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Boat tour · Ajaccio, Córsega
Golfe de Porto et Réserve naturelle de Scandola
Gulf with the marina of Porto and the Genoese tower, the departure point for boats to the Scandola reserve and the village of Girolata, which are accessible only by sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Golfe de Porto et Réserve naturelle de Scandola
Porto is a seaside village, the marina of the commune of Ota, at the head of the Golfe de Porto. On a rock at the mouth of the Porto river stands a 16th-century square Genoese tower, classified as a historic monument. Below the tower there is a shingle beach.
The gulf has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, together with the Calanques de Piana, the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola nature reserve. From the marina boats depart north toward Scandola and Girolata, and south toward the calanques and Capu Rossu.
The Réserve naturelle de Scandola, created in 1975, occupies a peninsula of reddish volcanic rock and the surrounding sea. It is only accessible by sea and protects birds such as the osprey and a rich marine life. Boats do not land in the reserve: the tour skirts it along the cliffs and caves.
Many tours stop at Girolata, a fishing village with no road access, reachable only by boat or on foot via a trail.
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
Boat tours last from two and a half hours to half a day, depending on the route; allow an extra hour for the marina and the tower.
Best time
The boat season typically runs from April to October. The sea is usually calmer in the morning. In July and August, book your tour in advance.
How to get there
By car from Ajaccio along the coastal road via Piana, about 80 km and one and a half to two hours. There are also tours that depart from Sagone and Cargèse.
Tip
Bring a jacket and sunscreen: it can be windy at sea even in summer. Smaller boats get closer to the cliffs and caves of Scandola.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Golfe de Porto et Réserve naturelle de Scandola
Can you disembark in the Scandola reserve?
No. The reserve can only be seen from the sea, on tours that go around the cliffs. Many tours stop at Girolata, the neighboring fishing village.
When do boats to Scandola operate?
The season usually runs from April to October. Departures depend on the weather and sea conditions; check before you go.
Can you go to Scandola departing from Ajaccio?
Yes, there are boat tours that depart from Ajaccio, but the trip is much longer. Leaving from Porto the route is shorter and there's time left to visit the Calanques de Piana on the same trip.