From Porto with its coastline of impressive red granite cliffs plunging into the sea to arrive to the majestic fortress of Calvi, the west coast of Corsica and the Balagne region are inescapable stops in any tour of Corsica, where the gigantic work of nature dwarfs our human pretence.

click here to view panoramas of the Corsican's west coast and Balagne

THE CALANCHES OF PIANA

On the road ploughing across the west coast of Corsica, between Ajaccio and Porto stands one of the most beautiful sight-seeing of Corsica. After a bend, one finds himself slightly confused by these strange sculptures drowned by nature. This magical place gives us the pleasure of inventing multiple figures. According to the time of day the color of the cliffs can change from orange to red, but it is when sun set and lights up the massive red rocks that the landscape becomes spectacular and magical.
At about one hour drive from Ajaccio, the calanches of Piana with its charming village and the welcoming seaside resort of Porto are a must-see.

GIROLATA : Girolata is one of these unique places that reveal themselves to those who really want it. After a one hour hike...a small natural creek, incredibly quiet protected by a small Genoese fortress will keep its visitors enchanted and fascinated by this dreamlike spot.

SCANDOLA : Created in 1975, Scandola is fully part of the natural regional Park of Corsica. With 919 hectares on land and 1 000 hectares in the sea, it is the first natural reserve in France with a marine and terrestrial purpose.

BALAGNE : Under an incredibly pure blue sky, an intense light is bathing all the picturesques villages hanging on the montains dominating the Balagne region.

After a bend the villages of Corbara, Pigna or Sant'Antonino provide the ideal destination for a variety of trips in a magnificent natural setting.

Calvi : This Balanine city protected when west wind blows is the symbol of six centuries Genoese domination, an overwhelming throne on its promontory.
At its foot, the red tiled city and palm trees planted harbour, with its lovely restaurants and welcoming terraces.