Visit the Calanques de Piana
On a winding road in Corsica, connecting Piana to Porto-Ota, you can reach the Calanques de Piana, a protected site known for its significant biodiversity.
Calanches di Piana
Flanked by this road of orange granite rock, this site is called Calanches di Piana by locals, a distinction that makes sense given that the geology differs from the calanques of Provence.
Along with the Gulf of Porto and the Scandola Nature Reserve, the Calanches di Piana were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983. Furthermore, a 731-hectare area was classified as a ZNIEFF (Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique, or Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic, and Floristic Interest) in 1985. This status is due to the remarkable variety of species found here.
Birdwatchers can spot ospreys, falcons, and eagles, while those interested in marine life will focus on groupers, dentex, dolphins, and moray eels. This natural abundance has led to strict protections that prevent any new construction in the area.
From the road, the rocks appear as a V-shaped formation reaching a modest 698 meters. However, the site is best experienced from the water. Take a boat from the port of Porto for a trip lasting about 1h30. After passing Plage de Ficajola and Capo Rosso, you enter the zone of the calanques. The red rock cliffs, shaped by erosion and plunging into a turquoise sea, are impressive. It is one of the most iconic stretches of coastline on the island.
This is a standard stop on the island for a reason. Take a moment to enjoy this preserved landscape.
A lot has been said about the beauty of these calanques. The color of these incredible rock formations makes the whole thing spectacular. Most of it is done on foot. Try to spot the rocks with distinct shapes, like the lovers (with a heart naturally formed in the rock) or the bishop. Each one has its own story.
Like many roads in Corsica, the one that leads there is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and carefully and let someone who is comfortable behind the wheel do the driving.