Exploring the Gulf of Porto: A Scenic Escape in Western Corsica

Nestled beneath dramatic mountain peaks, the town of Porto serves as a perfect starting point for some of Corsica's most spectacular scenic drives. Two routes - Porto to piana and Porto to Evisa - are must-sees, and we'll dive into those in more detail later.

Located on the gulf of Porto, the village is located on the western side of Corsica. Well known for its dramatic scenery, the gulf was designated as a Unesco World-heritage site in 1983.
With its red granite rocks and the turquoise sea below, it's a remarkable Regional Natural Park of breathtaking beauty. 


Driving along the Route de la Marine into the village, you find yourself on the village's main artery. This street is lined with:

• Hotels like Hotel Le Marine, Les Flots Blue, ... , many of them offering stunning sea views and balconies

 

• Cafe's and restaurants: Le Panorama, La Dolce Vita and many other, perfect to enjoy an alfresco meal or sunset .

 

• Supermarkets and shops: Perfect to buy a delicious picnic for one of your next excursions

At the end of the road, you'll reach Porto marina, a busy area that is buzzing with tourists looking for a boat tour or a restaurant.


The boat trips on offer are varied. From here, you can set sail to the areas Unesco-listed marvels. Some examples of these are:

• Scandola Nature Reserve; these volcanic cliffs are home to sea eagles and crystal clear water

 

• Girolata: a remote fishing village that can only be reached by boat or on foot. The local postman hiked to the village for years.

 

• Calanques de Piana: Dramatic red rock formations that are even more spectacular at sunset

Standing guard over the village is the historic Genoese tower, reachable by a scenic 15-minute walk along a gravel path ( Note: not accessible for wheelchairs or buggies). At the top, you will find stunning panoramic views of the gulf of Porto - perfect for sunset photography.  

The stunning pebble beach can be easily accessed from the village via the footbridge. The perfect location for a relaxing afternoon, it can be quite dangerous when the sea becomes rough. 

Corsica's roads are legendary for their beauty, and the two that standout from Porto are

​a) Porto to Evisa

This route winds through the Spelunca Gorge with towering cliffs on either side and lush forest. Evisa is nestled high in the mountains and is the perfect base for hiking.

b) Porto to piana

This route is considered one of Europe's most beautiful coastal roads. You'll drive through the stunning red granite Calanques de Piana. At sunset, these granite formations glow at sunset an even brighter red. The road will get your adrenaline flowing as the narrow and winding road brings you high above the Gulf de Porto


​If you are planning to stay in Porto, it's advisable to book your accommodation early as it is as good as impossible to find any room during the summer.