We asked some of our oldest boaters a few questions to know their feelings and why they remain faithful to the port of Saint-Florent for all these years.
Here are their answers:
«Saint-Florent is the only port where I could land»
Since 1998, Jean-Paul Del Grande has stopped at the port of Saint-Florent. A real haven of peace for this sailor from Vitrolles and adept for long stays in the Gulf …
You stop every summer at the port of Saint-Florent since 1998. Why choose this destination?
For many years, I have sailed a lot along the Corsican coast and, of all the ports where I have accosted, Saint-Florent is the only one where I really could ask myself. The family atmosphere and the village atmosphere that reigns here is important for me. I count many friends today, and I find at each coming this same warm welcome and a quality of life that has no equivalent. This is why I usually spend long periods, including low season, between September and June.
What activities do you favor during your stays in Saint-Florent?
Boat trips with friends in the gulf. It is not necessary to go too far to find the most beautiful beaches: those of Saleccia and Lotu are nearby. The fact of being in a gulf also offers a particular comfort relative to the wind. The port is well sheltered. I particularly appreciate the tranquility.
How do you rate the reception given each year by the port staff?
Everything is done to ensure that our passage is as good as possible. It is very rare that boats end up in the harbor and can not enter the port. On a daily basis, pontooners are available and attentive when needed. With time, some became friends and a second home port. Because it is also what makes the atmosphere and the life of a port: stories of men.
«Saint-Florent is a village where there is a soul».
Why do you choose to stay in the port of Saint-Florent every year? 
After going around Corsica by boat, I found something different in Saint-Florent. Other ports often have the disadvantage of being in big cities. In Saint-Florent, the village has a soul. The tradesmen are warm, and the atmosphere is very peaceful. We can not dream better. All year, I think of the day when I will come to Saint-Florent.
What are your favorite activities when you are in Saint-Florent?
The environment makes it possible to do everything. As soon as the weather is nice – which is very often the case – we prefer the days at sea on the most beautiful beaches in the region, in Saleccia or Lotu. Sometimes we even sleep in the harbor at night. We stay mainly in the surroundings because we have everything available. I particularly enjoy bike rides in the Agriate desert, a few kilometers from Saint-Florent. In recent years, I have also noticed a qualitative leap in many restaurants in the village, where summer evenings are always pleasant.
What is your view of the reception of sailors from the captaincy?
The first years I came to the port, more than thirty years ago, it was a very artisanal welcome (laughs). Since then, I have found a great quality of service. The online booking system makes it possible to organize our stay with regular monitoring and more comfort.
«We fell in love with Saint-Florent»
Origino of Milan, Marco Olmo is a loyal yachtsman of the port of Saint-Florent since 2002. With his family, he finds every year a cocoon of tranquility …
Why do you choose to stay in the port of Saint-Florent every year?
With my family, we fell in love with Saint-Florent. In 2002, a friend advised me to spend a few days there. I found an exceptional welcome and setting. Since then, I look forward to coming back every summer.
What activities do you favor during your stays in Saint-Florent?
Apart from the sea trips in the Gulf, the environment of the village is very pleasant. The shops and restaurants are welcoming, the local life is lively. I believe that all the conditions are right for a pleasant stay.
What is your view on welcoming boaters by port staff?
In sixteen years, I have never had any difficulty. Every year, I spend almost a month in the port, between the end of July and the end of August, and the service is always of quality, both on the docks and within the captaincy. And the online booking system that has been put in place in recent years has made things even easier.
«We left our heart in Saint-Florent»
Since 1974, Vittorio and Nicoletta have been staying in the marina each summer. A must for so many years for these Milanese lovers of Saint-Florent …
How did you discover Saint-Florent more than forty years ago?
We had toured Corsica by boat with friends. On the way back, Saint-Florent was our last stop before we ended our stay. We had spent a few days there, and since then we had left our hearts there. The atmosphere of the village, the beaches, the contact with the population seduced us. Every year, we come back with great pleasure, including in winter sometimes.
Does the port environment allow you to meet all your needs?
The most beautiful beaches in the area are nearby and easily accessible. The sailing conditions are generally very good in the Gulf of Saint-Florent. It also allows you to meet with family and friends around a fishing trip. But our activities are not limited to the sea. Since Saint-Florent, we have also had the opportunity to discover the interior of Corsica and its villages.
What is your view on welcoming boaters by port staff?
Since 1974, we have never had difficulties to access the port. The welcome is always very warm. Despite the change in the teams since all these years, the staff has kept the same quality of welcome.