The Calanques de Piana: a listed natural site of breathtaking beauty
Located between Porto and Piana, the calanques are a veritable geological masterpiece. You wonder, looking at them, if Nature isn't also a bit of an artist. The contrast between the red porphyry rocks, the Mediterranean vegetation and the blue of the sea creates a spectacular landscape, changing with the hours and the light. These rock formations have always been there, since they are over 250 million years old and have been shaped by the erosion of wind and water.
Les calanques seen from the D81 road / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Since 1983, the calanques have been part of UNESCO World Heritage, alongside the Reserve de Scandola and the golfe de Girolata, with which they form an exceptional landscape ensemble. Their conservation is an important issue for Corsica.
A mythical cliffside road
The famous D81 allows you to discover the calanques/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France via depositphotos: gevision
One of the best ways to discover the calanques is to drive the route D81 between Porto and Piana. Winding, narrow but incredibly beautiful, it offers vertiginous views over the sea and rock formations. The detour is a must for lovers of spectacular road trips. Numerous lookouts line the route, such as the Château Fort or the Tête de Chien, evocatively shaped rocks. At the end of the day, the setting sun sets the stone walls ablaze, offering an unforgettable sight.
Hiking and walking among the red rocks
View of the Calanques de Piana/ Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos sasha64f
For walkers, the calanques de Piana are an ideal playground. Marked trails allow you to explore the interior of the site, encountering time-sculpted rocks, endemic vegetation and breathtaking views. The Capo Rosso trail leads to a Genoese tower overlooking the sea. It offers a grandiose panorama of the Gulf of Porto. Other shorter circuits, accessible from the road or from the village of Piana, allow you to approach the rocky shapes nicknamed the elephant, the heart, or the monk.
Situation of this side in Corsica :
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📍 Address: Calanques de Piana, 20115 Piana, Corse-du-Sud
🚉 Nearest train station: no train station; access by road only
✈️ Airport: Ajaccio (72 km)
🚗 Access by car: via the D81 from Porto or Ajaccio
Illustrative photo ChiccoDodiF via depositphotos
