Big tour on Corsica
The Capo di Muro, a peninsula lush with macchia shrubs intersected by hiking trails, protrudes into the sea a little under 90 kilometres to the north of Figari. The loop trail leads up to the peak of the cape and along the shores with marvellous panoramic views of the coast. This tour is as diverse as they come – combining natural splendour with the opportunity to go for a swim. The precipitous crags, lonely passages, and superb vistas give hikers a healthy adrenaline kick to boot. Don’t miss out on a refreshing splash…
Sturdy footwear, plenty of water!
Rounding the cape takes roughly three to four hours – don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear and pack plenty of water. The cape can only be reached by foot, the street ends at a fork shortly after Cascionu. From here, the still-wide road leads through macchia shrubs to an over-three-centuries-old Genoese tower perched approximately 120 metres over the sea – an old pirate guard post. The trek up is certainly worth your while, with expansive and spectacular views over the Gulf of Ajaccio and the gently undulating shoreline. In favourable conditions, you can even make out the island capital of Ajaccio in the distance.
No matter the weather... Let’s go for a hike!
After reaching the tower, the trek turns more solitary, with many visitors heading back from there. Follow the markings to continue to the tip of the cape. A narrow road starts beneath the tower leading down to the water; the loop trek actually climbs a bit first. It leads through a small forest and passes a deserted stone house before the craggy rocks take you to the tip of the peninsula and down to the water. Depending on the weather, the waves can grow to massive dimensions, flooding the rugged rock and stone formations as they break.
Refreshment included
This spot is simply picture-perfect, even with the sun hammering down from the skies, but its strong currents and high waves do not exactly invite you to take a swim. If you are looking to (finally) take a dip, you will only need to continue for another ten minutes. Follow the beaten rocks to reach the “Chapelle a Madonuccia” chapel – a small, half-open house with Virgin Mary statuette – situated behind a belt of rocks. The protected and shallow bay provides a great place to cool off, with a gentle surf.
The call of the Mediterranean
You will find two more bathing spots farther down the trail, first leading over rocks past the lighthouse after which the shady macchia shrubs accompany you back to where you started above the coast. A jetty is situated to the right-hand side, next to an abandoned house. Later on, hikers can take the path down to the “Rochers de Monte Biancu” swimming spot. The main trail never descends all the way down to the coast, with the shrubbery making way to reveal some pretty views of the sea and Corsican shoreline from time to time. You can spot an invitingly dreamy beach located in a bay from here: Cala d’Orzo. Don’t miss out.
The grand finale
The road to this beach branches off right at the parking lot. You will need some nerves of steel and experience behind the wheel to master the steep hairpins. If you’re not completely up for the challenge, you can always walk the 800 metres down to the shore. Your efforts will be rewarded in the form of a splendid and not-too-crowded beach that is just perfect for seeing the day to an end.
Loop trip of Capo di Muro at a glance
Length: Coastal and swimming trek of roughly 9 km
Elevation gain: 180 M
Difficulty: easy to moderately difficult trek, good basic condition
Getting there: D155 coastal road until Acqua Doria, continue to Cascionu
Bathing options: On the trek back from the tip of the cape
Sights: Genoese tower, sailors’ chapel
Header - Photo by Antony Souter on Alamy
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Paragraph 3 - Photo by Antony Souter on Alamy
Paragraph 4 - Photo by agefotostock on Alamy
Paragraph 5 - Photo by Julien Cruciani on Alamy
Paragraph 6 - Photo by Camille Moirenc on Mauritius Images
Paragraph 7 - Photo by Jacques Dreano on Alamy
Paragraph 7 - Photo by Media GmbH on Alamy
