| Welcome to the West Coast of Corsica; |
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If you know the area you want to visit, simply click the link on the left and it will
take you straight there.
Alternatively, simply read on... |
Porto
A little seaside resort on the west coast, Porto is famous for its dazzling sunsets - one of the most magnificent
in the Mediterranean. Boasting an unusual Genoese watchtower and bordered by red granite cliffs, it is unsurprising
that Porto has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a little pebble beach, but beware as it does
get very busy in the summer months.
Girolata nearby can be reached only on foot or by sea, and is a popular boat trip from many of the Balagne
resorts. With a population of just 8 in the winter, Girolata can sometimes be overwhelmed with visitors during
the summer months, but the Lobster is excellent and it really isn't to be missed.
Scandola, is Europe's only land and sea reserve that today is home to a third of the entire Osprey population
in the Mediterranean. Another peculiarity of the region is the Calcareous seaweed that is so hard it forms platforms
on the surface of the water.
Overlooking the gulf is Ota,
a typical Corsican village built on the side of the mountain. It forms the starting point of the Spelunca gorge
trail, a veritable canyon whose grandiose aspect is enhanced further by the heady fragrance of the maquis. It is
the ideal place for a family walk.
Piana
The road from Porto to Piana is one of the most awe-inspiring in the world. The Calanches de Piana, spiky red granite rocks jutting straight
out of the sea, some rising to 1000ft. The colour of these rocks changes from deep orange to russet red and all
the hues in between according to the time of day. Amongst the Calanches are 'Taffoni' or natural caves that provided
shelter for the first men on the island. The village of Piana is one of France's most beautiful.
Inland from Porto is another of the Corsica's nature wonders; the Spelunca Gorge. 1000m deep in places, its bare
granite walls plunge into the torrent caused by the convergence of five rivers. The sunlight reflections create
a sinister effect and local legend has it that the gorge was created by the devil himself.
Evisa
The lovely village of Evisa is situated just west of the Forêt d'Aitone National Park region of Corsica.
Wild boar, known as Sanglier, thrive here and if you're extremely lucky, you may spot a Corsican nuthatch a unique
bird, or a Ghjattu Volpe (translated as cat-fox) - a rare large cat. From the upper part of the village, you can
pick up the Mare e Monti trail to the Cascades, where the Aitone tumbles over granite to form natural rock pools
where one can swim. Approximately 830m above sea level, Evisa caters particularly well for hikers and the food
is particularly good.
Cargèse
The village of Cargèse is famous for having given asylum to Greek refugees that sought refuge in Corsica
in 1676. Its two churches, the white Catholic church with its pretty view, and the brightly coloured Greek Orthodox
church, equipped with the bells from the cathedral at Vitylo, stand facing each other. Cargèse has many
good sandy beaches making it a popular choice with tourists.
Sagone,
Corsica's largest gulf stretches up to the Puti di Cargèse, and thrives as a centre for diving and watersports.
An area of contrasts, in the space of a few minutes you can go from its sunny beaches into the coolness of the
forests of the Regional Nature Park, where Vico, a region of shepherds, offers many excursions to lake Creno and the Liamone gorges.
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