Our most recommended things to do in Girolata

Cargèse: Scandola, Girolata, and Piana Afternoon Boat Tour

1. Cargèse: Scandola, Girolata, and Piana Afternoon Boat Tour

Discover the west coast of Corsica between Cargese and Scandola from a comfortable passenger boat. Enjoy the intense colors of the afternoon on the red rocks, the blue water and the green maquis. From the port of Cargese, start for an incredible journey. As soon as you leave the port, admire the Omigna tower, entirely renovated a few years ago. Then head to Arone and its long sandy beach . Start by discover the tiny cave located at the very start of the Capo Rosso, when the rock change of color. Along the coast, the water is so clear that you can appreciate the seabed by transparency. Enter the bay of monk seal, also called the "swimming pool" because of its so blue and clear water. Admire the huge nests of the fish-eagle, a protected specie. Go trough the Arch of Capo Rosso and continue to the Reserve of Scandola, by the Gulf of Porto. Enter the Reserve of Scandola and go into the faults in the very heart of the rock. Admire the landscape made of volcanic rock. Listen to the comments of the captain about the geological formations and the history of the site and let your imagination run wild in front of the strange shape of the stone. Navigate into the waters of the Reserve and discover the island of Gargalo, the extreme west point of Corsica. Reach the Gulf of Elbo and try to see the grouper that is often encountered in the faults, as the oblades and many others species. Enjoy the shimmering glint of the sun on the sea at the feet of the cliffs. Make a 40-minute break on land in the surprising village Girolata. Take benefits of a walk towards the old fort or just rest on the sand of the beach. Girolata is really small and authentic because it is only accessible by boat or by a footpath. Take the way back and enjoy the magnificent colors of the end afternoon, the best time of day for pictures. Have a look to Capo Senino on the return and experience the discovery of the red rock of the Calanques de Piana with the colors of the sunset. Enjoy the arrival at Cargese, illuminated at nightfall.

Corsica: Guided Sea Trip From Porto-Ota

2. Corsica: Guided Sea Trip From Porto-Ota

Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the beach and mountain landscapes in Porto Orta. Embark on a hybrid sightseeing boat specially designed to protect flora and fauna. The electric propulsion allows it to navigate in protected areas without polluting emissions or noise pollution.  Choose to take an excursion in the turquoise waters of Calanche de Piana and Capo Rosso and their impressive panoramas, or opt to sail to the Scandola nature reserve and its paradisiacal village of Girolata where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.  Or select the complete tour of the Gulf of Portowhere you'll discover the most beautiful wild and protected areas of the Isle of Beauty.

Ajaccio or Porticcio: Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour

3. Ajaccio or Porticcio: Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour

Set sail from Ajaccio or Porticcio on a full-day boat tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Porto. Experience one of the last Mediterranean enclaves to provide shelter for endemic flora and birdlife. Stop in the coastal village of Girolata and explore the secluded village for 2 hours. Find a nice restaurant for lunch or enjoy a picnic on the beach. In the winter, the village becomes a virtual backwater with only about 15 residents. Then, venture into the Calanche de Piana to discover an outstanding landscape of pink granite rocks shaped over the centuries by changes in temperature, strong winds, and sea spray. Explore the geological diversity and unique location of the rocks that give a particular aspect to the area.

From Porto: Scandola & Girolata Tour by Boat

4. From Porto: Scandola & Girolata Tour by Boat

Depart Porto and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve to experience one of the last Mediterranean enclaves to provide shelter for endemic flora and birdlife such as ospreys and peregrine falcons. Created in 1975, the nature reserve is only accessible by sea and subject to strict protection. Cruise through the reserve, rich with marine life and seabirds, on board a silent hybrid boat to respect the environment. Stop in the remote coastal village of Girolata and marvel at its stunning setting surrounded by the sea. You can even swim in the sea off the coast here. During the winter, the village becomes a secluded backwater with only about 15 residents. It was nearly abandoned at the end of the war, but tourism has restored its fortunes. Add on the option to venture into the Calanche de Piana, and discover an outstanding landscape of pink granite rocks shaped over the centuries by changes in the temperature, strong winds and sea spray. Explore the geological diversity of the rocks and originality of their locations that give a particular aspect to the area.

Porto: Scandola Nature Reserve Eco-Friendly Boat Tour

5. Porto: Scandola Nature Reserve Eco-Friendly Boat Tour

Discover the Scandola Nature Reserve and visit the charming village of Girolata as you embark on a boat tour off Porto on the coast of Corsica. Sail in silence on the waters of the reserve on an eco-friendly hybrid boat and enjoy access to prime seating thanks to priority boarding. Meet the ship’s friendly crew who will assist you with the boarding process and then set off to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Nature Reserve, which is only accessible by sea and subject to strict protection. See coastal caves and observe diverse marine life and seabirds, such as ospreys and peregrine falcons, from a respectable distance so as not to disturb the natural environment. Learn about the reserve’s ecology through live French commentary throughout the tour. Stop for 30 minutes in the remote and quaint coastal village of Girolata, surrounded by the sea and only accessible by boat. Walk around the village or cool off with a swim and be on the lookout for the resident wild cows that roam the streets, cafés, and beach of Girolata. Upgrade and extend your experience with an optional trip to the stunning Calanche de Piana rock formation. Admire a beautiful pink granite geological landscape, which has been uniquely created from centuries of strong winds and sea spray.

Corsica: Day Cruise to Scandola, Girolata & Calanques Piana

6. Corsica: Day Cruise to Scandola, Girolata & Calanques Piana

Explore the hidden wonders of the Corsican coast that are accessible only by sea on a day trip by speedboat. Visit the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy free time to wander through Girolata, and see the natural pools of Calanques de Piana. Begin your cruise in either Sagone or Cargèse, depending on the option you select. Board a 12-seater speedboat and cruise towards the famous Scandola Nature Reserve. As you sail through the Reserve, learn about the jagged cliffs and red rock formations you see from your guide. After leaving the Reserve, take a 30 minute wander through the small village of Girolata, which is only accessible from the sea. Soak up the sun on the sandy beach, go for a swim, or browse the shops. After you've finished, board the boat and continue to the Calanques de Piana. Jump into the clear water for a refreshing swim in the Calanques de Piano before cruising around the stunning caves of Capo Rosso. Return to Sagone or Cargèse past the red cliffs of Corsica.

From Porto: Scandola and Calanche de Piana Boat Tour

7. From Porto: Scandola and Calanche de Piana Boat Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve on a scenic boat tour from Porto. Experience one of the last Mediterranean territories to provide shelter for endemic flora and birdlife and discover the striking rocky landscape of Calanche de Piana. Depart from Porto and cruise through the reserve, rich with marine life and seabirds, on board a semi-rigid boat. Stop in the coastal village of Girolata and marvel at its stunning setting, surrounded by the sea. During the winter, watch as it becomes nearly abandoned, with only about 15 residents. Venture into the Calanche de Piana and explore an outstanding landscape of pink granite rocks, shaped over the centuries by changes in temperature, strong winds, and sea spray. Observe the geological diversity of the rocks and jump into crystal blue waters for a cooling swim in a natural pool.

Porto: Scandola and Calanches of Piana Boat Trip

8. Porto: Scandola and Calanches of Piana Boat Trip

Discover the Gulf of Porto by boat and see why this extraordinary natural area is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Scandola Nature Reserve and admire striking cliffs, surrounded by the deep blue ocean. See the famous rock formations of Calanche de Piana. Board your boat in Porto and begin your trip by sailing to the Scandola Reserve, home to beautiful cliffs and a marvelous sea bed. Take in an impressive location that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1975. Become surrounded by more than 30 plant species. Navigate toward the Calanche de Piana to come up close to its unique natural formations. Snap amazing photos of this mesmerizing wonder, then sail back to your starting point in Porto.

Porto: Scandola Nature Reserve and Creeks of Piana Boat Tour

9. Porto: Scandola Nature Reserve and Creeks of Piana Boat Tour

Leave Ota behind and discover the surrounding Capo Rosso peninsula with a sailing trip and local guide. Discover the creeks of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site located north of the Gulf of Porta. Learn about the Scandola Nature Reserve and Gulf of Girolata while watching for local wildlife. Begin your tour by meeting with your guide and sailing into the beautiful aquamarine sea. Feast your eyes on the red granite cliffs and whimsical rock formations of the creeks of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Gulf of Porto, known for its numerous caves and abundant marine life. Watch for osprey, dolphins, and puffins, as you continue to the Scandola Nature Reserve. Take a photo of the area's hidden coves, home to over 450 species of algae and 200 species of fish. Swim in the Gulf of Girolata, surrounded by towering red cliffs, or relax in the boat before returning to Ota.

Ajaccio/Porticcio: Scandola and Calanches de Piana Day Trip

10. Ajaccio/Porticcio: Scandola and Calanches de Piana Day Trip

Embark on a day trip from Ajaccio or Porticcio and take a boat to explore the Scandola Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stopping in Girolata for a break. Then visit the Calanche di Piana and stop for a quick swim in the sea at Capo Rosso. Choose to start your tour of Corsica's UNESCO-listed Scandola Reserve from either Ajaccio or Porticcio. Hop on a boat, and set out to explore the Corsican coastline, with the village of Girolata as your first port of call. This small medieval village is surrounded by the wild landscapes of Corsica and can only be reached by boat or on foot. Explore the village at your leisure and enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries (cost not included). Then, hop back aboard your boat and set out to sea, crossing the Gulf of Porto to visit the Calanche di Piana. From here, make your way to Capo Rosso and go for a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. As your tour comes to an end, sit back, relax, and enjoy the panoramic views as your boat cruises back to Ajaccio or Porticcio.

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What people are saying about Girolata

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,793 reviews

A day trip at sea during which we approached the protected and magnificent sites of Scandola and the creeks of Piana, with a 2-hour stopover in Girolata where we ate very well (the gourmet coffee kept its promise) at the restaurant "Le Good Hope" (reservation recommended). The boat staff is friendly and humorous when commenting. We wholeheartedly recommend this excursion taken in Sept 2022. However, the return trip may seem a bit long for those with motion sickness. Although the weather was very nice (27°), a "wind break" is appreciable at the start in the morning.

We enjoyed it together with my partner. Sadly we didn't get to visit the village due to recent events in Corsica :( but R.I.P fisherman's soul. On the trip itself - beautiful views, cave with music - one love! But maybe 2 hours would have been enough. Take the sunscreen! Better take 50, 30 probably won't help :) (Don't expect the captain of the boat to speak English)

It was an amazing experience. Right from pick up to dune bashing belly dancing and almost everything else in the activity. Good job by the entire team. Keep it up.

Nice boat trip through fantastic locations along the west coast of Corsica. What a beautiful nature, the time of the boat trip just flew by!

Wonderful activity! Wonderful landscapes ! An activity that I recommend ++ Very nice guide (Thomas) and complete explanations! We loved it!