Osani brings together the Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata’s natural harbor and Plage de Gradelle beach, along with hiking trails and historic buildings. Highlights range from coastal scenery and trails to fortifications and rural life. When looking for a hotel in Osani, it helps to first decide which of these interests will shape your stay.
Scandola, Girolata and the coastal area
The Scandola Nature Reserve in Osani was established on December 9, 1975, and covers 1,919 hectares. Geologically, Scandola is the part of an ancient volcanic complex that rises above the sea; part of the complex has collapsed into the sea. The reserve is also one of France’s most important refuges for the osprey.
Girolata lies on Corsica’s west coast at the edge of the protected area and offers a well-sheltered anchorage. The natural harbor is accessible only by boat or on foot, as no road has ever been built there. The Gulf of Girolata is part of the Gulf of Porto UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been protected since 1983. If you plan to visit Girolata, take this unique accessibility into account when planning your outing.
Traces of fortifications and everyday life
Fortin de Girolata is located in the hamlet of Girolata in Osani. Its construction began with a rectangular tower dating from the mid-16th century; by the first quarter of the 17th century, it had become a heavily fortified complex. Its architecture is considered highly original and clearly differs from that of other Genoese defensive monuments in Corsica.
The Aghja of Girolata also tells the story of rural work: this very well-preserved threshing floor was used for threshing grain until the end of the 1950s. A viewpoint in Girolata offers views of Scandola, Cap Seninu and the village.
Hiking, beaches and activities
The Mare e Monti Nord long-distance trail runs from Calenzana to Cargèse and has ten stages. These include the sections from Galéria to Girolata and from Girolata to Curzu. The trail is part of the discovery-trail network of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Corse. Curzu has old granite houses, adding a specific example of built heritage to your stage planning. As trail conditions can vary, it is advisable to check the latest conditions before setting out on a hike.
Below the village of Osani lies Plage de Gradelle, a 200-meter-long cove of small pebbles. It is the last beach accessible by car before the Gulf of Girolata. From the beach, an accessible trail forms part of the Gradelle–Caspiu hike; the route offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Porto. As road conditions can change, check the route before setting out.
At the beach, Gradelle rents out sea kayaks. Seasonal operations may vary, so check availability before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Vico, Sarrola-Carcopino, Cardo-Torgia, Cuttoli-Corticchiato, Belvédère-Campomoro, Sari-Solenzara, Balogna, Cannelle.
For the broader travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
