated to St Pasquale. The Giraglia Rolex Cup, an annual keelboat regatta, was named for the island.
This village is composed of several hamlets, the most important of which are Barcaggio, Botticella, Cocinco, Granaggiolo, Poggio and Tollare.
The hiking trail of des douaniers – which starts at the port of Macinaggio and ends at the port of Centuri – passes through Ersa. In summer, it is possible to take a shuttle boat between the two ports.
This village is part of two second-generation natural areas of ecological, faunal and floristic interest: Capo Bianco and Île de la Giraglia.
Art lovers can visit the parish church of St Mary of the Assumption (17th century), which contains several works of art classified historical monument, such as the painting St Francis and St Lucy at the foot of Christ on the Cross and the painting St Felice of Cantalice at the foot of the Madonna with Child. You should also visit the chapel of St John the Baptist (Botticella, 18th century), which contains three works of art classified historical monument, and the chapel of St Erasmus, which is classified historical monument.
If you like walking, then you could take a look at the mines of antimony in Ersa and at the Mattei mill, which has recently been restored and from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
Ersa is located at 51 km from Bastia, at 64 km from Saint-Florent and at 109 km from Île-Rousse. This village is crossed by the D153 road.
