The Scandola Nature Reserve, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, is located along the Gulf of Porto and Girolata, on the north western coast of Corsica, and accessible only on foot or by boat.

Girolata – © Rune S. Johnsson

One of the highlights of this park and reserve is Girolata, an isolated coastal village with about two dozens permanent residents, with its own Genoese tower and a small fortress, one of the few square shaped watchtowers in Corsica.

Girolata, Genoese Tower – © Celine Ragonnet

A Natural Marvel

Although most world heritage sites are man made structures, Scandola was carved out by volcanic activity, wind and sea. This area is notorious for its dramatic cliffs, red jagged rocks and pillars found only in this part of Corsica.

Scandola – © Celine Ragonnet

These clear waters, with their islets and caves, are home to a rich variety of wild and marine life including peregrine falcons, osprey and lobster.

The combination of sheer cliffs, some reaching a height of 900 meters, sandy beaches and transparent seas makes this area a popular attraction to both hikers and yacht aficionados.

Getting There

From June to September there are daily boat tours leaving from Ajaccio, Cargèse, Porto and Calvi.

Hikers can visit Girolata almost all year round. Girolata is connected to the island by a trail, about 90 minutes on foot from the nearest road.

Starting from Col de la Croix, located on D81 (the Calvi-Porto road), a trail descends through the maquis all the way to the coast. (About a 3.5-4 hr moderate hike).

There are a couple restaurants but no hotels. Visitors can spend the night in rural gîtes, wood cabins or tents.

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France currently boasts 33 World Heritage Sites including cathedrals, roman ruins, prehistoric sites and other man made structures, with 36 more sites awaiting approval. The Scandola Nature Reserve is one of France’s two natural sites.

Filed under: Day Trips