Sagone, Calcatoggio, Vico. An exceptional culture and heritage.
Activities & outdoor
in the region
4x4 offroad, hiking, rivers, natural pools, arts and crafts... the complete guide to exploring western Corsica beyond the beach
Sagone and Calcatoggio mean the sea - but just a few bends of road away lies a hinterland of exceptional richness. Laricio pine forests, wild gorges, ice-cold natural pools, hilltop villages, and passionate artisans who bring unique pieces to life: like Julie, a ceramicist, and Bertrand, a bladesmith, working side by side in their Coggia workshop. Here is our selection of the unmissable activities and outings around our properties.
Coggia 4x4 - Offroad excursions
Coggia 4x4 is the address we recommend first to all our guests who want to discover Corsica differently. Based in Sagone, they take you aboard their Jeep Wranglers along the tracks and paths of the Corsican hinterland with a passionate local instructor. The experience combines adventure, landscape discovery and meetings with local farmers: cattle breeders, cheese makers, olive oil producers... The trip can end with a spuntinu or a meal made from the products discovered along the way - an absolutely unforgettable moment.
Capo Rosso & Tour de Turghiu
The highest Genoese tower in Corsica at the end of a wild headland. 360-degree panorama over the Gulf of Porto and the Calanques de Piana. 3h30 return from Piana.
Moderate - 3h30Chateau Fort trail - Piana
1h30 return from the "Tete de Chien" car park. Spectacular views over the rock formations and the sea. Perfect in late afternoon light.
Easy - 1h30Spelunca Gorges
Iconic mule track between Ota and Evisa, dotted with Genoese bridges. Accessible to all, impressive cliffs, guaranteed freshness. 3h return.
Easy - 3hMonte Lazzu
A shaded walk through cork oaks to a fascinating prehistoric site: over 150 grinding hollows carved into the granite. Breathtaking views over the Gulf of Sagone. 45 min return.
Easy - 45 minAncone Genoese Tower - Calcatoggio
Short accessible walk from Calcatoggio to the ruins of the Ancone Genoese tower. Open views over the Gulf of Sagone. Ideal for an early morning outing.
Easy - 1hLake Creno - Soccia
The only glacial lake in Corsica surrounded by forest, at 1,310m altitude. Easy family walk from Soccia with no particular difficulty. 2h return.
Easy - 2h🌿 Aitone natural pools - Evisa
In the heart of the Aitone forest with its giant laricio pines, the river has carved a succession of emerald pools into the granite. The water never exceeds 12 degrees - enough to wake the bravest swimmers! Two access options: the Chestnut Tree Trail hike (2h30 return from Evisa) or direct access from the D84 road 1.5km from the village (1h return). Watch out for slippery rocks.
♨️ Caldanelle thermal baths - Vico
Roman-era pools nestled in the Appricciani valley, surrounded by an olive grove and aromatic plant farm. Natural sulphurous water emerges at 34 degrees - perfect in any season. The visit begins with a 3km downhill walk along a shaded track. Open March to November.
🏞️ Belfiore bridge & gorges - Vico / Murzo
The Belfiore bridge marks the start of the wild gorges between Vico and Murzo. The river has carved pretty natural pools into the granite, accessible from the road. A lovely stop during a hinterland road trip, easy to reach and perfect for paddling or a spontaneous swim.
🏺 Julie's Pottery & Filhol Cutlery
Julie's Pottery - 15 minutes from Sagone, Julie creates utilitarian and decorative pottery in a sober and contemporary style. Every stage of production is carried out on site and each piece is unique. She works primarily with white earthenware, hand-decorated with her own engobes: bowls, plates, cups... simple, beautiful everyday objects. You can visit the workshop by appointment, chat with Julie about her craft and take home one or several pieces. Discovery courses are also available, from a few hours to several sessions.
Bertrand's Cutlery - Folding or fixed knives entirely hand-forged in his neighbouring workshop. Each blade is forged, with handles made from local wood or goat, billy goat or ram horn - each piece is unique. Bertrand also works with Damascus steel, low-furnace steel and Wootz. Lifetime guarantee from the bladesmith. By appointment only.
The couple enjoy sharing Julie's pottery and Bertrand's knives with visitors lucky enough to discover, in a single place, two different yet complementary artistic worlds.
Village of Cargese
20 min from Sagone, the "Greek village" of Corsica. Two facing churches, stone lanes, gulf views and a local market on Tuesday mornings.
20 min - All yearScenic D81 road
Between Sagone and Porto, one of the most beautiful drives in Corsica. Calanques de Piana, Capo Rosso, Gulf of Porto - stop at the viewpoints.
All yearCol Saint-Antoine cheese farm
Between Sagone and Vico, an artisan goat cheese farm. Fresh brocciu, aged tommes, herb-rubbed cheeses. Direct farm sales.
Summer onlySanguinaires Islands
30 min south, a legendary sunset over the archipelago. Genoese tower, protected natural area, panorama over the Gulf of Ajaccio.
30 min - All yearCycling & mountain biking
Coastal cycling routes and MTB tracks in the hinterland. Bike rental available in Sagone in the summer season.
Summer seasonClos d'Alzeto - Wine estate
Perched on the heights overlooking the Gulf of Sagone, AOC wine tastings paired with Corsican charcuterie and cheeses. Booking required.
Website- For Coggia 4x4, book in advance - spots fill up fast in July-August
- For the Aitone natural pools, set off very early in the morning to beat the crowds
- For Julie and Bertrand, contact them beforehand - visits by appointment only
- All hinterland sites are accessible by regular car except some 4x4 tracks
- In extreme heat, opt for river activities or altitude outings in the morning
Ready for adventure?
Our properties in Sagone and Calcatoggio are the perfect base for all these adventures - steps from the sea and minutes from the finest outings in the region.
View our available properties