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Ghjiléria (Galeria) is a quiet, remote village nestled on the rugged west coast of Corsica, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by dramatic natural beauty.
In this laid-back village, even the cows are laid-back — and they seem to love nothing more than lounging on the local beach. It’s not uncommon to spot them stretched out on the sand, soaking up the sun with the same unhurried grace as the few visitors who make it this far. The scene is surreal and charming: turquoise waves lapping the shore, rugged cliffs rising in the distance, and a handful of cows enjoying their own version of a beach holiday.
Located in the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Galéria is known for its untouched landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and wild coastal cliffs. It’s not a typical tourist hub — rather, it’s a place for those seeking solitude, hiking trails, and a deep connection with Corsica’s raw terrain. It's the perfect getaway for marine excursions, especially trips to explore the Scandola Reserve's hidden coves. With one shop and a few restaurants and accommodations, it's the perfect destination to get away from it all. So why should you stay in Galéria? There’s not much in the way of nightlife or shopping here — and that’s the beauty of it. Galéria is for hikers, kayakers, photographers, and anyone who wants to unplug and reconnect with nature. Bring a book, a camera, and a sense of adventure. You won’t need much else.
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I had planned to visit Corsica for a long time, and the decision was made to visit Corsica by bicycle and cross the island from North to South. Having already cycled from Girona (Spain), I arrived early at the port in Marseille. Checking in with Corsica Linea is very easy. You cycle/ or drive towards the ticket booth and hand over your documentation and passport. In return, you receive a few documents for you to use on the ferry. The ticket for the crossing is actually cheap, with a price in the month May around 40euro. This off course doesn't include a vehicle or room. I opted for the crossing, a bicycle (€12), a room with shower/ toilet and window (around €70) and a three-course dinner (€34.9). It is advisable to book your meal in advance as it is cheaper than paying for the meal on the ferry. Also, where there is no need to book a room, we would advise to get a bed so you get a decent rest. If you book a room and a meal, you get tickets for both together with your embarkation voucher at check-in. I decided to skip the terminal and start queuing between the cars. Once we got closer to departure, cars, motorbikes and bicycles were allowed to progress towards the ship. Bicycles and motorbikes were allowed to embark first. A special room is available to store the bikes safely. Leaving the deck behind and heading upwards a few decks, I followed the signs towards my room. A simple keypad provides you with access to your room. The bedroom: On board, there are several types of sleeping options, ranging from simple reclining chairs to deluxe cabins with double beds. I chose a room with its own bathroom and a window, which turned out to be a very comfortable choice. The cabin had two cosy beds and a television, while the private bathroom came equipped with a shower and toilet. For convenience, the room was also stocked with bottled water and basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo. At night, the ship becomes remarkably quiet, making it easy to drift off and enjoy a genuinely restful sleep.
The ferry leaves Marseille around 6 p.m. and arrives in Bastia the next morning at about 8 a.m. Sailing out of Marseille is a highlight in itself, and I’d strongly recommend heading to one of the outdoor decks as the ship pulls away from the port. The views are spectacular. Almost immediately, you glide past Fort Saint‑Jean, the Vieux Port, and the elegant Palais du Pharo, each landmark glowing in the late‑afternoon light. On the opposite side, the ship passes the Frioul Archipelago, a cluster of four rugged islands scattered just off the coast.For the rest of the evening, the ferry traces the French coastline, offering glimpses of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves as it passes places like the Parc National des Calanques and the naval city of Toulon. Eventually, the coastline fades into the distance and the ship begins its open‑sea crossing toward Corsica, leaving you with a peaceful night on the water.
The restaurant on board is surprisingly large and easily able to handle a big crowd. If you arrive about ten minutes before opening, you’ll usually find a queue already forming. I showed up roughly ten minutes after the doors opened and managed to get a table almost immediately, so timing makes all the difference. The menu is varied, offering a generous selection of starters, main courses, and desserts. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a self‑service setup — you’re seated and served at your table, which gives the whole experience a more relaxed, restaurant‑style feel. I chose the meat platter to start, followed by seabass, and finished with a delicious cheese selection for dessert. Everything was well prepared and pleasantly presented. I chose the meat platter to start, followed by seabass, and finished with a delicious cheese selection for dessert. Everything was well prepared and pleasantly presented. There’s also a bar on board where you can order small snacks and sandwiches, perfect if you’re looking for something lighter or just want a drink while watching the sea slip by.
After a great meal and a bit of TV, I decided to turn in early. The night on board was wonderfully quiet, and by morning I felt genuinely refreshed as we approached Bastia. Cyclists were allowed to disembark first, which made the whole process quick and easy.
The ferry terminal sits right in the heart of the city, so the moment you roll off the ship you’re greeted by Bastia’s waterfront and some of its most recognisable landmarks.I knew I had a full day ahead of me, with Calvi as my destination, so the early arrival worked perfectly. The day began with an immediate challenge: the climb up Col de Teghime at 536 metres. It’s a tough start, but the views make every pedal stroke worth it. All in all, if you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic start to your holiday, taking the ferry to Corsica is hard to beat. It sets the tone for the adventure ahead — unhurried, atmospheric, and full of anticipation. The Forêt d'Aïtone is a stunning piece of nature on Corsica. The forest of a diverse range of pines is located at a height of 800 to 2000 meters and covers an area of 24 square kilometers. A recommended route is to follow the road from Porto to Évisa, a stunning road that gradually climbs higher and higher towards the beautiful village of Évisa. Located at the western part of the forest, Évisa is surrounded by chestnut trees. And these chestnut trees form the basis for the annual chestnut Day which is celebrated every November. The chestnuts of this region have a rich flavour and are distinguished from other chestnuts by the fact that they don't have compartments. And it must be said that chestnuts can be found in many Corsican dishes throughout the year. Where i visited this village during early May, it was nice and quiet. But in the summer season, it can get rather busy in the village as it is located at one of the crossroads of many hiking trails,...
Forêt d'Aïtone is the perfect spot to go hiking. With its many walking routes, you can admire the beauty of the area and more than likely bump in some local wild boars or other animals that roam the forest. Walks: a) Sentier des Chataigniers: This linear rail takes you through the heart of the chestnut grove. Along the route are educational panels explaining the history of the chestnut trees since the Genoese times. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.1km). b) Évisa to Ota: this point-to-point path takes you away from Forêt d'Aïtone, but brings you through the stunning Spelunca Gorges. The path runs along streams. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.4km) c) Mare e Monti / Mare a Mare Nord: Both these long distance path (multi-day hikes) traverse through Évisa and are both stunning routes that bring you along some of Corsica's most stunning scenery.
Another interesting place to visit is the Cascades d'Aïtone, a series of waterfalls where you find the clearest of water, perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer. And when we say, refreshing, it is really refreshing with temperatures never really going above 11 degrees Celcius. The stunning Laricio pines provide great shade in the summer, and climbing higher and higher, you will eventually reach Col de Vergio (Bocca di Verghju) located at a height of 1478 meters making it Corsica's highest paved pass. A good way to reach the col is to cycle from Porto, a 34.5km constant climb with the most stunning views. I done this route in early May, a time when temperatures are not to high and the tourist season is only commencing making the roads much quiet. Still , this route is popular with bikers who tend to travel around Corsica in groups. The climb is never to steep (maximum gradient 6%) making it an easy enough climb, still come prepared with some food and plenty of water.
The stunning Forêt d’Aïtone deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or simply taking a scenic drive, this remarkable forest is a joy to explore and rewards every kind of traveller.
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About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
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