- Corsica
Gulf de Porto, Corsica
The coast of the Gulf de Porto is one of Corsica’s most spectacular landscapes, and it is easy to see why. Towering red granite cliffs rise dramatically from the Mediterranean, sculpted by wind and sea into extraordinary shapes, while secluded coves and sweeping bays punctuate the rugged coastline. It is a wild, elemental stretch of Corsica that is best appreciated from both land and sea.
Why visit Gulf de Porto?
- Admire the spectacular landscape
- Get back to nature on the walking trails
- Spot ospreys or even peregrine falcons
The extraordinary Calanches of Piana are one of Corsica’s defining landscapes. Pinnacles, ravines and fantastically sculpted formations of red granite rise dramatically from the deep blue Mediterranean, backed by the jagged peaks of the mountains beyond. The best way to appreciate this remarkable coastline is on foot or from the water, with daily boat trips departing from Porto and offering a spectacular perspective of the UNESCO-listed coastline.
What to do in Gulf de Porto
Admire the Calanches
There are daily boat trips with the Columbo line from Porto that visit this UNESCO world heritage site.
Visit Girola
Visit the isolated village of Girolata set against red granite cliffs on the north west coast, only reachable by boat or on foot.
The Restonica Valley
A stunning area boasting glacial gorges carved into the granite cliffs, which are covered in verdant pine forests.
An in-depth guide to the Gulf de Porto area
Porto
Tucked into the head of the Gulf de Porto, the small resort of Porto is ideally placed for exploring this spectacular stretch of coastline. Although the town itself does not command the finest views across the gulf, it has a good selection of amenities and makes a convenient base for discovering the Calanches and Scandola.
The tree-lined Route de la Marine connects the two parts of the resort, passing old eucalyptus trees, cafés, hotels and shops before reaching the marina, which is the centre of activity. From here, a pleasant walk leads up to the restored Genoese watchtower, perched dramatically above the sea. Porto also has an established aquarium and a useful tourist office.
Piana
Perched dramatically above the coast, Piana enjoys an extraordinary position overlooking the Calanches, yet has retained the atmosphere of a sleepy Corsican village. Its traditional stone houses gather around an elegant 18th-century church and village square, from which the views across the Gulf de Porto are simply superb.
Piana is an ideal place to slow down and experience a quieter side of western Corsica, while still being within easy reach of the coast’s spectacular scenery.
Scandola Nature Reserve
The Scandola Nature Reserve is one of Corsica’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. Towering cliffs, sheer pinnacles and extraordinary rock formations rise from the sea, their volcanic origins and centuries of erosion creating a dramatic palette of charcoal grey, deep red and rusty purple. Against the vivid green of the maquis and intense blue of the Mediterranean, the scenery is unforgettable.
Declared a nature reserve in 1975, both the headland and surrounding waters are protected, allowing a remarkable variety of wildlife to flourish. Dolphins and seals can be spotted offshore, while colonies of gulls and cormorants nest among the cliffs.
Ospreys are also a notable sight, with their enormous nests visible from the water, alongside occasional sightings of peregrine falcons.
The reserve is closed to hikers, helping to preserve its fragile landscape and rare native flora. Boat trips are therefore the best way to experience Scandola, bringing you close to its extraordinary cliffs and secluded inlets while offering a unique perspective on one of Corsica’s wildest corners.