Created in 1975 as part of the larger Regional Natural Park of Corsica, Scandola Nature Reserve is a porphyritic rock mass on the Cape Girolata peninsula – a few miles south of Calvi – and is best characterized by its array of steep, red granite peaks that have been shaped by erosion over a millenia.
Comprising 1,900-hectares, divided roughly between land and sea, this Marine and Terrestrial Reserve is renowned for its rich marine life, idyllic grottos and extraordinary biodiversity, both on land and in the water.
Scandola National Park has also been the epicenter for some remarkable conservation efforts, including the osprey hawk, grouper fish and "the blood of Corsica” red corals, and has since been inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The only way to see the site is by boat, making it perfect for an excursion on your luxury charter yacht. That said, the National Park has strictly regulated access, with speed limits and no access zones for pleasure craft. Diving and fishing are also strictly forbidden.
Although you can’t dive inside the reserve, there are still opportunities to scuba on the outskirts of the park, where you can spot groupers, moray eels and spiny lobsters among the plethora of marine fauna found in these waters.
It is also a beautiful place to anchor, allowing you and your guests to enjoy unhampered views of the breathtaking sculpted volcanic peaks, which contrast with the bright azure waters and sky to create insta-worthy images. This is especially true just before dusk when the rocks catch the setting sun in a blaze of striking russet hues that become almost celestial in their beauty.
Visitors can witness the park’s astonishing array of seabirds; from the celebrated osprey, peregrine falcon and cormorants to giant gulls and sea eagles. In addition, there are several colonies of seals as well as pods of dolphins that patrol the waters and thrive on the bountiful supply of fish that are proliferate in the gulf.
To the south of Scandola reserve lies the charming fishing village of Girolata, which is set on a peninsula surrounded by sea and lush mountains overlooked by an imposing Genoese tower. A quiet and almost inaccessible outpost, Girolata only has 20 year-round residents, but in summer this swells somewhat by tourists drawn to her small sheltered harbor, pretty scalloped beach and astonishingly clear waters.
If you're interested in visiting Scandola National Park and want to incorporate it into your charter itinerary, please speak with a recommended yacht charter broker.
Alternatively, you can begin planning your next vacation by viewing the entire fleet of superyachts available for South of France yacht charters.
