Day 1 in Western Corsica
Welcome
to the western region of Corsica! Upon
arrival, make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in
and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.
The area of western Corsica is
home to the Scandola Nature
Reserve and Les
Calanches de Piana: two memorable areas that make this region
unique.
Start your exploration of this
part of Corisca in Piana,
a russet-roofed village made even more colorful by its bright geranium displays
and a Baroque church with fascinating frescoes. Once celebrated as `one of the
prettiest villages in France`, Piana nevertheless remains small and relatively
quiet.
The Calanches of Piana,
the `Grand Canyon of Corsica`, can be explored by road by following the D81 road.
It is one of the great drives of Europe and not to be missed if you are
visiting this region of Corsica! There are various places where you can stop to
admire the views and the rock formations. Because this area is so surreal, it
is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop in at the bar along the
route with a terrace that looks out to the Calanches to enjoy some spectacular
views. This is a perfect spot for a cup of coffee or a beer during your journey.
Alternatively, the Calanches can
be explored on foot or by boat. There are various different walks to choose
from. Walking is a fabulous way to take in the scenery and enjoy the views at a
leisurely pace. If you decide to take a boat trip along the coast you will see
the coastal caves of Capo Rosso (Red Cape).
End your day enjoying some local
delicacies at one of the charming restaurants in Piana, or any of the nearby
villages before heading back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.
Day 2 in Western Corsica
Start
the day off early in the village of Porto, a small fishing village just below the steep
Corsican Mountains and the Golfe
de Porto. Perhaps less attractive than other cities on the coast,
it represents nonetheless a strategic departure point either to reach the Reserve of Scandola and the Gulf of Girolata. Spend some
time exploring Porto, grab some
breakfast at one of the many cafes, stop in a few of the quaint shops and take
a stroll through the bustling waterfront area.
From
the marina in Porto take a boat
trip to discover the Scandola Nature Reserve to explore the finest coastline
of Corsica. This is where you`ll witness strange rock formations that emerge
from the crystal clear sea in the Gulf
of Girolata, and the coastline is indented with inlets and caves.
The
scenery is amazingly beautiful, but especially so later in the afternoon, as
the rocks catch the sun setting. Situated against the blue of the sea and sky,
the colors and shapes are a breathtaking sight.
The
Scandola reserve has an extensive range of sea birds. There are also
established seal and dolphin colonies. Ospreys are starting to become well-known
in the region as well, after great efforts by conservationists.
After
an enjoyable boat excursion, head a few miles inland between the villages of Ota and Evisa to discover the
perfectly preserved Genoese
bridges, visible from the street, like the Pianella Bridge, the Azglia Bridge and the Ponte Vecchju. These are all
reachable by a short walk through the gorges of Spelonca, on a part
of the path which connects Calenzana
and the small town of Cargese.
Cargese is a
welcoming spot to end the day. Traces of its Hellenic heritage are still
visible in the old market hall and Orthodox church, while the three sizeable
beaches nearby: Peru, Menasina and Chiuni,
are reminiscent of the best from the Greek islands. These sandy stretches are
perfect for sundowners as you admire a beautiful red-hued horizon, although, as
you may expect, the entire West Coast is famed for its sunsets.
Day 3 in Western Corsica
Start off your day with a visit to the
village Calcatoggio
located 7 miles from Ajaccio. The landscapes surrounding this village are
beautiful and offer 6 miles of rocky coastline. Numerous
paths allow you to leave to discover the convent of François-de-la-Mezzana, many water sports
activities, and dive sites in the area.
Next, take a ride 7.5 miles east of
Ajaccio, where you will come across Pointe la Parata, a rocky peninsula overlooking îles
Sanguinaires (the Bloody Islands).
Walking this area is a must! On top of the cliffs you will find one of the many
ancient Corsican guard towers that used to protect the island from pirates.
From the tower there are beautiful views over the entire La Parata.
Enjoy your last night in Corsica`s
capital, Ajaccio.
The city was the birthplace of Napoleon and you can learn about his legacy by
visiting the birth home and museum. Spend some time taking in the city`s culture and history.
Additional Days in Western Corsica
Should you be able to spend additional days in the western region of Corsica enjoy some time at the many beaches on the south-west coast. Many of Corsica`s beaches are hidden coves accessible only on foot or by boat - there’s certainly something magical about exploring the coastal paths and stumbling across a deserted cove washed by the warm deep blue of the Mediterranean.
Your Last Day in Western Corsica
Depart your hotel for the train station, ferry or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Corsican adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the northeast region of Corsica.