CALANCHES DE PIANA- EXPLORE CORSICA’S COASTAL PARADISE

7.1K

Discover the world-famous Calanches de Piana, an awe-inspiring landscape of red granite rock formations eroded into fascinating shapes. Spiky outcrops rising 300 m above the sea level flanked by steep jagged cliffs dropping into the water are Corsica’s must-see natural wonder inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Whether you choose to explore the Calanques on foot, by car or decide to admire their intoxicating rugged beauty from the boat, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

This page contains affiliate links meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more.

GOLFE DE PORTO

Located in north-western Corsica the unique geological rock sculptures benefit from a privileged setting amongst the iconic landscapes of the Golfe de Porto.

The charming town of Porto famous for its spectacular sunsets lighting up the red cliffs of the jagged coast is the epicentre of the gulf’s tourist activity. Another popular choice among visitors who wish to set up base while exploring the west coast’s scenic attractions is Piana, a charming village perched 438 m above sea level.

The northern part of the bay is famous for the Scandola Nature Reserve where dramatic rock formations emerge from crystal-clear waters forming rare enclaves that host a diversity of endemic flora and fauna species. Set against the oasis of crimson cliffs is Girolata, a lovely fishing village only accessible on foot or by boat.

The southern edge of the gulf overlooked by the majestic mountain of Capo d’Orto offers an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing dip into turquoise water at one of the area’s most attractive beaches- Anse de Ficaghiola and Plage d’Arone, while the neighboring Capu Rossu summit presents an unforgettable 360- degree panorama across the bay.

With such a diverse range of fascinating landscapes of unrivalled natural beauty the Gulf of Porto, Corsica’s top tourist destination remains one of the most evocative areas of the Mediterranean.

CALANCHES DE PIANA

” At nightfall, I crossed the Calanques de Piana. Stunned, I stopped in front of these astonishing pink granite rocks, four hundred meters high, strange, tortured, curved, eaten away by time, bloody under the last fires of sunset and taking on such forms as fairy tale characters, petrified by some supernatural power. And then I saw two gigantic monks bolt upright; a sitting bishop, cook in hand, mitre on head; of prodigious figures, a lion crouched  at the edge of the road, a woman nursing her child and a head of an immense devil horned grimacing, guardian probably of this crowd imprisoned in stone bodies. After the Niolo which, without doubt, no-one will admire the stark and barren loneliness, the Calanques the Piana are one of the wonders of Corsica; arguably, I think one of the wonders of the world.”

– Guy de Maupassant, The Monastery of Corbara 1880

BY CAR

To explore the Calanches by car follow the D 81 corniche road between Piana and Porto meandering for 12 km through jagged cliffs plunging to the turquoise-blue Mediterranean waters.

There are numerous pullover bays along the scenic stretch where you may stop to take in the amazing scenery. The best time to admire this wild eroded terrain is at sunset when the rock formations take on a vivid shade of red casting deep shadows over the otherworldly landscapes.

In busy summer months, the road can get congested as parts of it are so narrow that cars may just pass by. By pulling up to the side of the lane you can let other drivers overtake.

At the heart of his rocky universe, you may stop and take a break at a small café offering breathtaking sea views from its panoramic terrace.

VISIT CALANCHES DE PIANA FROM AJACCIO WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER

Cruise ship passengers and other visitors looking to enjoy their custom day itinerary around Ajaccio and the surrounding regions may hire a driver or even upgrade to include a private tour guide. Guests are welcome to choose their preferred time and place of departure. Private tours last for up to 8 hours and are also offered in English. Click here to learn more and make an early reservation.

BY BOAT

Many visitors find that a boat tour of the mesmerizing world of porphyry combined with an exploration of the untamed scenery of Scandola is the highlight of their trip to Corsica. Isolated rocky inlets, giant red cliffs disappearing into crystal-clear waters, and narrow sparkly caves experienced during the magic sunset hours indulge all senses providing a truly thrilling adventure.

Several companies offer scenic tours with boats departing from various locations- Ajaccio, Sagone, Cargèse, Porto, or Calvi at different times of the day. Tickets for daily excursions may be purchased in advance directly with the operator, at numerous stalls displaying the operator’s services in the marina of Porto or online.

Pink porphyry rocks sculpted by the elements are best viewed during late afternoon tours when the golden rays of the setting sun intensify the shadows of the bizarre shapes. Many companies offer stops for a refreshing dip during the ride or halt for a picnic while skilled captains navigating the boats are eager to share their extensive knowledge of the region.

Nature lovers will appreciate this hotspot for biodiversity where abundant flora and fauna species inhabit the protected area. And if lucky, you may be awarded a serene view of dolphins playing in crystalline blue waters.

BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIP TO CALANCHES DE PIANA

FROM PORTO

• Calanches de Piana, Scandola and Girolata boat trip. A 3 to 4-hour-long boat journey to the iconic coast with a 30-minute stop in the village of Girolata. The boat is equipped with comfortable shaded areas whereas the information leaflet is available in French, English, and Italian. Learn more and book here.
• Calanches de Piana, Scandola and Girolata boat tour. A 3-hour-long exciting excursion to the landmarks of the northwest coast of Corsica. A small semi-rigid allows to enter caves and navigate close to the cliffs. Learn more and book here.
• Capo Rosso, Calanches de Piana and Scandola boat tour. A 3-hour-long trip on a family-friendly boat to the Scandola Reserve and Calanches de Piana. During your excursion, you will enjoy a swimming break. Snorkeling gear is provided and the vessel is adapted for children. Learn more and book here.
• Semi-submarine visit to the seabed of Porto Bay. View and explore the fauna and flora of the seabed of the Bay of Porto and the Calanches. Two circuits are offered depending on weather conditions. If you are lucky you may even spot the dolphins. Learn more and book tickets here.

FROM CARGESE

• Scandola, Girolata and Calanques de Piana day cruise. 7-hour-long trip aboard a comfortable boat with shaded areas, toilets, and a bar. Includes a visit to the most iconic places of the reserve with a 2-hour stop in Girolatta and a break for swimming. Learn more and book here.
• Discovery tour to Capo Rosso, Scandola, Calanques de Piana, and Girolata. A friendly 6-hour-long cruise to Scandola aboard a medium-sized boat with experienced and attentive sailors. You will enjoy a 2-hour break in the picturesque village of Girolata. Learn more and book tickets here.
• Calanches de Piana, Scandola, and Girolata boat trip. A 4.5-hour-long speedboat tour of the emblematic scenic sights with a swimming break and a 30-minute stop in Girolata. Commentary may be provided in various languages. Learn more and book tickets here.

FROM SAGONE

• Scandola, Girolata and Calanques de Piana day cruise. 7-hour trip aboard a comfortable boat with shaded areas, toilets, and a bar. Includes a visit to the most iconic places of the reserve with a 2-hour stop in Girolatta and a break for swimming. Learn more and book here.
• Scandola, Girolata and Calanques de Piana boat tour. A 6-hour-long trip to Scandola and the Calanches with a 2.5-hour break in Girolata. The vessel provides 73 seats and a live or audio guide of the tour. Learn more and book here.
• Calanches de Piana, Scandola, and Girolata boat trip. A 4.5-hour-long speedboat tour of the emblematic scenic sights with a swimming break and a 30-minute stop in Girolata. Commentary may be provided in various languages. Learn more and book tickets here.

FROM AJACCIO

• Capo Rosso, Scandola and Girolata boat trip. An 8-hour-long adventure to the coastal scenic site of Scandola. A swimming break at Capu Rossu and a stopover in Girolata are included in the tour. Learn more and book tickets here.
• Capo Rosso, Scandola and Girolata cruise. A full-day tour to the Scandola Reserve with a 2h stopover in the village of Girolata aboard a comfortable vessel. Other scenic attractions include Capo Rosso and the Calanches. Learn more and book here.
• Capo Rosso, Scandola Reserve, and Girolata boat tour with an appetizer. A full-day tour to Capo Rosso and Scandola with a stopover in Girolata. During your trip, you will also enjoy a swimming break and a light snack of local produce and wine. Learn more and book here.

FROM PORTICCIO

• Capo Rosso, Scandola and Girolata boat trip. An 8-hour-long adventure to the coastal scenic site of Scandola. A swimming break at Capu Rossu and a stopover in Girolata are included in the tour. Learn more and book tickets here.
• Capo Rosso, Scandola and Girolata cruise. A full-day tour to the Scandola Reserve with a 2h stopover in the village of Girolata aboard a comfortable vessel. Other scenic attractions include Capo Rosso and the Calanches. Learn more and book here.

FROM TIUICCIA

• Boat tour to Capu Rossu, the Calanches, Scandola and Girolata. A 5-hour long trip to the landmarks of the iconic coast aboard a boat equipped with shaded areas and a toilette. You will stop in Girolata and enjoy a swimming break. An underwater video camera is present on board. Learn more and book tickets here.

FROM CALVI

• Scandola, Girolata and Calanches de Piana boat tour. A scenic 4-hour trip to the most iconic landscapes in Corsica. You will explore the fascinating rocky chaos of Scandola, visit the picturesque village of Girolata, and admire the red-coloured cliffs of the Calanches. Find more information and book your tour here.
• Scandola Reserve scenic boat tour. A 4-hour-long boat excursion to the emblematic landscapes of Scandola. On your tour, you will explore the caves, cliffs, and the rocky islets. Live commentary is offered in various languages. Find more information and book here.
• Private boat tour of Scandola Nature Reserve. A half-day tour to explore the scenery of Scandola, a volcanic Unesco site, on a comfortable boat with your private skipper. You will have an opportunity to enjoy a swim in one of the most beautiful places in Corsica. Enjoy a perfect summer experience on the sea. Learn more details and book your adventure here.

ON FOOT

The rare beauty of the Calanques may be fully appreciated during one of the popular walks.

A well-known 1-hour long trail to the Chateau Fort starts next to a famous rock Tete de Chien 700 m north of the Roches Bleues café. There is a small signposted car park where you may leave your vehicle, although spaces may be hard to find in the peak season.

The path starts in a shaded forest with giant boulders scattered around, winding through rocky terrain before ending at a plateau that offers stupendous views across the gulf.

The walk is fairly easy although the twisty trail passes through steeper, more slippery stretches where comfortable hiking footwear is essential. In order to avoid hot midday hours set off early in the morning or later in the afternoon. As there are no water sources provided along the way be sure to carry your own supply.

More enthusiastic hikers may begin the walk at the Roches Bleues café where on the opposite side of the road a path winds up the hill and over the pass to re-join the D 81 route. As there are two trails running up from the starting place, make sure you pick the one on the left close to the stream. In just over an hour of a fairly strenuous hike you will arrive at a spot positioned around 200 m east of the Tete de Chien rock where the trail to Chateau Fort begins.

You may also enjoy a lovely 1-hour long Sentier des Muletiers starting 500 m south from the café next to the statue of Madonna. The start of the trail is fairly steep and the path meanders for 1.5 km through the rocky terrain before joining the D 81 further south. Return following the same route.

HELPFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES :

---

Please help support CoolCorsica!

If you find this website as useful as a guidebook you may have had to buy to plan your adventures, please consider helping me with a small donation.

This all-content traveler-focused site is created in my spare time with a desire to share comprehensive information, useful tips, and inspiring photos of Corsica’s most scenic locations.

Please note that certain products/services and links to products/services are affiliate links and I may earn a commission for any purchases that you make, at no additional cost to you. I truly appreciate your use of any of the links I share.

With your generous help, I can continue to offer my advice and support in planning your dream holiday.

Thank you for your contribution!