Promenade en mer : Ajaccio to Scandola: A Maritime Adventure with Cappai Cruises

The journey begins at the Tino Rossi port in Ajaccio, where Cappai Cruises boats welcome you for a day of exploration and discovery. The port, animated by the comings and goings of yachts and fishing boats, offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. From departure, the views of the city of Ajaccio with the citadel in the background and the Corsican mountains on the horizon are simply spectacular. Cappai Cruises boats are designed for comfort and observation, offering open deck spaces and shaded areas for relaxation. The experienced and passionate crews of the company are there to ensure a safe and enriching experience, sharing fascinating information about the sites you will visit.

Just a few kilometers from Ajaccio lie the famous Sanguinaires Islands, an archipelago composed of four main islands. Their name, evoking the red hues that their rocks take on at sunset, sets the stage for an unforgettable natural spectacle. Excursions often include a stop on Mezzu Mare Island, where passengers can disembark and explore this wild and preserved island. The island's lighthouse, accessible after a short hike, offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Mediterranean Sea. The trails also allow you to discover the local flora, with species typical of the Mediterranean region. The sheltered coves around the islands are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling session, allowing you to explore the seabed rich in life.

After leaving the Sanguinaires Islands, the boat sets course for the Scandola Nature Reserve. The journey along the coast is an experience in itself, offering spectacular views of steep cliffs, sea caves, and isolated beaches. The unique volcanic formations of Scandola, with their red and black cliffs, create a landscape of striking beauty. The Scandola Nature Reserve, created in 1975, protects an area of 1,900 hectares including terrestrial and marine parts. This reserve is a remarkable example of biodiversity and geology conservation. Boat excursions allow you to explore this region inaccessible by land, offering a unique perspective on its natural wonders. Cappai Cruises boats enter sea caves and navigate between natural arches, offering passengers close-up views of these impressive geological formations. Guides share their expertise on the geology, fauna, and flora of the region, making the visit even more enriching. The waters of Scandola are home to exceptional biodiversity, with fish, corals, and Posidonia seagrass beds. Swimming and snorkeling stops allow you to explore this rich and colorful marine ecosystem.

The Scandola Reserve is not only famous for its spectacular landscapes but also for its biodiversity richness. Posidonia seagrass beds, underwater plants endemic to the Mediterranean, play a crucial role in sediment stabilization and providing habitat for many marine species. Colorful fish, starfish, and red corals are commonly observed during dives and snorkeling excursions. The cliffs of Scandola are also home to many species of seabirds, including the osprey and the crested cormorant. Observing these birds in their natural habitat is a magical experience, adding an extra dimension to this exceptional cruise. Cappai Cruises guides, often passionate naturalists, share detailed information about Scandola's ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts.

After exploring the Scandola Reserve, the cruise continues to the village of Girolata, a small fishing village accessible only by sea or hiking trail. Girolata is a place out of time, with its stone houses, narrow alleys, and peaceful atmosphere. The Bay of Girolata, surrounded by mountains and forests, offers an idyllic setting for a well-deserved break. Visitors can disembark and explore the village on foot, discovering its heritage and history. The Girolata fort, an old Genoese fortification, offers an incredible view of the bay and surrounding mountains. Local restaurants offer Corsican specialties, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes, providing an authentic culinary experience. Girolata beach, with its fine sand and calm waters, is perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Corsica's beaches are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and sea trips from Ajaccio to Scandola with Cappai Cruises offer idyllic stops to enjoy these paradises of sand and crystal water. Each beach has its own character and charm, offering a diversity of landscapes and experiences for visitors. Roccapina beach, with its golden sand and clear waters, is another jewel accessible during sea excursions. Dominated by the famous 'Lion of Roccapina', a natural rock formation in the shape of a lion, this beach is surrounded by wild landscapes and Mediterranean maquis. The shallow and warm waters are ideal for swimming and families, offering a total relaxation experience. The beaches of the Lavezzi Islands, accessible from Bonifacio, are also frequent stops during sea trips. These beaches, surrounded by granite rocks and lush vegetation, offer crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and discovering the seabed. The isolated coves of the Lavezzi allow you to enjoy incomparable tranquility and natural beauty, making each visit unique. As you sail towards Scandola, Girolata beach reveals itself as an unmissable stop. This beach, with its fine sand and calm waters, offers an idyllic setting to relax after exploring the village and the Genoese tower. The clear waters invite swimming, while the surrounding mountains add a dramatic touch to the landscape. Each beach visited during sea excursions with Cappai Cruises is carefully chosen to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Local guides share information about the geology, fauna, and flora of each site, enriching the visit experience. Corsica's beaches, with their preserved natural beauty, are perfect destinations for those seeking to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature in a spectacular setting.

The Genoese towers, built between the 16th and 18th centuries, are silent witnesses to Corsica's tumultuous history. These watchtowers, erected by the Genoese to defend the island against Barbary invasions and pirates, line the Corsican coasts and offer a fascinating journey through time. During sea trips from Ajaccio to Scandola with Cappai Cruises, you will have the opportunity to admire several of these emblematic towers that stand proudly facing the sea. The Parata tower, located on the peninsula of the same name near Ajaccio, is one of the first to capture attention. This tower, perched on a rocky promontory, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Sanguinaires Islands and the Gulf of Ajaccio. The climb to the tower, although steep, is rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and total immersion in the region's maritime history. Sailing north, the towers of Capo di Feno and Capo Rosso stand out on the horizon. The Capo Rosso tower, in particular, is remarkable for its location on a steep cliff, accessible only by a difficult hiking trail. This tower offers an incredible view of the Calanques de Piana, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The stories and legends told by Cappai Cruises guides add a human dimension to these stone structures, making each tower more alive and meaningful. The Girolata tower, located in the eponymous village, is another highlight of sea excursions. This well-preserved Genoese fort testifies to Girolata's strategic importance, once a refuge port for Genoese ships. The tower dominates the bay and offers a fascinating historical perspective on the coastal defense methods used by the Genoese. Visitors can explore the ruins and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a bygone era, while enjoying panoramic views of the sea and surrounding mountains. The Genoese towers are not just historical monuments; they are also symbols of Corsica's resilience and defense. Their robust architecture, often built with local stone, and their strategic location make them impressive landmarks. Sea trips with Cappai Cruises allow you to discover these stone sentinels from a unique angle, while appreciating the natural beauty of the Corsican coast.

The return to Ajaccio after a day spent exploring Scandola and Girolata is just as enchanting as the outward journey. The setting sun creates golden and red hues on the cliffs and waters, offering a stunning visual spectacle. Cappai Cruises boats sail along the coast again, offering magnificent views of marine landscapes and Corsican mountains. Sea excursions from Ajaccio to Scandola with Cappai Cruises are a unique adventure, allowing you to discover exceptional natural sites and experience unforgettable moments. Whether you are a nature lover, diving enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, these sea trips offer a complete and enriching experience. Ajaccio, with its rich historical heritage, magnificent beaches, and crystal-clear waters, is the ideal starting point for this maritime adventure. Boat cruises to Scandola and Girolata allow you to discover hidden treasures and reconnect with nature in all its splendor. Prepare to embark on a day of discoveries, relaxation, and natural beauty, and let yourself be enchanted by the charms of Corsica's west coast.