WELCOME TO
THE CALANQUES DE PIANA

Les Calanques de Piana.

The Calanques de Piana are a true wonder of Corsica. Located in the southern part of Corsica, just south of the Gulf of Porto, the Calanques de Piana, along with the Scandola Reserve and the village of Girolata, are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

What sets the Calanques de Piana apart from other calanques in France is the color of their rocks. Formed from ancient magmatic rock, they display a striking reddish hue, owing to Corsica’s volcanic history.

The true splendor of the Calanques de Piana is revealed when the setting sun casts its warm light on the rocks, bringing out their vibrant red color.

Boat Cruises in the Calanques de Piana:

The best way to explore the Calanques de Piana is on a boat excursion.

Starting from the Porto-Ota port, it only takes a few minutes by boat to reach the Calanques de Piana and begin your cruise.

Several companies offer Calanques de Piana tours departing from Porto, Cargèse, or Calvi. Check out our selection of the finest boat excursions in the Calanques de Piana.

Please note:

• During the summer, it’s advisable to book your boat excursion in advance.
• If you plan to visit the Calanques de Piana from Ajaccio, be prepared for a full day, as Ajaccio’s port is the farthest offering sea excursions to the Calanques de Piana.
• Piana village is nestled in the Corsican mountains, and there are no boat excursion departures from there. To reach the Calanques, you’ll need to go to the ports of Porto, Calvi, or Ajaccio.

During your boat excursion in the Calanques de Piana, you’ll have the opportunity to discover:

• Capo Rosso: Situated south of the Gulf of Porto, Capo Rosso (The Red Cape) lives up to its name. With cliffs towering 400 meters above sea level, Capo Rosso’s precipices plunge into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto. . Overlooking Capo Rosso is Corsica’s tallest Genoese tower, which still stands sentinel at the entrance to the Gulf of Porto.
• Beneath Capo Rosso, the Gulf of Porto’s waters have sculpted a natural pool and marine caves that are truly breathtaking.
• Once past Capo Rosso, the full grandeur of the Calanques de Piana comes into view. Cliffs of a unique red hue gracefully descend into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto, creating unforgettable scenery during your boat excursion.
• Arone Beach: Situated at the base of Capo Rosso, Arone Beach is perfect for a family outing with your toes in the water.
• Ficajola Beach: Tucked away in the Calanques de Piana, Ficajola Beach has maintained its authenticity with its fishermen’s cottages lining the shore.

If you have some extra time, we recommend dedicating a day to a cruise in the Gulf of Porto,

as the Calanques de Piana are just one of the many wonders in the area.

• Girolata Village: To the north of the Gulf, a short boat ride from Porto, you’ll stumble upon Girolata Gulf.

Nestled in the heart of Girolata Gulf is the picturesque fishing village of Girolata, a truly unique gem in Corsica and even in France.

Girolata Village can only be accessed by boat and is built at the base of an ancient Genoese fort. A visit to Girolata Village is an absolute must during your Corsican adventure.

• Scandola Reserve: The northern entrance to the Gulf of Porto marks the gateway to the Scandola Nature Reserve. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983,

the Scandola Reserve is unlike any other place in France. Accessible only by boat, it is off-limits by road or on foot.

The Scandola Reserve is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife and stunning landscapes.