The South Shore
Porticcio and the South Shore enjoy a privileged location in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful gulfs, inviting you toescape and relax. Whether you're looking for a fun break with friends on a sunny terrace, an ursinade on the beach, an evening concert or a conference.
The South Shore is the gateway to an area bordered by the Taravo river, renowned for its cultural and natural heritage.
From Ornano to Taravo, you'll discover a string of charming villages as you move away from the seaside...
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Capo di Muro tower
Located at the southern tip of the Gulf of Ajaccio, opposite the Sanguinaires Islands, it marks the boundary between the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Gulf of Valinco.
It was built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Like all other coastal towers in Corsica, it was used to watch over the coast and warn local populations of danger from the sea. The tower is ideally located, as other towers in the Gulf of Ajaccio can be seen from its summit. These include Isolella, Castagna and, at the other end of the gulf, Sanguinaires.
In this way, the towers could easily communicate with each other via visual signals.
Listed as a historic monument
Listed as a historic monument, the Capo di Muro tower has been restored and is maintained by the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse.
Remarkably, it is the only tower in the Gulf of Ajaccio that can be entered.
Its architecture is typical of Genoese towers. A massive base served as a water tank for the Torregiani, the tower's guardians. The second floor, accessed by a removable ladder, was the living area. The fireplace and oven are still visible. Access to the terrace was via a small internal staircase, which is still used today.
A breathtaking view
Once at the top, you'll have a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Ajaccio and Cacao beach below. Don't forget your binoculars, or maybe you'd prefer a telescope to imagine yourself in the tower keeper's shoes, 400 years ago...
How to get there
By car from Ajaccio, it takes just over an hour. Head for the village of Acqua-Doria (D155). Shortly after the village, turn right towards Capo di Muro. Follow the road for a few kilometers, then when it gives way to a dirt track, park your car.
The path to the Genoese tower runs deep into the scrubland.
One hike, many variations
Several well-marked routes are available.
The shortest is the loop that takes you up to the tower, passing by a renovated stone building.
From here, a wider loop can be made to reach the coastline, where you'll find a lighthouse and the Madonella chapel.
NB: This walk is best done outside the heat of summer, as the path is not shaded. Bring water, good shoes and a cap.
