With its rocks, turquoise waters and tower, the natural site of Punta di Spanu is one of our favorite places in the Balagne region of Corsica.
A short walk around this collection of coves (also called Punta Spano or Spano Point) is invigorating with beautiful views of the mountains and the bay of Calvi.
Here is our guide to help you plan your visit: map, access, parking, tour, beaches, conditions…
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Why visit Punta di Spanu in Balagne
Is Punta di Spanu worth it?
Yes. Absolutely.
With the mixture of giant granite rocks, creeks, scrubland and the Genoese tower, this point is a fascinating place for the whole family.
Moreover, Punta di Spanu is the furthest point in the bay of Calvi. You have a breathtaking view of the bay, the citadel, the Revellatta peninsula and the mountains in the background.
Once a golf course, it is now a protected natural site, and one of our favorite places in Balagne(see our complete list).
What to do in Punta di Spanu?
No time to get bored at Punta di Spanu, you can:
- You swim from the beach of the Rock
- Explore the sea bed by snorkeling
- Sunbathing on one of the flat rocks
- Explore around the biggest rocks
- Walking on the paths around, surrounded by the Corsican maquis
- Admire the Genoese tower
More pictures after the practical advice.
Access and Map – Punta Spano, Lumio, Corsica
Where is Punta di Spanu?
- Between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- In the community area of Lumio
- At the northeast end of the tip of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 25min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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How to get to Spano Point
The protected site is only accessible by car. No public transportation.
or you can go hiking (see end of this article).
Direction to the coastal village of Saint’Ambroggio. And from the village, take the road to Spano towards Punta di Spanu.
On your GPS the place can be named Punta di Spanu or Punta Spano.
The road is paved until the end. It is not difficult but the last kilometer has big potholes, drive slowly.
Easy access from the parking lot to the first creek and to the walking paths.
Parking
There is a large parking lot, right next to the small beach of Le Rocher.
Off season, no problem to park.
On the other hand, in the middle of the day in summer, it can fill up.
Need to rent a car in Corsica?
Our advice:
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Practical advice
- If you want to explore, wear appropriate walking shoes
- Bring your own snorkeling equipment
- Allow at least 2 hours to explore, but it is easy to spend half a day or the whole day.
- Bring everything you need with you
- And don’t leave anything behind, take all your garbage with you.
Best time to visit
These mini-beaches and rocks are pleasant all year round.
In winter, even if the water is too cool, you can enjoy the rock formations and the views.
As for Corsica in general, there are many more people in summer, and especially between mid-July and mid-August. At this time, it is better to visit early.
The beach is oriented more towards the south and west. It is an ideal place to admire the sunset.
Restaurant
There are old facilities on the site but nothing active.
The restaurant Le Rocher is definitely closed.
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View on the bay of Calvi
The first thing to note when you arrive at Punta di Spanu, is the landscape as far as the eye can see.
The point advances well in the sea, at the end of the bay of Calvi (Gulf of Calvi). This allows a magnificent view of the whole cove.
You can see Calvi, the hills and the peninsula of Revelleta which make an arc of circle.
And in the background, you can see the summits of the Haute-Corse: the massifs of Monte Cinto (highest point at 2706m). In winter, you may see them covered in snow!
Here is a photo taken with the zoom from Punta di Spanu. You can see the citadel of Calvi on its rock, and the city behind.
The beach of the Rock
In Punto di Spanu you will find several small coves with small beaches.
The sand is a mixture with small pebbles.
The main cove is called the Beach of the Rock.
It is really beautiful with rocks on each side and a channel for swimming.
According to us, it is one of the most beautiful places to swim in the surroundings of Ile-Rousse(see our list).
Conditions for swimming
A very gentle slope, ideal for swimming with children.
But be careful, this beach is not supervised.
Snorkeling
With all its rocks, it is obviously a great place for snorkeling.
You can see species of sandy areas and the fauna of Posidonia meadows.
The depths around the point vary from 3m to 25m.
Where to stay in La Balagne
The Balagne is a superb region to stay in during your vacations in Corsica.
Here are our suggestions.
Option 1 – Île-Rousse
At the arrival of the ferry, a very well located city with a lot of charm. It is also easy to walk around and explore the area.
For example, the Rocabella Hotel in the heart of the city, with a soothing natural setting.
– see prices, pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse
Option 2 – Calvi
Calvi is the main town in the Balagne region and offers picturesque views from all angles.
Citadel, mountains, villages, boat trips… there’s plenty to do!
We recommend the Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views
– see pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
Option 3 – on the heights, around the villages of La Balagne
And if you prefer the calm, you can go to isolate you a little between its 2 big cities in the hills of Balagne. We suggest:
Hotel Le Domaine Casale Olmia in the hills – see photos and availability
Hotel A Casa Di Mà (in Lumio) with swimming pool – see photos and availability
Beautiful waterfront hotel between the 2 cities – see pictures and availability
Hotel La Santa with its infinity pool facing the view – see photos and availability
See our complete guide on where to sleep in the Balagne (coming soon)
The giant rocks of Spano Point – a little geology
What we like most in Punta di Spanu are the giant granite rocks.
On the pictures below, if you look closely, you will see people (yes, yes we promise). This allows you to have a size scale for these huge formations.
Geologically speaking, they are eroded balls of granite also called granite chaos.
Do not miss the rock broken in two, surely by a lightning…
Ballad of the point and islet of Spano
The protected site is an area of 65 hectares.
Historically there has been a vacation center and a golf course. But the Conservatoire du Littoral has managed to protect it since 1982.
All the point is affected by the south-west wind called the Libecciu.
There is only a low maquis: cistus, myrtle, lentisque (learn more about the plant species here).
We don’t know anything about it, but for the amateurs, there are also rare species here, such as the arum flytrap and a subspecies of ragwort.
Trails go around the point. Remember to respect them, to protect nature.
And watch where you step as there are many lizards living there.
See the one below, which we managed to photograph.
At the point of Spanu, we can also see a small islet. It is called island of Spano (very original…).
14m high, it shelters little vegetation but a breeding colony of gulls.
What to do in Balagne: our 5 essential articles
Genoese Tower: Torra di Bastianu
And in the middle of this vegetation, some of the paths lead to vestiges of the past (low wall, tower…). Villas were already built in the area in the 11th century.
The most important vestige is of course the Genoese tower of Spanu also called Torra di Bastianu. You will see it from quite a distance in several directions.
It was built in the 16th century, round in shape. It would be, apparently, one of the first built and also one of the smallest.
It was part of the impressive defense network around the island. You will see many other towers during your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Hiking from Punta Caldanu
Not far from Pubnta di Spanu, in the South, you can also find Puna Caldanu with its own tower. This point is smaller with a parking lot and nice views. But we find it less fascinating than Spanu.
But you can make a beautiful hike between the 2 points.
You will enjoy beautiful views of the bay all along and you will cross different coves. The walk takes 2 hours round trip.
Hiking from Agajola
And you can also walk from the east and the village of Algajola and make a loop.
The hike is 4h15 with a return to the starting point.
You can see the east coast and the coast south of Punta di Spanu.
Sprayer Punta di Spanu
LOL. Apparently the brand Casanera has created a spray named after this place to recall its scents of the coves between sea and scrub.
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