Scandola is a unique nature reserve consisting of both land and sea. In 1983 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The reserve contains a large number of terrestrial and submarine Mediterranean fauna and flora. Dolphins and sea lions can be spotted in the sea and there are more than 450 species of seaweed and other aquatic plants.
There are also some unusual species of fish, colonies of gulls and cormorants living on the reefs and rare eagles. Scandola is also the only nesting site of the sea eagle in Corsica.
Scandola's main beauty lies in the pinkish jagged rocks covered in vegetation and falling deep into the sea.
The reserve can only be reached by boat and there are no hiking trails. The area is very remote, and unless you're into wandering through nature with no clues through very difficult terrain, then you can only really admire Scandola from the deck of a boat.
Boat trips - where from and how much do they cost?
However, this does not change the fact that a trip to the Scandola reserve will certainly be one of the highlights of your stay in Corsica. You'll sail right up to the coast, passing through sea caves and stopping at many coves where you can take a dip from the boat.
Boat trips are organised by many companies from several different locations. Here are just a few examples:
- Porto Adventure - approx. 2.5 hour cruises from Porto, prices between 40 eur and 55 eur
- Corsieres Grandbleu - approx. 5-8 hour cruises from Cargèse, prices between 58 eur and 80 eur
- Scandola Marine - half-day most comprehensive trips including snorkelling from the Galéria resort, prices around 125 eur
- Calvi Evasion - ccca 4-5 hour cruises from Calvi, prices around 70 eur
Hiking
Although you can't walk directly to the Scandola reserve, short treks can be arranged in the nearby areas of Calanques de Piana or Girolata, located just a few kilometres from Scandola.
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