The postman’s trail: hike between Calvi and Girolata

Do you know that thrill? The one that grips you at the mere thought of a legendary path, a promise of wild escape. The postman’s trail, between Calvi and Girolata, is a secret door in the red rock of the island, an invitation to feel Corsica beat under your feet. Close your eyes: the rustling of the maquis, salt on your skin, the cry of the royal kite. Are you there? Let’s go.

The postman’s trail: a human and panoramic adventure

A path that winds, relentless and faithful, along the jagged coastline. This is the postman’s trail, once the only thread of Ariadne between the world and the isolated village of Girolata. Imagine Guy the postman, discreet silhouette, worn shoes, bag of letters on his shoulder, traversing this ribbon of stone every day, defying the wind, the unexpected, sometimes even solitude.

Walking here is an appointment with the history of Corsica, feeling in your calves the tenacity of those who, every day, brought news and tidings of love to the hamlet. With every step, one can sense the authentic charm of a small isolated port nestled between sea and maquis, where daily life blends with wild nature.

Breathtaking panorama. Everywhere, the gaze embraces the Tyrrhenian Sea, cutting through with a deep blue, the Gulf of Girolata like a turquoise jewel, the volcanic lace of the Scandola Reserve in the background. Here, every turn promises a surprise: a lizard’s leap, the heady scent of rockrose, a hoarse cry of seagulls offshore.

Detailed itinerary: from Col de la Croix to Girolata, passing through the Scandola natural reserve

Ready? The adventure often begins at Col de la Croix, near Osani. I truly recommend arriving early: the morning mist dances over the heather, the air is still fresh, everything is possible.

The different significant stages of the hike:

• Col de la Croix – Bocca di Fuata: The trail climbs sharply. The scent of the maquis, peppery, takes hold of your nostrils. Already, the view opens up: Porto, in the distance, nestles like a sentinel of ocher;
• Descend towards the Scandola natural reserve: Here, nature becomes wild and fierce. Myrtles, lentisks, perfume the air. Sometimes, one can spot, a rare chance, dolphins playing in deserted coves;
• Final stretch towards Girolata: The trail curls, playfully offering the most beautiful panoramas of the Gulf of Girolata. On the right, the red rocks of Capo Rosso rise like giants.

Expect an average of 2h30 to 3h of walking: 7 kilometers, nearly 500 meters of elevation gain. It’s tough! Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and why not a piece of fiadone in your backpack.

Immersive experience: Girolata, this village without roads where nature reigns

Arriving in Girolata feels like discovering a well-kept secret. No roads, no cars. Just the ochre and earth houses, huddled around their pebbled beach, watched over by the ancient Genoese fort. Here, transport will always rhyme with adventure: by foot along the postman’s trail… or by boat, an unforgettable cruise from Porto or Calvi, in changing light that flirts with ochres and greens.

In the small fishing port, time seems suspended; a net dries; the clinking of a mast, the distant murmur of a conversation. Taste the fresh brocciu, or simply let yourself be rocked by the light that makes the eucalyptus shiver, feel the dry warmth of the stones.

Walking to Girolata means reconnecting with that slow, calm, almost contemplative time.

A natural sanctuary: biodiversity and landscapes sculpted by the elements

The Scandola natural reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, continues to fascinate nature lovers.

Do you want to experience an immersive moment?, open your senses:

• The aromas of the maquis (rockrose, immortelle, wild lavender) intertwine like an olfactory patchwork;
• The panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the golden glow of the rocks, the bright light at noon, soft in the evening, sculpts the reliefs;
• The majestic flight of fishing ospreys, the fierce silhouette of the falcon.

You walk in one of the last wild kingdoms of Corsica. Here, biodiversity explodes: over 30 species of endemic plants and hundreds of animal species, from the Tyrrhenian lizard to the famous osprey. The Reserve attracts, astonishes, and reminds us that humans and landscapes are intimately linked.

Practical tips for successfully hiking the postman’s trail

No way to venture on this iconic path without proper preparation. Here’s my collection of tips, forged from experience (and a few memories of sunburn!):

Absolutely to be planned:

• Water (lots!);
• A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50;
• Good hiking shoes, the trail is rocky;
• A lunch, or the famous Corsican canistrelli (very energizing).
• A light, but complete backpack

When to go?

• April to June: nature explodes, bouquets of flowers everywhere, less oppressive heat;
• September-October: golden light, ideal temperatures, scattered tourists.

Access and logistics:

Arrival by car: parking at Col de la Croix (paying in season). After the hike, two options:

• Return on foot (for the more seasoned and challenge-loving)
• Enjoy a boat cruise back to Porto or Calvi, to admire the coast differently. Some companies like Corsica Croisières offer regular connections.

Little reminder: Girolata is only accessible by foot or by sea. That makes all the difference, and it’s what protects this gem, far from the crowds and noise.

A path to experience, to share, to meditate

I am convinced: crossing the postman’s trail to Girolata is not an ordinary hike. It is an invitation to reconnect with your rhythm, to savor the effort, but also simple pleasures. It’s about cultivating a certain taste for secrets, like those of villages such as Girolata, the Scandola Reserve, or so many other gems like Lake Creno or the Aiguilles de Bavella.

We often talk about “immersive experience”: here, it’s not a marketing promise, it’s reality. All your senses are engaged, your gaze sharpens, your spirit calms.

The relationship between man and landscape takes on full meaning on this path. The postman’s path is proof that the connection to nature is not an abstract concept, but a reality to be lived, at every step, between stones and scents, between effort and sharing.

Eager for a challenge, a breath of elsewhere, a break from the world? The postman’s trail awaits you. Who knows, you might even cross paths with a certain Clement de la Spelunca, sketchbook in hand, capturing the mythical light of this little piece of Corsican eternity.

All the more reason to never stop exploring, walking, loving: the raw beauty of Corsica is never far away… especially on the postman’s trail.