Scandola Nature Reserve

A World Heritage Site located on the central western coast of Corsica island in France - the Scandola Nature Reserve is one of the well known tourist attractions in France. The nature reserve lies at the center of the maritime façade of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, occupying the Scandola peninsula. This peninsula is a porphyritic rock mass extending for 80 kilometers, from the Capo Rosso peninsula to the northern extreme of Galeria town.

The Cape Girolata, Cape Porto, Piana Calanches and the Scandola Nature Reserve in Corsica France have been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Sight which exhibits excellent universal value under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Officially created under ministerial decree, on the 9th of December 1975, the Scandola Nature Reserve holds the distinction of being Corisca's first nature reserve. Besides, it was also the first reserve of France, which aimed at preserving natural heritage of the earth as well as of the sea. The outstanding management of the reserve ensured its being awarded the diploma of the 'A' category of the nature European Reserves, by the European Council in 1985.

Of the 19.19 km² area of the Scandola Nature Reserve, land area constitutes 9.19 km², while marine area is 10 km². The reserve can be divided into two sectors - the Elpa Nera inlet stretching between Pointe Bianca and Pointe Validori, and the Scandola peninsula. The topography of the reserve features many rough and steep cliffs, which has a number of grottos and are bounded by several stacks, islets and coves. Some of the highlights of the coastline here are the red cliffs, some soaring to 900 meters, sand beaches, and headlands.

The flora at Scandola Nature Reserve in France is an exemplary instance of scrubland. While the steep cliffs grow the rare Armeria soleirollii, typical Mediterranean maquis vegetation is found on the gentler slopes. The natural reserve is the only place in France, where the red algae can be found.

While on a tour to Scandola Nature Reserve, you'll encounter a rich pelagic, sedentary and migrant fauna, with seagulls, cormorants and sea eagles constituting the min avian species. The crystal-clear waters, islets and coves support a rich marine life, with species like the spiny lobster and several types of littoral and sublittoral invertebrates and fish being found in abundance.