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Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
6h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
14.4km
Elevation gain
870m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
778 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
Yes
Popularity
Low
Region
North-West
Start point
42.36385, 8.64819
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

This magnificent loop trail leads to the fishing village of Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia, which rises to 778 meters. Accessible only by boat or on foot, Girolata is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by an imposing 16th-century fort.

The route follows a wide ridge with sea views on both sides, offering exceptional vistas of the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola Nature Reserve. If you are in good physical condition and have enough time, this route is much more interesting than the classic postman's trail. The appeal of this hike goes far beyond a simple visit to the village.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The route largely follows the Mare e Monti trail, which is marked in orange, and presents no technical difficulties. The main challenge is the length of the hike, but this is more than compensated for by the diversity and beauty of the landscapes you pass through.

The only downside is at the end of the route when you have to walk about two kilometers along the D81 road to get back to the Palmarella Pass.

What you'll love

  • Walking along a spectacular ridge with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola Nature Reserve on both sides.
  • The village of Girolata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by an imposing 16th-century Genoese fort, and accessible only on foot or by boat.
  • The low number of visitors on the trail compared to the Postman's Trail, the classic route to Girolata.

Practical information

Parking

The trail starts at Col de Palmarella on Route D81 between Porto and Calvi. Free parking.

Alternative

For those looking for a shorter route, the postman's trail from Col de la Croix is the classic option. However, the loop via Punta di a Literniccia offers much more spectacular and varied views.

Monte Senino
Monte Senino
Bocca di Palmarella, the start of the hike
Bocca di Palmarella, the start of the hike
Fango forest
Fango forest
Gulf of Girolata
Gulf of Girolata
White asphodel
White asphodel
Girolata
Girolata
Gulf of Girolata and Capo Rosso in the background
Gulf of Girolata and Capo Rosso in the background
Scandola Reserve
Scandola Reserve
Scandola Reserve
Scandola Reserve
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata, Monte Senino and Capo Rosso
Girolata, Monte Senino and Capo Rosso
Scandola Reserve
Scandola Reserve
Fort of Girolata
Fort of Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata beach
Girolata beach
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata
Girolata and Scandola Reserve
Girolata and Scandola Reserve

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/corsica/girolata-via-punta-di-a-literniccia/