Calanques de Piana: Top 5 Activities Between Land and Sea
Calanques de Piana
Thinking of visiting the Calanques de Piana? Plan a day trip to this geological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, and marvel at landscapes unique in the Mediterranean. Discovering this theatre of red rock is a must for every traveller staying at our campsite in Corsica! Here is how to make the most of this masterpiece between sea and mountains!
What to Do in the Calanques de Piana? Our Round-Up of the Must-Sees
At a Glance
- The muleteers’ trail: total immersion among the taffoni.
- The walk to the Château Fort: a natural lookout with a bird’s-eye view over the Gulf of Porto.
- Climbing Capo Rosso: a sporting challenge up to the Genoese tower of Turghiu.
- The beaches of Ficajola and Arone: a choice between a wild cove and a wide fine-sand beach.
- Scuba diving: discovering the colourful, preserved seabed of the gulf.
The Muleteers’ Trail: An Easy Family Hike
In the Muleteers’ Footsteps
It is the best hike in the Calanques de Piana for gaining height. Historically, the muleteers’ trail was the only link between the village of Piana and the village of Ota.
Along a 3 km route, which takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes on foot, you step into the fantastic scenery of the calanques. Holidaymakers staying in a holiday village in Corsica love this path paved with dry stone. You walk at the foot of monumental boulders that reveal the whole geological history of the Island of Beauty.
A little tip: keep your eyes open as you pass above the D81 road, and capture the rock formations with their surprising shapes.
The Château Fort Trail: A Lookout With a Bird’s-Eye View
A Bird’s-Eye View
Looking for the finest viewpoint over the Calanques de Piana? Head for the Château Fort!
Behind this name, you will find no medieval ruin! It is a natural granite headland that time has sculpted. This 1.4 km hike leads to a natural lookout with a unique panorama over the Gulf of Porto. Once at the top, you overlook the calanche and the Mediterranean.
Warning: although the distance is short, the trail is slightly steep. Wear good shoes to cross the rocks safely.
Climbing Capo Rosso and Its Genoese Tower
A Sporting Challenge
Capo Rosso is the unmissable sporting challenge around the Calanques de Piana. This 8 km hike takes you to the Genoese tower of Turghiu, perched on one of the most impressive cliffs in Corsica.
The panorama over the Scandola nature reserve and the Gulf of Girolata is simply breathtaking. At the top of the tower, you stand more than 300 metres above the sea. Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours for this demanding return hike, as most of the climbing comes in the final ascent.
Our tip: when you leave our seaside campsite, remember your hats and plenty of water.
Swimming: From Ficajola Cove to Arone Beach
Cove or Fine Sand
Where can you find a beach in the Calanques de Piana? Depending on what you fancy, you can choose between two lovely beaches in southern Corsica.
- Ficajola cove is a small, wild harbour nestled right at the foot of the red cliffs.
- For fine sand and comfort, choose Arone beach. About 12 km from the village of Piana, it is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Corsican coast. Although the beach offers a few seasonal services, it remains mostly natural and unspoilt.
Our tip: go snorkelling among the rocks of Ficajola in the morning, then laze on the vast Arone beach in the afternoon.
Scuba Diving: Discover the Seabed of the Gulf of Porto
Colourful Seabed
Diving in the Gulf of Porto enjoys a strong reputation in the Mediterranean, and the nearby Scandola nature reserve guarantees exceptional biodiversity.
Opt for a boat trip or a trial dive from Porto. You can swim with groupers at the foot of Capo Rosso. Even a mask and snorkel from a boat are enough to enjoy the show. The seabed is as colourful as the cliffs of the Calanques de Piana!
Now you know everything about this site! For your accommodation, choose a well-placed starting point. Perla Di Mare, our campsite in Ghisonaccia, lets you visit Corsica far and wide, before you return to your home comforts. Book your stay on the Island of Beauty now and live the adventure!