Some of Corsica's most magnificent coastal scenery extends from the Scandola cliffs far out to the west of the island to the white sand beaches of the Bay of Valinco in the south west.

Things To See & Do in Gulfs of the West Coast

Visit the imperial city of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napolean, and browse the boutiques
Drive through les Calanches from Piana and Porto, stopping at one of the many passing points for a photo opportunity in the spectacular UNESCO protected site
Visit the haunting site of Filitosa with its mysterious Menhir figures
Take a trip to Sartene, the most Corsican of Corsican towns, experience the island's true culture in the atmospheric passageways and brooding buildings
Visit Europe's largest tortoise sanctuary, A Cupalatta, at Vignola just north of Ajaccio
Go horseriding along the beach at Porto Pollo

View Accommodation in Gulfs of The West Coast »

Gulfs of The West Coast Region Map

Scandola Nature Reserve

Furthest north in this area of Corsica is the headland and surrounding waters of the 700 square kilometre Scandola Nature Reserve. A Unesco World Heritage site and famous for housing a variety of rare plant and animal species, visitors can take boat trips to the reserve from Calvi or Porto to view its amazing array of geological wonders - the remarkable shapes and colours of the towering peaks were formed by volcanic eruptions 250 years ago.

Just south curves the spectacular Bay of Porto, where the pinnacles and ravines of the red granite Les Calanches soar out of beautiful blue seas framed by the jagged peaks of Paglia Orba. The road running from Porto to Piana winds its way through the stunning red rocks and there are opportunities to stop off and explore some more of the area by foot.

Porto

Porto is tucked away at the end of the gulf, and although deprived of the best views across the bay, it is well placed for exploring and has plenty of amenities. The Route de la Marine, lined with stately old eucalyptus trees, links the two parts of the resort. A strip of supermarkets, cafés and hotels is at one end of the village but the focus of activity is in the marina. From here it is about a 15 minute walk up to the recently restored Geonese watchtower.

Evisa

Inland from Porto the scenery is just as stunning at the coastline. The village of Evisa is characterised by orange roofed houses set against a background of chestnut forests. The Evisa Chestnuts have their own appellation and it is from this the little village's fame arises. The wild pine covered mountains around Evisa and the Spelunca gorge offers wonderful walking opportunities, from leisurely rambles to high ascents through the mountains, and is a popular stop for hikers.

Piana

Down the coast, the village of Piana is balanced on plunging cliffs and despite its prime location overlooking Les Calanches, it retains its sleepy feel and does not suffer the crowds of tourists. It comprises of a cluster of old stone houses arranged around an 18th century church and square, from the edge of which the views over the gulf are sublime.

Bay of Sagone

Long sandy beaches characterise Corsica's largest Gulf, the Bay of Sagone, which stretches 40km down the west coast. Cargese is a lovely clifftop village at the northern tip of the bay. Its Greek history has left it with a unique atmosphere today and there is a certain charm to the quiet streets and whitewashed houses. With five beaches within the vicinity it's a great base for a relaxing beach holiday - the Plage de Pero is one of the most spectacular in the area.

Ajaccio

Ajaccio, Corsica's diminutive capital sparkles with Mediterranean buzz reminiscent of the Cote d'Azur. In the old town the streets twist away to open into boulevards and squares where cafes lure you just to sit, watching the street life. His place of birth, Napoleon Bonaparte gave the town international fame and visitors cannot escape his commemorative presence throughout the town. Just west of Ajaccio, the headland faces an archipelago of granite islets called Iles Sanguinaires, which glow red at sunset. Boat excursions leave from the town for a closer look at this protected site.

Porticcio

Heading south around the bay you reach the town of Porticcio, a busy, lively resort with an abundance of shops including many small speciality shops selling locally produced pates, saucissons and cheeses. Porticcio has a large expanse of sandy beach with windsurfing, boat hire and a choice of other water sports and beach activities. As you turn a corner on the road South of Porticcio, the golden sands of the huge beach at Agosta Plage stretch ahead. Here it's quieter than Porticcio but with beach activities and good water sports due to the choppier waters in this bay.

Bay of Valinco

To the southwest, beyond the headland of Capo di Muro lies the Bay of Valinco. The bay stretches along the rugged west coast from the sleepy, laid back village of Porto Pollo to Campomoro, interspersed with white sand beaches of varied shapes and sizes, all with clear waters superb for swimming and snorkelling.

This area has obvious ancient roots. Inland from the northern edge of the bay is the archaeological site of Filitosa, whose famous sculpted menhirs always have a few visitors. Other magnificent sites are more likely to be found by accident, so well are they hidden in the unique Corsican heathland, the maquis.

Propriano, Olmeto and Campomoro

On the eastern side of the Valinco Gulf, Propriano is a working port town but the beaches are a good attraction - Plage du Lido and Plage du Corsaire - and sailing, diving and other watersports are popular here. Situated with a grandstand view over Propriano, nearby Olmeto is a captivating village with an interesting past. What attracts visitors today is the view from the village's two main streets.

At the tip of the bay an old Genoese watchtower overlooks the pretty seaside village and golden sandy beach of Campomoro, beyond which lay ahead to the south one of the wildest coastlines in Corsica.