Calanche

Calanche


The bizarre rock formations of the wild rugged Calanche, the so called “Tafoni”, belong to Corsica's most beautiful scenery. Wind, salty air and alternating rain and sun have eroded these red granite rocks into odd looking shapes. Nature puts on an impressive display at sunset when the rocks glow red and a mystical silence follows after the stream of tourists has ebbed away.

The Calanche in the Eyes of a Poet

The poet Guy de Maupassant describes the fascinating Calanche like this:

"They set off again at daybreak, and presently stopped before a forest, a veritable forest of purple granite. There were peaks, pillars, bell-towers, wondrous forms molded by age, the ravaging wind and the sea mist. As much as three hundred metres in height, slender, round, twisted, hooked, deformed, unexpected and fantastic, these amazing rocks looked like trees, plants, animals, monuments, men, monks in their garb, horned devils, gigantic birds, a whole population of monsters, a menagerie of nightmares petrified by the will of some eccentric divinity.......Suddenly, as they emerged from this chaos, they saw before them another gulf, encircled by a wall of blood-red granite. And these red rocks were reflected in the blue waters."

Hiking Paradise Calanche

Right through the middle of the Calanche passes the road from Porto to Piana. Narrow and full of bends, it winds its way through the scenery, setting tests of courage and patience for many travelers. It's especially challenging when camper vans or buses try to pass each other. Many travelers are happy to just admire and take photos of the scenery from one of the viewpoints, but if you truly want to experience the Calanche, you should explore the area on foot. There are hikes and walks for every taste and fitness level to choose from: