Red cliffs
Volcanic.
Isiwal — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Isiwal — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Isiwal — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Isiwal — CC BY-SA 3.0 · rene boulay — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Scandola Nature Reserve lies on the west coast of the French island of Corsica, within the Corsica Regional Park, about 28 km southwest of Calvi and 51 km north of Ajaccio in a straight line. It was created in 1975 and has been a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site since 1983 for its beauty and biodiversity. The reserve lies between Punta Muchillina and Punta Nera and takes in the capes of Girolata and Porto. It covers 19 square kilometres, about half of it sea, in two sectors: the Elbo bay and the Scandola peninsula. It is known for sharp red volcanic cliffs full of caves, ringed by sea stacks, islets and hard-to-reach coves. Red and orange volcanic cliffs rise straight out of a clear, deep blue sea, shaped into pillars, arches and sea caves, their tops covered in green maquis. An old Genoese watchtower stands on a rocky headland above Elbo bay. Landing in the reserve is not allowed, so visitors come by boat from Porto, Calvi or Galéria, getting close to the cliffs, entering some sea caves and usually stopping at the village of Girolata. The sea can be rough, and summer is the best time for trips.
Volcanic.
By boat.
Above Elbo bay.
West coast of Corsica, near Porto and Calvi, France
By boat from Porto or Calvi.
Summer.