Sentier des Douaniers in the Cap Corse

Le Sentier des Douaniers (Custom Officers Route) is a 19 km long coastal path on the north most tip of the Cap Corse. The trail runs from Macinaggio on the eastern coast through the maquis and protected areas to Centuri-Port on the west coast. It's passable all year round, however the best time to go is in spring or autumn. The route was used by customs officers in the past, what gave it its name.

Map of the trail

The map below shows the Sentier des Douaniers in purple with red markers indicating important way points (numbered) and points of interest (alphabetized).

Waypoints

1. Macinaggio
2. Barcaggio
3. Tollare
4. Port de Centuri

Points of interest

1. Campsite u Stazzu
2. Iles Finocchiarola
3. Santa Maria Chapel
4. Santa Maria Tower
5. Tour d'Agnello
6. Ile de la Giraglia
7. Monte Maggiore (359 m)

Itinerary

The Sentier des douaniers consists of three stages that can be walked within one day (8 hours):

1. Macinaggio - Barcaggio : 3h15
2. Barcaggio - Tollare : 0h45
3. Tollare - Port de Centuri : 4h

Highlights of the trail

• Iles Finocchiarola (Finocchiarola Islands) -- a nature reserve at the eastern coast with many different bird species that are easy to watch.
• Baie de Tamarone -- a small bay 2 km from Macinaggio offers deep clear waters perfect for diving and snorkelling.
• Chapelle Santa-Maria -- a Romanesque chapel built in 12th century on the foundations of a 6th century church.
• Tour Santa-Maria (Tour Chiapelle) -- a ruin of a huge three-storey Genoese tower cleft in half and entirely surrounded by water. The tower was built in the 16th century as a lookout post against the Moorish pirates.
• Genoese towers in Tollare, Barcaggio, Pointe d'Agnello and Giraglia Island.

Practical tips

• The tourist office in Macinaggio offers a free map and route description of the path; otherwise get hold of a copy of IGN #4347 map.
• Hotels, gites and campsites are in Macinaggio and Centuri. Don't bivouac along the trail, because most of the coast are protected areas.