Your Most Beautiful Hiking Escapes in South Corsica around Porticcio
From your apartment at Tomasini Location in Porticcio, Corsica can also be discovered on foot.
Between turquoise seas, fragrant maquis, granite villages, and dramatic mountain peaks, the hikes around Porticcio offer unforgettable panoramas for every level of walker.
Here is our selection of the best hiking routes to explore from your holiday base.
Tour of the Isolella Tower — The Must-Do Walk from Porticcio
Pietrosella · Duration: 1h round trip · Level: Easy · Family-friendly
Just 6 km from Porticcio (15 minutes by car), the Isolella Peninsula is home to one of the most beautiful Genoese towers in the Gulf of Ajaccio. Built in 1608 1608 to protect local inhabitants from Barbary pirate attacks, the Isolella Tower rises 70 meters above the sea, offering spectacular views over the Bay of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands.
The trail is clear, accessible to everyone, and features only a modest elevation gain of 30–35 meters. The climb is slightly steep at the beginning, but the panoramic view at the top is well worth the effort.
Bonus: continue around the entire peninsula and walk down to Pointe di Sette e Nave (“Point of the Seven Ships”), where legend says the emerging rocks symbolize seven invading ships turned to stone by the Virgin Mary.
Starting point: Isolella Peninsula — pass the “Les Marines d’Isolella” residence, continue 1 km, turn left, and park near the Tower sign.
Capitello Tower — Genoese History with Your Feet in the Sand
Porticcio · Duration: 1h30 round trip · Level: Easy
A historic walk accessible directly from Porticcio,perfect for late afternoons. From the Capitello Beach parking area, the trail follows the Étang de Casavone lagoon between sea and wetlands before reaching one of the most emblematic Genoese towers in South Corsica. A majestic symbol of the Genoese era in an exceptional natural setting.
Starting point: Route de Capitello — beach parking area.
From Pietrosella to Bisinao — The Mare e Monti Sud Trail
Pietrosella · Duration: 1h30 to 2h round trip · Level: Moderate
This trail forms part of the famous Mare e Monti Sud,the long-distance hiking route linking Porticcio to Propriano over five days of walking. This shorter section, from Pietrosella to the hamlet of Bisinao (634 meters above sea level), is a pleasant medium-level hike suitable in every season. The trail crosses rivers, ridgelines, and forests typical of the Corsican maquis.
Starting point: Village of Pietrosella — descend toward the river, cross the D255 road, then climb toward Bisinao via the Campestra stream.
Capanella Tower — Coastal Trail & Secret Coves
Porto Pollo · Duration: 3h round trip · Level: Easy
Starting from Cupabia Beach,this yellow-marked coastal path follows the shoreline closely, revealing hidden coves and breathtaking views over the bay before climbing gently to the Capanella Tower,another Genoese jewel of South Corsica. A relaxing and easy walk, ideal for enjoying Corsica’s coastline far from the crowds.
Starting point: Cupabia Beach parking area — trail begins at the far left end of the beach.
Piscia di Carnavalli Waterfall — Nature at Its Finest
Cauro · Duration: 20 min round trip · Level: Very easy
For a refreshing break between beach days, head to the Piscia di Carnavalli Waterfall (also known as Carnavale Waterfall). Standing 10 meters high and fed by melting snow, the waterfall is especially spectacular in spring and winter.At its base, a natural pool invites visitors to relax in an idyllic setting.
Starting point: Village of Cauro — follow the Bastelica road for 8 km; the trailhead is clearly signposted.
Coscione Plateau — Wild Corsica Accessible to Everyone
Zicavo · Duration: 3h round trip · Level: Easy
The The Coscione Plateau is one of Corsica’s most unique and captivating landscapes. At over 1,700 meters above sea level, vast green meadows dotted with purple flowers, crossed by streams and scattered with shepherd huts, stretch endlessly across the mountains. Corsican horses, cows, and pigs roam freely here — a timeless image of authentic Corsica.
Its famous pozzines — small ponds and grassy islets formed by melting glacial snow — are unique in the Mediterranean. This easy family-friendly hike offers unforgettable memories in an exceptional natural setting.
Routes: Several options from Zicavo — follow the GR20 trail toward the I Croci shepherd huts, or take the shorter trail toward U Pianu d’Ornucciu.
Punta Urghjavari — The Rooftop of the Gulf of Ajaccio
Quasquara · Distance: 8 km · Duration: 4h round trip · Elevation gain: 600 m · Level: Advanced
For experienced hikers seeking adventure and breathtaking panoramas, Punta Urghjavari (1,345 meters) is an essential ascent. At the summit, a statue of the Virgin Mary, two crosses, and a spectacular 360° view over the Gulf of Ajaccio,the bay of Coti-Chiavari, and the surrounding villages await as a reward.
The climb becomes demanding from the very beginning, so proper hiking shoes and plenty of water are highly recommended.
Starting point: “Sarra Topu” area, village of Quasquara (toward Sainte-Marie-Sicché) — follow the orange trail markers.
The “Da Paesi à Paesi” Trails — From Village to Village
Across the region · Level: Easy to Moderate
Marked with small yellow signs,the Da Paesi à Paesi (“from village to village”) trails are one of the most authentic ways to discover Corsican heritage on foot. These routes lead visitors through inland Corsica, far from the tourist crowds, offering encounters with local history, landscapes, and traditional village life.
Among the most beautiful routes:
From Guitera-les-Bains to the Guitera Thermal Baths (1h30 round trip · Easy) A peaceful countryside trail through the Altu Taravu region, where former sulfur thermal baths stand alongside wild pigs and free-roaming horses. A complete escape into nature.
From Corrano to the Trinity Bridge (2h round trip · Easy) From the hilltop village of Corrano and its granite house ruins, descend toward the Ponte di a Trinità,one of the three Genoese bridges crossing the Taravo River. A true journey back in time through majestic and untamed nature.
From Zigliara to Forciolo (3h30 round trip · Easy) A green tunnel shaded by holm oaks and strawberry trees, dotted with clearings inhabited by free-roaming cows, before reaching the village of Forciolo and its granite house reputed to be the oldest in Corsica.A poetic and deeply human hike.
Hiking Summary from Porticcio
| Hike | Level | Duration | Distance from Porticcio |
|---|---|---|---|
| the Isolella Tower |  Easy |
1h30 round trip | 6 km |
| Capitello Tower | Easy |
1h30 round trip | 5 km |
| the Piscia di Carnavalli Waterfall | Very easy |
20 min round trip | 25 km |
| to the Capanella Tower, | Easy |
3h round trip | 30 km |
| Pietrosella → Bisinao | Moderate |
1h30 round trip | 8 km |
| The Coscione Plateau | Easy |
3h round trip | 65 km |
| Punta Urghjavari | Advanced |
4h round trip | 40 km |
| are one | Easy |
Variable | Variable |
Your apartment at Tomasini Location
in Porticcio is the perfect starting point for all these hikes. Book your stay and discover the Island of Beauty.
