Discover Corsica by boat, departing from Sagone
Scandola & Girolata
from Sagone
The complete guide for an unforgettable day at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Among all the excursions possible from Sagone, one stands out as absolutely unmissable: the boat trip to the Scandola nature reserve and the village of Girolata. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, this site is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the entire Mediterranean - and from our gulf, you're less than an hour away by sea.
Whether you're staying in Sagone or Calcatoggio, here's everything you need to know to organise this perfect day.
Scandola is unique in Europe: it's the only French nature reserve that is both terrestrial and marine. Its porphyry cliffs plunging into turquoise water form a setting of almost surreal beauty. Girolata is one of the last villages in Corsica completely inaccessible by road - you can only reach it by sea or on foot after two hours of hiking from the Col de la Croix.
🔴 The Scandola Nature Reserve
Boats sail along the immense red granite walls and enter the caves and crevices carved by the sea. The captain often cuts the engine to let silence settle in. Underwater, grouper, corb and posidonia meadows populate one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
🏘️ The Village of Girolata
Most excursions include a stop in Girolata (30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the option). You can swim in exceptionally clear water, have lunch in one of the small beachside restaurants, or simply wander the lanes. The Genoese tower overlooking the hamlet offers a splendid panorama over the bay.
🪨 The Calanques de Piana & Capo Rosso
On the return journey, boats sail along the Calanques de Piana - these gigantic red granite formations sculpted by erosion, also listed by UNESCO. The Capo Rosso, a wild peninsula closing the gulf to the north, offers one of the finest coastal views in Corsica.
- Morning departure from Sagone port (usually 8am-9am)
- Navigation northward along the wild coastline
- Pass by Cargese and its Genoese tower of Omigna
- Enter the Scandola reserve: caves, crevices, marine wildlife
- Stop at Girolata: swimming, free lunch, walk through the village
- Return via Capo Rosso and the Calanques de Piana
- Back at port in late afternoon
🚤 Albellu Croisières
Family company based in Sagone since 2008. Max 12 passengers. Natura 2000 charter signatory.
From 43 €🚤 Isula Croisières
70-seat boat or 12-seat semi-rigid. Full day with 2h stopover in Girolata. Sunset trips available.
From 45 €🚤 Corsica Marittima
Grand Port of Sagone. Local captain. Full day, half-day and sunset apero cruises.
Comfortable boat🚤 Croisières Grand Bleu
Departure from Cargese (20 min). 5h30 tour with 2h in Girolata. Children 4-9 reduced fare.
From 63 €Book early
In peak season, spots go fast. Book at least 3 to 5 days ahead.
Weather
Excursions may be cancelled in bad weather. Check the evening before.
What to bring
Biodegradable sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, hat and cash for Girolata.
Sunset cruise
Some providers offer sunset apero trips - a magical experience in the Calanques.
Staying in Sagone or Calcatoggio?
Our properties are just minutes from Sagone port - the perfect base for exploring western Corsica and its UNESCO sites.
View our available properties