Calanques de Piana - the pearl of Corsica

The village of Piana, officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, captivates visitors with its historic atmosphere, its 18th-century church and the mysterious caves scattered across the surrounding hills.
Nearby lies Porto, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Corsica, set on the shores of the Gulf of Porto, framed by forested slopes and towering vertical cliffs. Here, nature stages an extraordinary spectacle: glowing red rocks, deep-blue sea and lush Mediterranean vegetation create a breathtaking contrast that changes with every hour of the day.
It is no coincidence that the Gulf of Porto has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, recognized for its dramatic landscapes and pristine coastline.
Further north, at the edge of the Scandola Nature Reserve, lies the small fishing harbor of Girolata, accessible only by boat or via a scenic hiking trail of about 1.5 hours from the nearest road. Its isolated setting and the intense red reflections of the surrounding cliffs give the bay an almost fairy-tale appearance.
Above the shoreline rises a majestic Genoese watchtower, built at the end of the 17th century, resembling a miniature fortress perched high on the rocks. Visible only during a short boat excursion, it dominates the cove and offers one of the most iconic views on Corsica’s wild west coast.