Discovering the Scandola nature reserve
Nature lovers, come to the Scandola nature reserve to discover the beauty and natural riches of Corsica's coastline! A marvellous moment of escape awaits you in the heart of a natural land and sea heritage, jealously preserved for over 30 years and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scandola in Corsica : where is France's first nature reserve ?
Located at the heart of the Corsican Regional Nature Park's seafront, on the west coast between Porto and Galéria, the Scandola nature reserve is both a marine and a terrestrial reserve. With its 900 hectares of land and 1,000 hectares of sea, this magnificent 80 km-long reserve is one of a kind.
A remnant of an ancient volcanic complex, it boasts a huge diversity of rocks and volcanic formations, and its waters contain over 450 species of algae! An internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot . Fans ofornithologyornithologygeology and underwater life will quickly find their happiness, where 50 species of birds and 200 species of fish have made their home in a universe formed 250 million years ago.
If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some of the species that live in harmony on this natural site: aperegrine falcon, bottlenose dolphin, osprey, bearded vulture and cistude tortoises that have found refuge in Scandola, a benchmark in the Mediterranean.
How to visit the Scandola Reserve
From Porto
Many activities are possible in the Scandola nature reserve, but snorkeling, diving and even less underwater hunting are strictly forbidden. Different tours of varying lengths are available: 01:30 hrs into crystalline Corsica with its pink granite rocks to Piana and Capo Rosso, 02:15 hrs to Scandola and Girolata and a swim stop, or a full tour lasting over 3 hours!
By boat from Calvi
If you're looking for a thrill in complete safety, we offer access to the reserve in a 12-seater zodiac. You'll be able to slip into the nooks and crannies of this impressive world, and enjoy a truly memorable experience. Other ways to reach Scandola from Calvi include a 24-meter boat with underwater vision, or a catamaran.
Visit from Ajaccio by sea
If you're staying near the imperial city, you can leave Ajaccio for a full day on a comfortable boat to the nature reserve and enjoy a free 2-hour stopover at the small fishing village of Girolata, accessible only by sea or on foot. Go in search of a good little restaurant or plan a picnic on the beach. The Capu Rossu and the Calanques de Piana will enhance your day, and you'll be treated to an exceptional landscape shaped by time.
Scandola diving
Scuba diving is only available in the vicinity of Scandola, not in the reserve itself. The dive sites are full of surprises! Don't hesitate! What would you say to exploring this volcanic region, which offers sites with a wide variety of relief at depths ranging from 6 to 50 metres? Amidst canyons, large drifts, faults, caves and drop-offs, you'll find groupers, crayfish and moray eels.
Where to swim, what to do in Scandola?
Going to Porto
Choosing Porto as your holiday destination means taking a break between the sky and the sea. A sea that changes color with the passing hours. Powerful blue turns to dazzling red during the successful sunset: every evening on the port, it's awaited like a star on stage. Early in the morning, climb up to the Genoese towerand discover its history.
From the Col de la Croix, follow the letter carrier's path on which Guy brought the mail to Girolata every day. On the same path, to combine walking and lounging, we recommend a stop on the beach at Tuara, where, apart from a few cows, you'll be all alone in the world.
Piana
Make the most of your stay in Corsica to visit one of France's most beautiful villages, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: Piana. Overlooking the Gulf of Porto, its narrow streets shaded by eucalyptus trees invite you to take a stroll to its elegant Baroque church. Below the village, you can reach the no less famous Ficaghola beach, or take a stroll through the cool Piana forest, following the stream from the sports field.
Whether it's for a weekend or more on the outskirts of the Scandola nature reserve, you'll have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Corsican landscapes and make the most of every minute of your stay. Don't hesitate to come between April and October to visit the Scandola Reserve, it's amazing in all weathers and all seasons.
Do you dream of a customized tour ? A dedicated advisor will be delighted to help you design your stay to suit your desires.
