Hiking around Porto and the gulf, Corsica

Genoese stone bridge over the Spelunca Gorges, near Porto

Porto, Corsica: a paradise for hikers

The Porto region is one of the best places for hiking in Corsica. From the summit of Capo d'Orto (1,294 m) to the natural pools of Aïtone, through the Spelunca Gorges and the Calanques de Piana trails, not forgetting the postman's trail to Girolata and the small paths around Ota.

There is something for every level — from a one-hour outing to a full day.

Right in the gulf, minutes from the nearest trailheads: our team advises you by level and can prepare a picnic lunch for the day.

Our recommended hikes

Porto

Capo d'Orto Porto, 5 minCapo d'Orto summit above the Gulf of Porto: golden sunset light, views over the Calanques de Piana, a full-moon descent option. 8.8 km 5h–7h Difficult

Ruins of a dry-stone shepherd's hut overlooking Porto harbour and its Genoese tower

Shepherds' huts path Porto, 4 minRuins of a dry-stone shepherd hut, with views over Porto harbour and its Genoese tower. Easy and short. 4.2 km 2h Easy

The Pinello footbridge, stone deck and steps amid the vegetation

Pinello footbridge Porto, 7 minWalk from Porto to Ota via the Pinello footbridge, doable in both directions. A ford to cross along the way. 2.4 km 1h10 Moderate

The small harbour of Castagna: stone quay, red and white railing and rocks at the water's edge

Port de Castagna Porto, 5 minA small stone harbour at the water's edge, reached by a coastal path from Porto beach. Swimming possible on arrival. 3.2 km 1h Swimming Easy

Yellow waymarking sign pointing to Petra Sorda, Bussaglia and Caspiu

Porto — Bussaglia Porto, 5 minMagnificent, but the start from the Porto marina is treacherous. Set off from the mobile mast instead. 5.5 km Difficult

Ota

Zaglia Genoese bridge in the Spelunca Gorges

Spelunca Gorges Ota, 10 minPaved mule track through the Spelunca Gorges from Ota, historic Genoese bridges, swimming in the clear pools of the Lonca. 4.2 km 1h30 Swimming Easy

Pinello footbridge Porto, 7 minWalk from Porto to Ota via the Pinello footbridge, doable in both directions. A ford to cross along the way. 2.4 km 1h10 Moderate

View over the Gulf of Porto — illustrative photo, not the village of Sainte-Lucie

Sainte-Lucie village Ota, 5 minAn abandoned village above the Porto–Ota road, with a view over the gulf. Very short, very easy, and in the shade. 0.7 km 45 min–1h Easy

Piana

Capo d'Orto Piana, 15 minCapo d'Orto summit above the Gulf of Porto: golden sunset light, views over the Calanques de Piana, a full-moon descent option. 12.2 km 5h–7h Difficult

Capo Rosso & Turghiu Tower Piana, 35 minPink granite of Capo Rosso and the Turghiu tower, 360° view over the Gulf of Porto, two Piana beaches to swim at afterwards. 8 km 3h30 Difficult

Mule Trail Piana, 15 minOld paved mule track between Piana and Ota, a balcony trail above the calanques, sea and pink rocks, striking at sunset. 3.1 km 1h30 Easy

The Tête de Chien rock, a granite formation shaped like a dog's head, above Porto

Tête de Chien Porto, 12 minView over the Gulf of Porto from the promontory known as the Château Fort, a good picnic spot, but a gullied path with no steps coming back. 1h Easy

Évisa & Aïtone

The Radule waterfall and its green pool, near the Col de Vergio

The Radule waterfalls Col de Vergio, 50 minA waterfall above the Col de Vergio, out and back from Fer à Cheval. A footbridge, slabs of rock, a sheepfold and donkeys. 4 km 1h40 Swimming Moderate

Turquoise pools in the laricio pine forest of Aïtone

Chestnut grove path to the Aïtone waterfalls Évisa, 30 minA shaded path through the chestnut grove, signs about the vegetation and free-roaming pigs, down to the Aïtone pools. Swimming Easy

Serriera & Partinello

A view of the turquoise sea through the trees, on the path between Caspiu and Mesarinu

From Caspiu beach to Mesarinu beach Partinello, 27 minA path rebuilt in 2024 down to a beach where you are often alone. A ruined sheepfold on the way, mask and snorkel recommended. 2.7 km 1h30–2h Swimming Easy

Shepherds' huts path Serriera, 7 minRuins of a dry-stone shepherd hut, with views over Porto harbour and its Genoese tower. Easy and short. Easy

Porto — Bussaglia Porto, 5 minMagnificent, but the start from the Porto marina is treacherous. Set off from the mobile mast instead. 5.5 km Difficult

Girolata & Osani

Postman's trail sign at the col de la Croix, view over the gulf of Girolata

The Postman's Trail Osani, 30 minThe trail once walked by Guy Ceccaldi, Girolata's postman until 2006, to the isolated village, with a stop at Tuara Stella beach. 4h Swimming Moderate

More in the mood for water than for climbing?

A clear pool between the rocks in the Aïtone forest

Rivers and natural pools

The Aïtone pools, the Fango delta and the other freshwater swimming spots around Porto.

See our rivers

Ficaghjola beach and its turquoise water, below the cliffs of Piana

Beaches of the gulf

From Porto beach to the coves of Piana and Serriera: our selection, with access and parking.

See our beaches

Our hiking tips

🎒 What to bring

Plenty of water (min 1.5L in summer)
Hat and sunscreen
Appropriate hiking shoes
Energy snacks
Charged phone (for emergencies)

Ask us for advice!

Vincent Pagnini Beale, Hôtel Le Vaïta

We know the hiking trails around Porto inside out. Do ask us for recommendations suited to your level and to what you feel like, whether with family or as a couple. We can also prepare a picnic lunch for the day — and tell you about the boat trips for the next day.