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If you happen to visit Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio, this day trip will take you through some of the mountains in the south eastern region of Corsica known as Alta Rocca (“High Rock”).

North of Porto-Vecchio on route N198 is the seaside village of Solenzara. From Solenzara, turn left unto route D268. After a few minutes, the road crosses over the Solenzara river. 

Continuing further on D268, the road twists and turns for about 35 km (22 miles) through a scene of deep forests and granite peaks until it reaches the hamlet of Bavella. On this spot there’s a mountain refuge for hikers, a café and a natural spring. A little further down the road is the mountain pass of Bavella which intersects the GR20 trail.

Zonza

Next on this road trip is the village of Zonza surrounded by a landscape of oak trees and pines and framed by the jagged peaks of the Needles of Bavella in the background.

Zonza has several restaurants that serve traditional Corsican cuisine, a couple pizzerias, five hotels and two campgrounds. Like many locations in Corsica, this area offers attractions and activities to suit every budget and fitness level including, camping, hiking, rock climbing, walking and sightseeing.

In the winter, with the granite mountains and forests covered in snow, Zonza resembles an alpine village.

Returning to the coast from Zonza, the 40 minute trip by car through the winding route D368 reveals panoramic views of the gulf of Porto-Vecchio below.

Ecoregion

The mountains of Bavella provide shelter to the royal eagle, the Corsican mouflon, a wild mountain sheep, and the Corsican deer. This small deer almost became extinct by the late 1960s. Today thanks to the efforts of the PNRC (Regional Natural Park of Corsica) it has been reintroduced into this area, though it is still considered to be very endangered.

Archaeological Sites

Instead of returning to Porto-Vecchio on D368, continue south on D268 towards the village of Levie. A little further north from Levie are the ancient archaeological sites of Castello de Capula and Cucuruzzu. From Levie take route D59 and follow the signs to Porto-Vecchio.

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Tips
There are no restaurants, shops or gas stations between Solenzara and the village of Zonza so if you’re driving, be sure to fill up on gas before heading to the mountains.

Bus service to Zonza is available from Ajaccio, Propriano and Porto-Vecchio. For bus schedules ask the tourist office nearest you.

Filed under: Day Trips