June 9-10 Calvi and Scandola Reserve

Calvi headland and citadel

This morning was delightful. We boarded a boat and cruised along the coast to see the fabulous cliffs and calanques (narrow, steep walled inlets) of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Scandola Nature Reserve, in the Gulf of Girolata south-west of Calvi. The reserve covers approximately 900 hectares of land and 1000 hectares of sea. The gigantic rocky outcrops, which emerge from the sea are staggering. 

Watch towers like this are dotted all along the coastline. 
The biggest threat to Corsicans was Arab pirates - and malaria

Wonderful shapes created but the wind mostly 

The strata in the rocks was interesting

These looked like dolerite columns only lying on the sides

Wonderful grottos where the water was an intense turquoise

We pulled into the tiny village of Girolata which is only accessible for boat. Here we were greeted by cows wandering quite placidly along the beach! We found a spot in the shade and had lunch.

Preparing for a busy season

Fortifications stood overlooking the village

Wind power!

Returning to port

The following day was free time - what they call 'My Time'. We indeed made it our time - a bit of shopping, a bit of wandering and writing. That night was the farewell dinner at a local restaurant.  

Dreaming of what's to come!

We had a table with a view