Visit the Scandola Nature Reserve, a world-famous maritime and terrestrial conservation site located on the west coast within the Regional Natural Park of Corsica.
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983, this fascinating natural wonder is considered the benchmark for biodiversity protection sheltering thousands of flora and fauna species.
Renowned for the unparalleled beauty of its rugged landscapes, Scandola is a top-rated destination for wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors seeking to reconnect with nature.
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SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE – ESSENTIAL FACTS
- Due to its striking scenery, Scandola is one of Corsica’s main natural highlights. Wild masses of Crimson porphyry rock eroded by water and winds into fascinating shapes contrast with the cobalt-blue sea and green vegetation of the maquis.
- Tall cliffs crowned with eagle’s nests encompass dazzling grottos and mysterious caves where picturesque sandy coves open up the coastline of the reserve’s windswept headlands.
- Scandola was established in 1975 to protect the extraordinary variety of Corsica’s endemic flora and fauna species.
- In 1983, the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the earth’s superlative natural heritage.
- The reserve encompasses 900 hectares of land and 1000 hectares of the sea including the Girolata peninsula with its village.
- Protected habitats of Scandola are home to abundant marine and terrestrial life. Strict regulations limiting access and activity within the reserve encouraged the return and preservation of extinct species.
- Fauna species supported by the fragile ecosystem include: birds- ospreys (otherwise rarely present in the Mediterranean), peregrine falcon, cormorant, golden eagle or seagulls; mammals: bottlenose dolphin, monk seal, wild boar, fox, European free-tailed bat; reptiles and amphibians- newts, salamanders, European pond turtle, frogs; fish- grouper, red mullet, tuna, swordfish.
- Scandola can only be visited by sea under strict sailing regulations while the village of Girolata can also be accessed via the ‘postman’s path’, a 1.5 h walk.
- Fishing, hunting, camping, scuba diving, littering, and damage to plants, nests, and eggs are prohibited within the site.
SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE – LOCATION
The territory of the reserve is placed in the department of Corse-du-Sud on the North-Western side of the island. It occupies a vast peninsula of volcanic origin making the northernmost shores of Golfe de Porto, the star of Corsica’s rugged coast.
Scandola is surrounded by some of the island’s most cherished natural treasures. Calanches de Piana, Gorges de Spelunca, Vallée du Fango, or Girolata, all aspire to win the challenge for the top position among the famous Corsican landmarks.
Nearby towns such as Porto, Cargese, Piana, and Calvi serve as centers of adventure tourism offering visitors innumerable attractions and activities.
HOW TO VISIT THE SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE
Due to its strictly regulated protection status, the natural heritage of Scandola is only accessible by sea. Numerous maritime shuttles and boat tour operators provide scenic excursions to the wild shores of the reserve. Vessels set off from various locations along the western coast- Ajaccio, Porticcio, Lava, Sagone, Cargese, Porto, and Calvi.
Transport options include speedboats for up to 12 people, ecologic hybrid boats carrying up to 40 visitors, or larger cruisers that offer great stability in windy conditions. For a more intimate experience, you may also book a private outing with a skipper onboard a small semi-rigid.
Prices for the trips vary depending on the tour formula and the place of departure. Day-long excursions from Ajaccio cost around 100 euros and include a 2h-long lunch stopover in Girolata, a visit to the crimson-red cliffs of the Calanches, and a refreshing swim off the magical coast. Combined half-a-day tours from Porto start at around 50-70 euros while the Scandola-only focused trips oscillate around 35 euros per person.
In season, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance as sea cruises to the reserve are very popular among visitors. You may purchase them directly from the operator at the port or make a reservation online.
Services onboard will often include toilets, masks and snorkels, windbreaks, drinks, and snacks. Guided tours offer live commentary to help you better enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of biodiversity within the sanctuary. Cruising at slow speed along the vertiginous cliffs allows the boats to navigate comfortably the shady caves thus allowing enough time to take in the abundance of truly mesmerizing scenery.
IMP TIP : small speedboats are not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, heart problems, or other serious medical conditions. In case of any of the above, choose a larger craft when booking your sea excursion.
BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIP TO SCANDOLA
FROM PORTO
- Scandola Reserve 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.
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 ILE ROUSSE
- Boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve with a swimming break. A 4.5-hour-long sea adventure to the reserve of Scandola. Aboard the 12-person semi-rigid, you will enjoy local music and benefit from a swimming break in the Mediterranean waters. learn more and book here.
- Boat trip to Scandola Nature Reserve and Girolata. A 5-hour-long excursion aboard a semi-rigid to Scandola with a break in the remote village of Girolata. A swimming break is included in the itinerary. Learn more and book your tickets here.
FROM SAINT AMBROGGIO
- Boat trip to Scandola Nature Resrve and Girolata. A 7-hour-long tour along the scenic coast with views of Calvi and the Revellata Peninsula. During your journey, you will stop for snorkeling and enjoy a lunch break in Girolata. Fresh water to rinse off after the swim is available on the boat. Learn more and book 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 boat trip. A 3-hour-long trip to the dramatic shores of Scandola aboard a 12-seater departing from the port of Calvi. You will have a chance to admire the iconic Citadel before discovering the rocky caves of the reserve. A Corsican aperitif is included in the price. Learn more details and book your trip 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.
THE REMOTE VILLAGE OF GIROLATA
Girolata is an incredibly photogenic small fishing village located at the southern periphery of the reserve. Beautifully set against the red cliffs of Scandola reflected in pristine sea waters, this charming hamlet can only be reached by boat or via the ‘postman’s path’ from Col de la Croix.
The famous trail, otherwise known as Le Sentier du Facteur, was named after the local postman Guy Ciccaldi who delivered mail to the permanent inhabitants of the village. Six times a week the sporty ex-legionnaire traveled the scenic path in a record time of 40 minutes.
A hefty Genoese watchtower dating back to the 17th century crowns a small peninsula marking the western border of the isolated cove. Below, a postcard-pretty harbour welcomes day-trip cruise visitors stopping over for a leisurely break.
Several beach restaurants and open-air snack bars offer tasty meals in the idyllic setting of the famed coast. For those who fancy an overnight stay in this remote hamlet, two gites d’étape provide accommodation in either dorms or wooden cabins.
To get to Girolata on foot, take an orange-marked path descending from Col de la Croix down to the clear-water Cala di Tuara. Past the beach, follow the left-leading trail along the coast for the most arresting views of Scandola and the village. Allow around 4 hours for a round trip.
IMP TIP : All cruises are subject to weather conditions at the time of sailing and may be cancelled due to strong winds, heavy rains, or other unsafe occurances.
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