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Natural landscape · Ajaccio, Córsega
Calanques de Piana
Red granite cliffs above the Golfe de Porto, cut by a narrow road; they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Calanques de Piana
The Calanques de Piana, in corso Calanche di Piana, are red granite formations on the west coast of Corsica, between the village of Piana and the Golfe de Porto. The cliffs reach hundreds of meters above the sea and were sculpted by erosion into curious shapes, which locals nicknamed things like Cabeça de Cão and Château Fort.
Since 1983 the calanques have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the Golfe de Porto, the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola reserve. They are not related to the Calanques of Marseille: here the rock is granite, and the Corsican name calanche is the most commonly used.
The D81 road crosses the calanques between Piana and Porto; it is narrow and full of bends, with viewpoints and small parking areas. Short trails leave from there, such as the one to Château Fort. From the road there is no foot access to the sea inside the calanques.
Guy de Maupassant passed through here in the 19th century and described the pink granite rocks. To see the cliffs from below, facing the sea, take the boat trip that departs from Porto marina.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the road, the viewpoints and a short trail; a full day if you include the boat trip departing from Porto.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the granite often turns orange, or early morning, with fewer cars. In July and August the road gets crowded and parking at the viewpoints is difficult.
How to get there
By car from Ajaccio, along the coastal road via Sagone and Cargèse to Piana, about 70 km and one and a half hours. There are buses from Ajaccio to Piana and Porto with limited schedules. Boat tours depart from Porto marina.
Tip
Drive slowly: the road is narrow, with buses and motorhomes in summer. Use the viewpoint car parks instead of stopping on the road.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Calanques de Piana
How long does it take from Ajaccio to the Calanques de Piana?
About an hour and a half by car for roughly 70 km. The road is winding, so the travel time is longer than the distance would suggest.
Can you swim in the Calanques de Piana?
From the road there is no on-foot access to the sea inside the calanques. To see the sea cliffs, take a boat tour departing from Porto; to swim, Porto's marina has a pebble beach.
Are the Calanques de Piana the same calanques as those of Marselha?
No. Those at Piana are red granite, on Córsega. The calanques of Marselha are white limestone, on the mainland.
Are there trails in the Calanques de Piana?
Yes. There are short trails that start from the road, such as the Château Fort trail, which leads to a viewpoint over the gulf. Wear sneakers and bring water.