Hikes
How to Visit the Calanques de Piana?
On foot, by bike, by boat, or by car, there are many ways to discover the Calanques (calanche in Corsican) de Piana and the Gulf of Porto. Undoubtedly one of Corsica’s wonders.
On Foot: You can explore the numerous trails that crisscross the Calanques. The Genoese tower of Capo Rosso, the heart of the Calanques, and the wonders of the Calanques await you along the way. You can choose your hike based on duration and difficulty.
By Boat from Porto or Ajaccio: You will set off to discover the Calanques de Piana from the sea. Take the opportunity to visit the Scandola Reserve, as well as the village and beach of Girolata, which are only a short distance from the Calanques.
By Bike: The more adventurous can choose to explore the Calanques on an electric mountain bike. Several mountain biking trails start from Cargèse or Porto, allowing you to discover the Calanques by bike with the assistance of an electric motor.
Snorkeling Excursion: If you’re not a fan of biking, you can still enjoy an excursion from Cargèse to explore the underwater world of the Calanques de Piana through snorkeling. With fins, masks, and snorkels, you’ll embark on a dive you’ll remember.
By Car: You don’t even need to leave your car to admire the Calanques de Piana. The road that crosses the Calanques is one of the most beautiful on the island. Sandwiched between the red rocks and the blue of the Mediterranean, we recommend extending your visit to Arone Beach.
The Calanques de Piana by boat
The Calanques de Piana:
You cannot miss a boat tour of the Calanques. Resulting from the ancient volcanic activity of the Gulf of Porto, the Calanques are made up of red volcanic rock that plunges steeply into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto.
At the entrance of the Calanques, you will adore Capo Rosso with its Genoese tower. We recommend starting your excursion from the port of Porto.
The Scandola Reserve by Boat
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located just a few minutes by boat from the Calanques de Piana, the Scandola Reserve is well worth a visit.
As one of the last preserved enclaves, the fauna and flora of the Gulf of Porto reserve make it an essential destination.
The Village of Girolata by Boat:
An isolated fishing village, only accessible by boat. Come and get lost in the village and have lunch by the water at Girolata Beach, located just a stone’s throw from the Calanques.
Calanques de Piana on Foot:
The Muleteers’ Path of Piana:
Duration: 1h15 mn
Distance: 3,15 km
Difficulty: Easy
Access: At the exit of Piana on Departmental Road 81 towards Ota, you will find the start of the Muleteers’ Path at the Mezzanu Bridge.
Hike: Here, you will follow the old road that connects the village of Piana to Ota. Completely paved with dry stone, the trail winds through the Calanques, offering magnificent views of the Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Porto.
From the Parking Lot at Tête de Chien to the Stone Fortress.
Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 1,18 km
Difficulty: Easy
Departure: 4 kilometers from the village of Piana towards Porto, on Departmental Road 81, you will find the parking lot at Tête de Chien, the starting point of the hiking trail.
Hike: By circling around the Tête de Chien rock, you will find the start of the old Muleteers’ Path of Piana.
After a 30-minute walk among the red rocks of the Piana Calanques, you will reach a rocky platform. From this stone belvedere, you will have an incredible view of the Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Porto, a true fortress of red rocks.
Capo Rosso
Duration: 3h30
Distance: 7,36 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access : From Piana, take Departmental Road 84 towards Capo Rosso. At 3 kilometers, a parking area is indicated on your right. The trail’s start is next to the parking lot.
Hike: In our opinion, this is the most beautiful hike to do in the Calanques de Piana. You will follow a path winding through the Calanques amid red rocks to reach the cape. Upon arrival, you will discover Capo Rosso, a 400-meter-high cliff crowned by its Genoese tower. It offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Porto.
After your hike to Capo Rosso, you can cool off at nearby Arone Beach via the road.
The calanques de Piana: Mountain biking
Electric Mountain Biking to Omigna Genoese Tower:
Duration: 2h30
Difficulty: Thrilling
Departure: Cargese
Access: The departure point is from the cultural center of the village of Cargese, a 20-minute drive from the village of Piana.
Hike: Explore the Calanques de Piana on a fat bike, a true electric all-terrain vehicle. The fat bike allows you to ride comfortably through the Calanques de Piana to Omigna Tower, passing by the most beautiful beaches. Thanks to its large wheels and electric motor, the fat bike is more comfortable and stable than traditional bicycles.
This excursion is reserved for the more adventurous. If you enjoy thrills and spectacular landscapes, this hike is for you.
Price: xx EUROS
What you should know
- You must know how to ride a bike on mountain trails.
- Minimum height: 1m45
- Maximum weight: 120kg
- French-speaking guide
- Our opinion: A must-try. You’ll easily explore the trails of the calanques with your electric mountain bike. The Gulf of Porto awaits you.
Electric Mountain Biking to Paomia from Cargese:
Duration: 2h30
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Meet at the parking lot of the cultural center in Cargese. The bike ride starts from the parking lot.
Hike: You set off on an electric mountain bike to discover the Gulf of Paomia. Thanks to its large wheels, the fat bike is more comfortable and allows you to explore the Calanques de Piana with minimal effort. When you reach an altitude of 500 meters, you will enjoy a unique view of the mountains and the Gulf of Paomia.
Rates:
What you should know
- You must know how to ride a bike on mountain trails.
- Minimum height: 1m45
- Maximum weight: 120kg
- French-speaking guide
- Our opinion: Good physical condition is still necessary. The trails and small roads of the Gulf of Porto are worth the effort.
Electric Mountain Biking on the Chiuni Ridges:
Duration: 2h30
Difficulty: Thrilling
Departure: Cargese
Access: The hiking trail starts from the parking lot of the cultural center in Cargese.
Hike: Come and discover the beautiful Chiuni ridge trail and its magnificent view of the Gulf of Chiuni from the cliff. Your electric mountain bike, a fat bike, will allow you to ascend the ridges almost effortlessly. The descent takes you through a pine forest in Piana.
Excursion price:
What you should know
- You must know how to ride a bike on mountain trails.
- Minimum height: 1m45
- Maximum weight: 120kg
- French-speaking guide
- Our opinion: These trails are reserved for the most athletic. An excursion through the rocks of the Calanques de Piana that you won’t forget.
Where to swim in the Calanques de Piana?
Snorkeling Excursion in the Bay of Cargese
Duration: 1H30
Difficulty: Easy
Hike: With fins, masks, and snorkels, come and discover the magnificent underwater world of the Calanques de Piana for an unforgettable dive. A guide will take you directly by boat to the best snorkeling spots in the Gulf of Porto.
Juvenile groupers, sea breams, damselfish – your instructor will guide you in discovering all the fauna of the Calanques de Piana With a bit of luck, you might even encounter dolphins off the cliffs.
Access: Departure for the sea trip is from the port of Cargese.
Excursion price:
What you should know
- Summer activities
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Easybreath mask provided
Swimming at Capo Rosso:
Duration: 3H
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike: From Cargese, take a boat to discover Capo Rosso and its caves. Upon arrival, your diving instructor will guide you in the natural pool of the cape to discover Corsican marine life.
Departure: The hike departs from the port of Cargese, a 20-minute drive from Piana.
Price :
What you should know
- Summer activities only
- Minimum age 12 years
- Easybreath mask provided
Canyoning dans les calanques de Piana:
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Very difficult
Hike: Descend the Dardu Canyon in the Calanques de Piana, wedged between the sea and the red rocks. This canyon is one of the most famous in Corsica.
High mountain guides will accompany you during the 7-hour descent between the cliffs. What makes the Dardu Canyon unique is that it directly empties into the sea of the Gulf of Porto.
Access: The departure is from the municipal stadium in the village of Piana
Price:
What you should know
- For experienced athletes only.
- 25-metre abseil. Avoid if you are afraid of heights.
- Not allowed for children under 12 years old
The calanques de Piana by car
The Heart of the Calanques de Piana:
Excursion by Car: You don’t even need to leave your car to enjoy the beauty of the Calanques.
Just outside the village of Piana (1 km), on your right, you’ll discover the world-famous heart of the Calanques de Piana. Moreover, there’s only one road winding through the Calanques: Departmental Road 81.
The road is magnificent, sandwiched between the red rocks of the Calanques and the blue of the Mediterranean. However, please note that the road is narrow and busy during the summer months, making it challenging to pass between the cliffs.
Duration: At your own pace.
Difficulty: Traffic can be heavy during the summer season.
What you should know
- The best time to visit the Calanques de Piana by car is late afternoon when the setting sun gives the Calanques a unique red hue.
- However, due to the high attendance in the afternoon, we recommend the early morning for a quieter visit.
FAQ
Why Are the Calanques de Piana Red?
Where to Stay to Visit the Calanques de Piana?
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