The Calanques de Piana are among the most spectacular landscapes in Corsica: red granite needles sculpted by the wind and the sea, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire them from a boat, but also — and this is less known — by road and on foot, to take your time.
By car, on the road to Porto
The road that winds between Piana and Porto crosses the Calanques: it offers a succession of breathtaking views. Drive slowly, stop at the viewpoints, and let the light do the rest.
On foot, on the small paths
Several short trails start from the road and go between the rocks. They allow you to recognize famous silhouettes — the Dog's Head, the Heart — and to get a little away from the traffic. Nothing difficult, but good shoes are useful.
When to go
The end of the afternoon is magical: the granite is ablaze at sunset. Avoid midday, which is less photogenic and more crowded.
From the Gulf of Sagone
The Calanques are located to the north, in the direction of Porto. It takes 01h00 drive to arrive in the Calanques de Piana from Sagone