A small but perfectly formed summit, wild beaches and deserted farmsteds…

The Desert des Agriates stretches from Saint Florent in the North, to Ostriconi near Lozari in the South. The area is arid, with low maquis and cactus, but was once the farming area of Corsica.

« A coastal walk and a mountain all rolled into one, take care in hot weather as there is little shade. Easygoing except for the scramble to the summit»

Food supplies:  LOZARI, ILE ROUSSE or PIETRALBA

Please Note:  Take plenty of water with you in hot weather and DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO OFF TRAIL.  

7km / 2h15 / +400m / -400m / Some signs and occasional way-marks

This walk is a loop walk ideal for all the family. CARE – Park at the parking area in a field behind LES JARDINS DE L’OSTRICONI an Auberge on the PONTE LECCIA / ILE ROUSSE road.

• Jardins de l’Ostriconni (to Col) 0h45/ 2km

Take the dirt track that passes the Auberge LES JARDINS DE L’OSTRICONI from the main road N1197. The track initially under Eucalyptus leads between fields for around 10 minutes before arriving at a metal gate, go through this closing it and move initially away from the track on a waymarked path across a rocky area to the left. Another path leads off to the left (towards the beach – your return point) but you are following the track again ahead marked Boucle 3h30 towards a bergerie, then a walled cave, used until the late 20th Century as a sheepfold.

Just after this, head on a path left that starts the climb through low maquis. Follow the waymarked path (Conservatoire du Littoral) as it hugs the hillside for around 30 minutes until you reach a col with olive trees.

• Col (to Punta Liatoghju) 0h30 / 1.5km

Cross the col (there is a short little summit detour just to the left past the col if you want a good view 0h10 return) and continue on the path as it drops gently, crossing this valley, with views to the sea on your right and passing a small bread oven on your left, then arriving at a stone threshing circle and two other stone farmsteds, testament to the agricultural past of the area.

From here you continue straight on, and begin the climb on a well traced path up across terraces towards the PUNTA LIATOGHJU, the climb steepens as you switch back near the rock face, you arrive at a tree with views towards the coast. The path from here becomes more of a scamble and is not for those with vertigo. For those who get to the top the view is sublime over the OSTRICONI, the AGRIATES and the mountains of the CENTRE CORSE.

• Punta Liatoghju (to Jardins de l’Ostriconni ) 1h00 / 3.5km

Retrace your steps to the valley, and turn right into the woods, the path is easy to follow, passing through woodland then open scrub full of prickly pear trees, if you look behind you can see the summit you have just bagged.

At a barrier, the path meets a track that runs to the beach, turn right here for OSTRICONI 40 mins return. See another walk at OSTRICONI here.

Otherwise, turn left, follow the track, passing a house at MAISON DU GRADU then dropping down a rocky knoll before continuing on an easy to follow trail above the OSTRICONI valley. Your walk takes you across the hillside covered in prickly pears. You arrive back at the junction you left earlier hear the cave, turn right and arrive at the metal gate, take the track back to the parking area.