Porto lies at the end of the Gulf of Porto, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coast, marine life and history offer different ways to get to know the area. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the different highlights: boat trips take you to coastal destinations, the Tour de Porto combines architectural history with an exhibition, and the sixth stage of the GT20 brings distance and elevation gain into the picture.
Boat trips on the Gulf and services at the harbour
Boat trips depart from Porto several times a day to explore the Scandola Nature Reserve and the village of Girolata. Other trips take you to the Calanques de Piana and the caves of Capo Rosso. Boat trips may be available seasonally; check what is running for your travel dates. The destinations offer different highlights: one trip focuses on Scandola and Girolata, while another features the Calanques and caves.
Those who want to plan a day trip their own way can find rigid-hulled inflatable boats and boats with or without a licence at Porto Bateau Location. Boats ranging from 6 to 135 hp are available for day trips to the Gulf of Porto, Girolata and the Scandola Reserve. Rentals may also be available seasonally; confirm availability with the provider in advance.
Porto harbour has a slipway, fresh water, 220-watt electricity, and berths on a fixed pontoon and a mooring line. There are also departure points for boat trips. If you plan to use the harbour, check the operational details before you arrive. For another way to explore the underwater world, Club de PLONGEE PORTO offers introductory dives. These are available seasonally and should be confirmed.
Marine life at the Aquarium de la Poudrière
The Aquarium de la Poudrière showcases Corsica’s marine flora and fauna, with a particular focus on the Scandola Reserve. It features more than 150 species, all caught in the Gulf of Porto. The focus is therefore on the region’s marine life: here you can learn about species found in the Gulf and the protected area, while a boat trip offers views of coastal destinations from the water. The aquarium and boat trips thus offer different highlights for travellers interested in the nature around Porto.
Tour de Porto: fortress and exhibition
The Tour de Porto was built in the 16th century and fully restored in the 1990s. It is accessible on two levels, via a staircase cut into the rock. Inside, there is a permanent exhibition about the fortifications along the Corsican coast. The building and exhibition offer two perspectives: the history of the tower itself and the coastal fortifications, a subject that extends beyond Porto. Opening information is seasonal, so check in advance before your visit.
Beach and GT20 stage
Porto beach is bordered by a eucalyptus forest and made up of multicoloured pebbles. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility; check the relevant information again before travelling. The beach can be considered a destination in its own right, with a character different from boat trips or a visit to the tower.
The sixth stage of the GT20 runs from Galeria to Portu (Porto), is about 51 kilometres long and has 722 metres of elevation gain. The route passes through landscapes overlooking the Scandola Nature Reserve; the stage ends in Portu with views of the Gulf of Porto. At the beach, the pebble shore and eucalyptus forest take centre stage, while the stage is about distance, climbing and views of the landscape. These details can help you weigh up the different options for your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Ota.
