At walking distance of an unique hamlet: Girolata and its bay!
How did Girolata become popular?
Located at about 20km north of Porto, Girolata is small hamlet of 8 people that has the unique characteristic to be only accessible by foot! Indeed, no cars can access the small coastal hamlet as Guy Ceccaldi, the famous postman, could confirm: during his whole career at French Post office that Girolata depends from, Guy had to walk to the hamlet to give them the letters that were destined to them. An 1h30 long walk that Mr Ceccaldi did in just 45 minutes. The inhabitant nicknamed him “Marathon Man”.
A beautiful small village located in between two of the most famous natural sites of Corsica, the gulf of Porto and the Scandola Natural Reserve, Girolata and its bay has nothing to envy from the latter: crystal clear and turquoise blue water, a Genoese small fort that protected the hamlet from the invaders and pirates looking to ransack the village. Apparently one of the most famous Ottoman pirate Dragut was captured in Girolata!
How to access it?
You have two options: you can or take a boat from Porto or you can get to the hamlet by foot by using the very famous “le sentier du facteur” (Postman’s path). We recommend the walk as you will discover an untouched nature in a secluded part of Corsica. Along the walk, you will go by two small beaches that will allow you to enjoy a wonderful swim, without the many tourists (unlike in the hamlet). The perfect hike!
Is it worth it?
Definitely. This hamlet - even though it is quite crowded in Summer - is a must-see when travelling to Corsica: firstly because of the limited ways to access it and the fact that the hike is beautiful to get there. Secondly because of its relative isolation from the rest of the world, it is a bit like you are travelling in time. Finally, because the surrounding area, the Scandola Reserve, the Corsica Nature Park and the Gulf of Girolata are truly mesmerizing.
