The Calanques de Piana and the Scandola Reserve: an adventure between sea and mountains!
Sporty friends, set off to discover the Scandola Reserve and the Calanques de Piana... places not to be missed in Corsica, an island where adventure is played out between sea and mountains!
Nestling in the heart of the Mediterranean, Corsica stands out for the richness of its wild landscapes and unspoilt environment. A veritable playground for lovers of outdoor sports, the island of Beauty offers breathtaking panoramas... between mountains, forests and spectacular coastlines.
Among its natural gems, the Calanques de Piana and the Réserve de Scandola stand out not only for their exceptional beauty, but also for the variety of sporting activities on offer. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these two highly popular tourist destinations boast unique biodiversity and impressive geological formations:
- The Calanques de Piana are an ideal backdrop for hiking, climbing and boat trips, with red granite cliffs plunging into the deep blue sea.
- The Scandola Reserve is a veritable natural sanctuary with volcanic landscapes where its protected fauna attracts lovers of the sea in particular, but our hiking friends are not left out in this unique setting.
In this article, we'll show you the many ways in which you can enjoy a sporting adventure in the heart of these exceptional sites, while respecting the fragile environment of these protected ecosystems.
The Calanques de Piana, a paradise for sports enthusiasts
The Calanques de Piana are an ideal playground for all levels of hiker, from those who enjoy a leisurely stroll to the more experienced. In constant contrast to the deep blue of the Mediterranean, the red granite of the cliffs is criss-crossed by numerous footpaths, accessible to as many people as possible. In this breathtaking setting, we invite you to discover one of the most emblematic walks on the island of Beauty: Capo Rosso. With a spectacular view of the sea and surrounding islands from its Genoese tower, set off to discover Corsica's emblematic flora and fauna: the unmissable maquis and, for the luckiest among you, if you remember to look up, Bonelli's eagles that soar majestically over the area. What's more, as you walk along the well-marked paths, you'll be able to lose yourself in the wild beauty of this place, taking in the magnificent views of the rock formations sculpted by wind and erosion, while respecting the protected areas of the Calanques de Piana.
Located on the west coast of Corsica, the Calanques de Piana are also famous for their secluded coves and sea caves, often inaccessible on foot, bordered by the calm waters of the Mediterranean. These impressive red granite cliffs plunging directly into the sea offer a unique setting and an immersive experience, where the surrounding nature is revealed from a different angle. Exploring these spectacular rock formations by boat is one of the best ways to discover this unique landscape. Alone, with friends or with the family, there are numerous boat and jet-ski excursions on offer, allowing you to sail close to the sheer cliffs and access hidden coves and sea caves inaccessible by land. So, whether you opt for a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, discovering the Calanques de Piana by boat offers you an immersive experience at the heart of one of Corsica's most beautiful panoramas.
The Scandola Reserve, a land of adventure
A veritable jewel of the Mediterranean, the Scandola Reserve is a sanctuary for terrestrial and marine biodiversity, located on the north-west coast of Corsica. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this protected reserve is famous for its volcanic cliffs, mysterious caves and crystal-clear waters. The seabed, meanwhile, is rich, varied and accessible to snorkellers. For this reason, exploring the reserve by boat is one of the best ways to discover its wonders, with guided excursions offering close-up views of the unique rock formations and local wildlife such as ospreys and cormorants. Often equipped to meet the reserve's strict environmental standards, the boats allow you to get up close to secluded coves and shallow waters. In the turquoise blue of the Scandola Reserve, the must-do activity is snorkelling, as it offers complete immersion in this protected environment, while respecting the reserve's delicate balance!
Equipped with a mask and snorkel, visitors can explore a rich and well-preserved underwater ecosystem. With the seabed easily accessible to beginners and experienced snorkellers alike, all you have to do is marvel at the marine fauna: groupers, colourful fish, starfish, coral and sometimes even octopus among the underwater rock formations. For an unforgettable adventure in harmony with nature, explore the Scandola Reserve from the sea (combining boat and snorkelling) to discover the hidden treasures of this unique Mediterranean site!
As well as offering a multitude of sporting activities in breathtaking settings, the Réserve de Scandola and the Calanques de Piana represent a fragile balance between natural beauty and preservation of the ecosystem. These sites guarantee you unforgettable moments in communion with nature, but this adventure cannot take place without a profound respect for the environment... By following local regulations and adopting respectful practices, you'll be helping to preserve these magical places for future generations, while making the most of everything they have to offer.
Whether you're an adventurer, a lover of Corsica or a tourist looking for a thrill, after reading this article we're convinced that the Calanques de Piana and the Réserve de Scandola will be much more than just tourist destinations in your eyes!