Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia Hike

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.

Remarks

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

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

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.

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: HardiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 6 h 30iFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 14.4 km
Type of route: Loop
Elevation gain: 870 m
Maximum altitude: 778 m
Vertiginous: NoiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: Yes
Popularity: Low
Region: North-West
Start point: 42.36385, 8.64819

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia Hike