Corsican splendor: Capo Rosso

Close to Piana stands the majestic Capo Rosso, the red cape located to the south of the Gulf of Porto, which at 300 meters overlooks the Gulf of Sagone and the famous calanques of Piana! It's not for nothing that the site has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! All these places are admirable in their beauty, and form a perfect harmony between sea and land.

South of the Gulf: a magical marine world

The peculiar color of the rock can be seen everywhere in this region: it's due to its iron content, which has oxidized over the years, giving it a pinkish, rust-like hue. Capo Rosso is fascinating not only for its beauty, but also for its history: its cliffs are made of 300 million-year-old porphyry, a magmatic rock. Their shape is the result of the earth's crust tearing apart when Corsica was stuck to the coast of mainland France some 20 million years ago.

Corsica's indomitable scrubland has carved out a place for itself in an environment that is hardly conducive to vegetation: here you'll find the cheerful colors of heather, mastic, immortelle, the beautiful Corsican Erodium etc....

Capo Rosso is inaccessible by car, so choose the best way to get there: by boat, on foot or by bike?

Hiking: to the tower Turghiu

This watchtower, built in 1608, was used to protect the island from looters arriving by sea in southern Corsica. When they approached, a fire was lit to warn the inhabitants. The Tour de Turghiu, standing proudly on Capo Rosso, 330 metres above the sea, offers a panorama as far as the eye can see. So put on good shoes, bring water and a cap, and follow our advice on how to get there.

From the village of Piana, head for the Arone beach. 6 km from the junction, at the Col d'Orsini, you can park your car in the parking lot next to a snack bar. Then simply follow the perfectly marked path (at the parking lot on the right) towards the tower. Access is via a gently sloping path at first, but the ascent to the tower is strenuous among the rocks (medium difficulty), walking time 3 hours, 8 km round trip. Take the staircase outside the tower to reach the panoramic platform, and you'll understand why Corsica gives you such a thrill!

A boat trip from Porto

A boat trip will allow you to enjoy this little wonder of Corsica up close: preserved flora and fauna, swimming pool, sea caves, coves... The extraordinary colors of the site, achieved by the blue of the sea, the red of the rock and the green of the scrub, create a perfect harmony. The many oblades will accompany you on your excursion!

The natural arch of Capo Rosso: the highlight of your boat trip is here, so open your eyes wide! You'll enter a natural pool through the arch. The 4-metre-deep water offers a breathtaking view of the seabed.

Try bike touring

Hire an electric mountain bike or fat bike, whose oversized, mountain-designed tires will take you to the cape almost effortlessly.

Take a break in a hotel in Piana

The best way to contemplate this jewel of Corsica is to stay in Piana. On the terrace or by the pool, you can enjoy the view at any time of day.

When creating a tailor-made itinerant tour, Corsicatours will whisper to you some great addresses in this little corner of paradise!

We'll take care of everything for a perfect trip: your stay and your most beautiful sea journey to world heritage!