The Scandola nature reserve, created in 1975 on Corsica's west coast, covers 1,669 hectares of land and sea and is part of the Gulf of Porto site listed by UNESCO in 1983, along with the Calanques of Piana and Girolata. It can only be reached by sea. From Calvi, boats go there for 4 h 30 to 6 hours, with a stop at Girolata; they cost €80 to €130 per person in November 2026. It is a trip to combine with a stay in the Balagne, more than an hour's drive from the Agriates.
Key facts
- Reserve created on 9 December 1975: 919 ha on land, 750 ha at sea, 70 ha strict reserve.
- Gulf of Porto site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 (Scandola, Piana, Girolata).
- Accessible only by sea; scuba diving and recreational fishing banned.
- From Calvi: trips of 4 h 30 to 6 h, from €80 (4.7 out of 5, 184 reviews).
The reserve in figures
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Created | 9 December 1975 |
| Area | 1,669 ha: 919 ha on land, 750 ha at sea |
| Strict reserve | 70 ha at the north-western tip |
| UNESCO | Gulf of Porto (Scandola, Calanques of Piana, Gulf of Girolata), 1983 |
| Geology | collapsed former volcano (caldera), organ-pipe formations and rhyolite cliffs |
| Emblematic wildlife | osprey, nesting on the cliffs |
Source: Wikipedia.
Trips from Calvi
| Trip | Duration | From | Rating (reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scandola and Girolata, comfort boat | 4 h 30 or 6 h | €80 | 4.7 (184) |
| Scandola, Piana and Girolata | full day | €130 | 4.7 (202) |
| Scandola, Girolata and Piana, 12 seats | full day | €130 | 4.9 (45) |
| Scandola and the Calanques of Piana | full day | €110 | 4.7 (60) |
Prices checked on GetYourGuide on 9 November 2026.
The rules
On land, hunting, camping, wild camping, fires and picking plants are banned; at sea, scuba diving, recreational fishing and taking animals or plants. Flying below 1,000 m is banned. Tour boats follow the cliffs without landing in the reserve.
With the Agriates
Scandola is on the opposite side of Calvi from the Agriates: do it on another day, from Calvi or L’Île-Rousse. Other activities in the area are in activities.
Book a trip
Scandola by boat from Calvi
Calvi: Guided visit by comfort boat to Scandola and Girolata 6 hours or 4.5 hours4.5 - 6 hours★ 4.7 (184 reviews)from €80Check availability
Scandola, Piana & Girolata6 hours★ 4.7 (202 reviews)from €130Check availability
Calvi Guided boat tour with 12 seats: Scandola + Girolata + Piana7 hours★ 4.9 (45 reviews)from €130Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: DesertDesAgriates.com earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
Can you land at Scandola?
The reserve can only be reached by sea and the rules on land are strict (camping, wild camping, fires and picking plants are banned). Boat trips follow the cliffs and stop at Girolata, a neighbouring hamlet.
How long is the Scandola trip from Calvi?
According to the offers checked in November 2026: 4 h 30 or 6 h for Scandola and Girolata, longer for trips that add the Calanques of Piana.
Scandola from Calvi or from Porto?
Porto is closer to the reserve, so the crossing is shorter. Calvi is the right choice if you are staying in the Balagne or near the Agriates.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Shuttles, tracks and prices change: confirm before you go.
- Wikipedia, Scandola nature reserve (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- GetYourGuide widget, Scandola trips from Calvi, accessed 9 November 2026
