Leisurely coastal walk along the Tra Mare e Monti
Girolata is famous for its unique location on the Gulf of Girolata in the immediate neighbourhood of the nature reserve on Scandola peninsula. The fishing village, a Natural World Heritage Site, is only accessible by sea or on hiking paths – nevertheless there’s a lot of hustle and bustle here at midday in particular when the excursion boats from Porto, Calvi and other ports on the western coast unload the tourists for two hours in the beach bars and restaurants. The hiking path from Col de la Croix is also popular – and justly so on account of its scenic delights and leisurely path.
Starting point: Bocca a Croce (Col de la Croix), 269m, on the Galéria – Porto road (22km north of Porto), above the village of Osani.
Height difference: 600m.
Grade: easy walk on a good path. Since there is no shade on the second half of the walk, an early start is recommended (best to avoid when hot). The alternative return requires surefootedness and a lack of vertigo.
Refreshment: bar-restaurants in Girolata, snack bar at the Bocca a Croce.
Map: IGN 4150 OT (1:25.000).