Enjoy a scenic drive in the glorious landscapes of the Défilé da la Scala di Santa Regina located in the heart of Corsica. This dramatic route meanders through a deep rocky granite gorge eroded by the lively waters of the Golo torrent offering an unforgettable experience of an untamed Corsican wilderness.
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SCALA DI SANTA REGINA – LOCATION
The spectacular 300 m high gorge connects East Corsica with the wild Niolo micro-region overlooked by Corsica’s highest peaks- the emblematic Monte Cinto (2706 m), Capu a u Perdatu (2586 m), Punta Minuta (2556 m), or the shark’s fin-like summit of Paglia Orba (2525 m).
The D84 road built in the late 19th century winding through the eroded corridor may be reached by taking a turning from the main T20 at Francardo, just north of Corte, or from the west via the famous Col de Verghio, the highest pass on the island, ending a dramatic climb from Evisa and the beautiful Porto Gulf.
THE REGION OF NIOLO
Surrounded by Corsica’s highest peaks and braced by the Golo, the island’s longest river, the solitary Niolo valley embodies ‘the soul of Corsica’. This sheep-rearing region first inhabited by the tribes of Corsi and later by the Niolans remained isolated for centuries until dangerous mule tracks were replaced by a road in the 19th century.
These days Niolo’s population concentrates in the region’s main villages with Calacuccia, Albertacce, and Casamaccioli being most frequently visited. Local attractions include delicious gastronomic delicacies– strong goat’s cheese or the highest quality charcuterie while mysterious Corsican polyphonic singing may be best experienced at Santa di u Niolu fair in Casamaccioli in early September.
Due to an array of scenic highlights such as the magical Lac de Nino, the summit of Monte Cinto and Paglia Orba, or the Forest de Valdo-Niolo this wild region remains especially popular with hikers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- The most dramatic 10 km part of the Scala di Santa Regina drive follows the Golo’s twists and turns between Ponte Castrirla and Corscia.
- The arresting granite landscapes look their best in spring dotted with wildflowers of Corsican maquis or in autumn when vivid colours transform the untamed vegetation of the Niolo.
- To avoid taking photos in shade set off not later than in the early afternoon.
- The road is narrow and windy with sections of severe drops, however, steep parts of the road are protected by low brick walls.
- The surface of the road is asphalted and in good condition.
- Follow the east-west direction if you wish to remain on the inner part of the road.
- Make sure to drive slowly and cautiously and pay attention to large tour buses- there are numerous bays along the way to help you pass them by.
- You will struggle to find the mobile telephone signal inside the rocky corridor.
- There are bays located along the scenic stretch of the road where you may park your car if you wish to take photos. A few places allow access to the river shore.
- Swimming in the artificial lake of Calacuccia (situated at the end or the starting point of your ride) is forbidden.
- For a perfect bathing spot head to the village of Albertacce where at around 1 km west of the hamlet under a beautiful Genoese bridge the Golo river crosses the D84.
- To fill your day with exhilarating adventures combine the Scala di Santa Regina drive with a scenic Porto-Evisa route in the western part of the island, with breath-taking panoramas guaranteed!
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