Visiting the Calanques de Piana: our guide
Camping corse / The creeks of Piana
When planning a holiday in Corsica, some sites are simply unmissable. The Calanques de Piana are one of them: a natural site of breathtaking beauty, popular with visitors from all over the world. Exceptional landscapes, typical villages along the way and excursions you will remember for a long time have made this iconic spot on the Isle of Beauty famous. There are several ways to visit it, and our guide gives you all the information you need for a magical experience.
How can you visit the Calanques de Piana?
There are several ways to visit the Calanques de Piana. The most popular include the land route, following the hiking trails or driving along the roads, and the sea route, which will make your visit truly enchanting. Here are the details of each way to visit the Calanques de Piana:
Go on a hike
Hiking enthusiasts won't be able to resist the many trails around the Calanques de Piana: paths of varying difficulty and landscapes of great beauty, dotted with the red rocks typical of the area, make for a unique experience. Here are the different trails to go hiking and discover the Calanques de Piana:
- The Château Fort trail and its viewpoint, suitable for beginners, about 1 hour there and back.
- The mule track, used by mules and their masters in the 19th century, suitable for beginners, about 2 hours there and back.
- The chestnut grove trail through the forest, suitable for beginners, about 2.5 hours there and back.
- The Capo Rosso hike, the most popular on the island, for intermediate hikers, about 3 hours there and back.
- The Capo d'Orto trail and its exceptional view over the gulf and the calanques, for experienced hikers, about 6 hours there and back.
Take to the road
Following the D81 road linking Porto to Piana, you will discover the beauty of the Calanques de Piana by car on a drive of almost 2 hours. However, this road is very busy in summer, and you may have to contend with traffic jams and dangerous driving conditions. To avoid this, plan your trip to Corsica in the low season or set off very early in the morning.
Rent a boat
Visiting the Calanques de Piana from the sea is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences. From the foot of the cliffs you will enjoy a breathtaking view, swim in crystal-clear waters and reach spots that are inaccessible by land. Every day, excursion boats leave for the calanques from Porto or Ajaccio, but you can also choose to hire a RIB, an electric boat or a private boat.
Sights not to miss around the Calanques de Piana
Around the Calanques de Piana, many sites are well worth a look. Here are a few examples:
- The village of Piana and its colourful, flower-filled lanes, perfect for a stroll;
- The town of Porto Ota, a quiet, authentic seaside resort;
- The Scandola Nature Reserve and its incredible flora and fauna;
- The village of Girolata, which can only be reached on foot or by boat.
Other general information
To visit the Calanques de Piana and the surrounding area, we recommend allowing two days. As for the best time to go, we suggest the late season to avoid the summer crowds. However, summer is when you will enjoy the ideal climate. Plenty of accommodation, such as our Corsican bungalows or camping pitches, will be ready to welcome you for a pleasant stay on the Isle of Beauty.
