Visiting Corsica? Discover the 11 things you can’t miss in Porto!
Once upon a time, Ota was a lively little village nestling on a mountainside. A picturesque place where winding lanes and narrow roads intertwine. A place where the murmurs and songs of the locals echo between the granite houses.
At the bottom of the valley, bathed by the sea, lies a hamlet called Porto. Staring out at time from its rocky outcrop, visible from afar with its Genoese tower, it attracts and impresses. Stretched out between its fishing port and pebble beach, it’s an ode to the sea.
So, are you tempted by one of Corsica’s most splendid bays? Here are the 11 must-see things to do in Porto!
1. Porto Village
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Batt’Art
Visiting Porto, the heart of the village, its marina and its beach, is an obvious choice! Indeed, this gateway to « crystalline magmatic rock Corsica », located between Ajaccio, Calvi and Corte, has its own charm.
You’ll need just a few hours to discover its picturesque district and black pebble beach. Its highlight is, of course, the Genoese tower, a historic witness to the many attacks on the Gulf of Porto. Overlooking the sea and coastline, it sits naturally in this fabulous setting and offers a spectacular view!
2. Calanques de Piana
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mor65_Mauro Piccardi
Among the must-see things to do in Porto, no matter where you look, the Calanques de Piana will always top the list! They are characterized by red cliffs rising to hundreds of meters and enveloped in maquis.
The village of Piana, gateway to the calanques, is also well worth a visit! With its pretty flower-filled facades and superb views, this village is considered one of the most beautiful in France.
3. Scandola Reserve
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vadym Lavra
When visiting Porto, it’s impossible to miss the news: the many companies advertise their departures from the beach! Head for the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This jewel bears witness to an incredible and rare ecosystem: one of the most protected in France. Its red rock contrasts with the dazzling azure of the Mediterranean, giving this place an extraordinary face.
Did you know that this is an ancient volcano? Its underwater eruptions have shaped the steep, phantasmagorical granite landscapes. If the blood-red is a magnificent counterpoint to the blue of the sea, the green of the maquis will not leave you unmoved.
4. Village of Girolata
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Kuzmina
Another authentic little village not to be missed when visiting Porto is Girolata. This ancient fishing village actually has just twenty or so year-round inhabitants! It can only be reached on foot or by sea! Which makes it a favorite stopover for yachtsmen on their way to Piana and/or Scandola.
As the boats dock, you’ll enjoy stopping off at one of the village’s lively bars or restaurants. It’s a quick walk, but the view from the top of Girolata is well worth the detour!
If you prefer to come on your own, the Sentier du facteur from the Col de la Croix leads to Girolata in two hours. It offers beautiful views over the entire Gulf of Porto. On the way, we recommend a stopover on the confidential Tuara beach.
5. Spelunca Gorge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – bikemp
Hikers are definitely not left out! In our ranking of must-do hikes in Porto, one of our favorites is the Spelunca Gorge.
Take the round trip from Evisa to Ota along the gorge and you’ll find some spectacular scenery! Beware, however, that the ascent (Evisa-Ota direction) is steep and takes three hours. But don’t worry: there’s a shorter, family-friendly version along the river as far as the historic Zaglia bridge!
6. Scuba diving
Photo credit: Shutterstock – frantisekhojdysz
Love the idea of visiting Porto from land and sea? Wait until you discover its seabed! Indeed, the Gulf of Porto is widely recognized for the richness and splendor of its marine life.
Thanks to the flowering plants, the lungs of the sea, flora and fauna have been able to proliferate throughout the area. In addition to groupers, moray eels and shoals of crayfish, experienced divers can also discover the secret wreck of an ancient coalminer… For this, head for the spot on the border of the Scandola Nature Reserve!
7. Aïtone forest and waterfalls
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Malfootu
Sometimes the best things to do in Porto are the simplest… like a leisurely stroll through the enchanted forest of Aïtone. Spread over almost forty hectares of century-old pines and fragrant chestnuts, this forest is a calm and soothing corner of nature!
In the shade of the pine trees, unfold your blanket, set up base camp for a picnic and enjoy the natural pools of the river below.
It’s also possible to reach the river and its waterfalls by taking the Chestnut Trail from the village of Evisa (about an hour and a half ‘s walk).
8. Beaches near Porto
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LUC BIANCO
Visiting Porto also means enjoying its heavenly beaches! First of all, we recommend the village’s pretty pebble beach. Here are a few other beaches in the vicinity for those who prefer to laze around:
- Ficajola: a pebbly cove nestled in a turquoise-red landscape in the heart of Piana. The road to Ficajola is a journey in itself, in the heart of the winding calanques;
- Arone: a stretch of sand, calm and fabulously open to Capo Rosso and the Gulf of Porto. Accessible from the Calanques de Piana;
- Menasina and Capizollu: two beautiful, quiet and quite wild stretches;
- Peru and Chiuni: in contrast, these are two large sandy beaches with a few bars, beach volleyball courts and deckchairs.
9. Capu d’Orto hike
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ivan Hlobej
In our opinion, this is THE most beautiful hike in Porto. What’s more, Capu d’Ortu is one of Corsica’s most breathtaking lookouts over the sea.
Overlooking the fabulous Gulf of Porto, this sanguine granite vessel rises above the calanques of Piana. Allow six hours round trip and over eight hundred meters of ascent: it’s a tough climb!
The trails are very well signposted. Along the way, the geological wonders multiply and, clinging to the rhyolitic and dolomitic walls, you’re sure to spot a few keen climbers!
10. Boat rental
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
If it’s easy to hop aboard a tourist boat to visit the Calanques de Piana or the Scandola Reserve, why not
rent your own boat? You’ll be free to create your own tour, combine attractions and even enjoy other water sports!
In fact, many yacht charters from Porto include snorkeling, fishing, wakeboarding or jet ski equipment, depending on the size of the boat.
11. Culinary journey
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eric Valenne geostory
If you’re a bon vivant, there’s one thing you won’t want to miss in Porto: sampling the local produce and specialities of the Isle of Beauty! The flavors of Corsica, born of sometimes ancestral traditions, oscillate between land and sea. From the famous Coppa charcuterie to Lonzu, Prisuttu ham and Figatellu sausage, wild pigs are on every plate.
Just like cheeses such as Brocciu, Niolu, Venacu and Calinzana, which awaken the appetite with wine or round off a feast. Honey and olive oil are always on hand to enhance, keep company with or compromise these exceptional dishes.
For a change of pace, try a traditional soup with white beans, herbs and meat. Or, for a lighter meal, try the many fish and seafood dishes!
How to get to Porto
By plane
To visit Porto, only Calvi and Ajaccio airports are really interesting. In terms of distance and driving time, both are within a two-hour drive.
In high season, you’ll have no trouble finding a flight, while in low season, national and international flights to Ajaccio are more frequent.
Charter and low-cost airlines guarantee a wide range of services. To find the most affordable plane ticket according to your criteria, don’t hesitate to use a flight comparator such as Ulysse!
By car
If you’d like to visit Porto from another city, note thatAjaccio, Corte and Calvi are all within a two-hour drive.
By boat
From France, we recommend you take a boat to Ajaccio (since 2018, the port of Calvi no longer receives ferries). From there, you can disembark with your car and reach Porto in two and a half hours. Alternatively, you can take a cab or bus (the ferry terminal is next to the bus station).
Where to stay in Porto?
Self-catering cottages, Airbnb, hotels, campsites, glampings – just like everywhere else in Corsica, there’s a wealth of accommodation on offer! For even more charm, we invite you to sleep near Porto Marina or in the heart of the village of Ota.
It’s a great gateway to all our must-do Porto activities. Don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator to find the ideal accommodation for your criteria.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Corsica