La Scandola is the oldest nature reserve in Corsica and France, and its location is unique in the Mediterranean. It can only be reached on foot or in one of the numerous excursion boats that leave from Porto or Calvi .
geology
Rocky bay with tourist boat
Steep, red-colored rocks protrude from the sea. In the south the peninsula is bordered by the Gulf of Porto and in the north by the Bay of Galéria . The rocks were formed about 250 million years ago.
Following the mountain formation, the area between Galeria and Monte Cinto was created as a result of volcanic eruptions, which are mainly made of rhyolite and melt tuff ( ignimbrite ), which are colored from yellow to green to red-black-purple.
Ilot Palazzu rock island
Rhyolite at Punta Palazzu
Gargali island with a watchtower that was part of the defense system of the Genoese republic
Hike
The only way to reach the area by land is to do a 4.5-hour hike that starts at Col de la Croix on the coastal road between Porto and Calvi. The path leads through the macchia-covered coastal landscape and you always have the goal with the red rocks in view. The hiking trail ends in Girolata, which is otherwise only accessible by boat .