A classic coastal walk into the remote seaside hamlet of GIROLATA. Very popular with walkers, it is in all the guidebooks and it is best to avoid this one in high season. It is a hot walk, but can be shortened by taking the boat out of GIROLATA instead. Care for those with vertigo as some sections could prove a challenge.

• Col de la Croix (to Cala di Tuara) 0h45 / 2.5km

Park at the parking area at COL DE LA CROIX. Taking the path from the cabin bar – you will see the start of the “CHEMIN DU FACTEUR”. Guy Ceccaldi, the postman used to take the route daily to deliver the mail to the tiny hamlet at Girolata. The path leads gently downhill, parallel to the road, you will soon be rewarded by ever improving vistas over the Golfe de Girolata towards Scandola. You pass the FONTAINE DE SPANA and half an hour later arrive on the beach at TUARA.

• Cala di Tuara (to Girolata) 0h45 / 2.5km

From here there are two paths that lead to the beach at GIROLATA. You have the choice of going up and over a small col, or the coastal path. The CHEMIN DU FACTEUR.

From the far corner of the beach take the trail marked with a sign that leads around the coast to the left. The path skirts around PUNTA DI TUARA soon opening up onto views of GIROLATA (NB as the path follows the cliff, some sections may be tricky for walkers with vertigo).   

• Girolata (to Cala di Tuara) 0h45 / 2.5km

After a visit of the hamlet, you have two options, bringing you to COL DE LA CROIX BOCCA A CROCCE. Walk to the far corner of GIROLATA beach and take the trail uphill for 10m. Veer right (pass close to a small cemetery marked CIM on the maps.

From the Cemetary retrace your steps from earlier, and take the trail marked with a sign CHEMIN DU FACTEUR that leads around the coast. The path skirts around PUNTA DI TUARA soon opening up onto views of GIROLATA (NB as the path follows the cliff, some sections may be tricky for walkers with vertigo).

• Inland Path (Mare e Monti Variant) – 1h15/3km

The path leads off uphill from the cemetery and is signposted as a MARE E MONTI Variant (ignore the CHEMIN DU FACTEUR). The path climbs steadily uphill in full sun. After 30 minutes you reach a junction with a MARE E MONTI variant, coming in from the right. Continue straight ahead, after 10 minutes the views open onto CALA TUARA, and the path begins to drop down to beach.

• Cala di Tuara (to Bocca a Croce) 0h45 / 2.5km

Your path pulls uphill from the beach, on the MARE E MONTI variante, you pass the pointe marked on your maps FNE DE SPANA 180m.  Continue to the D81 road and BOCCA A CROCE at 269m.

Taxi Boat Option (from Girolata to Vignola & Bocca a Crocce)

There are ferry boats to VIGNOLA port marked on your map.  Ask at the Capitainerie / Harbour office for a crossing, these are on the hour from 11am daily.

From the tiny port at VIGNOLA, a rough track zig-zags uphill.  Once up at 272m it flattens out, follow the track to the left around the hill towards BOCCA A CROCE, where you will find a refreshment bar and the car park and hopefully the car!  An orientation point is indicated with a red star on your maps.