How to enjoy your holidays in the Calanques of Piana?

The calanques of Piana represent an exceptional place that you can visit during your vacation. Indeed, this natural site is home to spectacular landscapes made up of cliffs and red rocks with impressive shapes. To spend unforgettable moments and fully enjoy your stay, there are several options available to you. You can choose between a boat trip, driving, or hiking.

Explore the calanques of Piana by boat

To make the most of your vacation in the calanques of Piana, you can visit the island aboard a boat. In fact, this is the best option to truly admire the wonders of this splendid natural site that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that there are three ways to visit the calanques of Piana by boat. To learn more, you can read an article here.

A cruise from the port of Porto

This cruise to the calanques of Piana starts from the port of Porto, located between Ajaccio and Calvi in the northwest of the island. This expedition lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Passing by the stretch of Ficajola beach, you will follow the coast to reach Capo Rosso. At this spot, you will discover the Genoese tower, the tallest tower in Corsica.

After passing this cape, you will enter the most prominent and admirable area of the calanques. Indeed, you will discover the high cliffs of red and pink porphyry of volcanic origin. Sculpted by erosion, the rocks will dazzle you with their surprising shapes. Additionally, you will also have the chance to see one of the most beautiful places in Corsica with water of an incredible turquoise color.

An expedition from Ajaccio

The boat excursion to the calanques of Piana does not necessarily start at Porto. You also have the option to go to the heart of Piana by leaving the port of Ajaccio. So, don’t hesitate to embark on a day cruise to admire the splendid landscapes of this region while seated on your excursion boat. Here, you will ascend the coast to the North before starting the crossing of the Scandola reserve. You can take a lunch break in the village of Girolata if you wish. After that, you may continue with your visit to enjoy your vacation fully.

Choosing a visit by car

There is not just one way to discover the calanques of Piana during your vacation. In fact, you also have the option to do it by car. In this case, it’s simpler. You only need to follow one road, namely the D81, which connects Piana to Porto. This road will allow you to travel through the heart of the calanques and admire the famous red rocks of varied shapes that the wind has sculpted.

Furthermore, keep in mind that it is a narrow and vaulted road frequented by several people. Therefore, it is recommended to be cautious. Do not attempt to park your car in the middle of the road. However, if you really wish to stop, you can take a coffee break in a café parking lot. Moreover, note that the ideal time to cross this island by vehicle is late afternoon.

Taking the visit on foot

To fully enjoy your vacation at the calanques of Piana, you can also choose to visit the site on foot. Even if you have already explored the area by boat, this option is always valid. Indeed, there are several paths where you can go hiking. The most popular hiking trail starts from the parking area of the Tête du chien, located between Piana and Porto. Another path allows you to descend to a viewpoint that offers a clear view of the calanques in 20 minutes. Besides, you can also take several other trails including:

• the path through the chestnut grove;
• the muleteer’s trail;
• the path of Capo d’Orto.

Still within the calanques, but not near Piana, the Capo Rosso hike promises excellent moments. Furthermore, from the Genoese tower, you can admire the panorama over the Porto gulf and the calanques. In general, remember that hiking allows you to have an optimal viewpoint of the calanques.

Swimming

If you are passionate about swimming, the calanques of Piana offer you two locations. These are Ficajola beach and Arone beach. The former is a small pebbly and sandy beach surrounded by two cliffs. You can access it via a road located 4 km from the exit of Piana when you leave Porto. As for the latter, it is a large and beautiful sandy beach located at Capo Rosso.