Free walking tours in Appietto and what to see

Must-sees

Appietto is a municipality in Corse-du-Sud that runs down from the mountains to the Gulf of Lava, a few kilometres north of Ajaccio. The historic village, at about 480 metres, brings together stone houses in several tiered hamlets around the parish church. From its streets you can see the valley sloping down to the sea through the maquis, the low, fragrant scrub so typical of the island.

The landscape’s great landmark is the Rocher des Gozzi, a granite massif with sheer walls that dominates the valley. On its summit are the remains of a medieval castle, and the climb on foot is rewarded with a wide view over the gulfs of Ajaccio and Lava. Below, Lava beach is a long strip of sand at the head of its bay, shared with the neighbouring municipality of Alata. A Genoese watchtower also survives on the coast.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Appietto. Civitatis offers a guided hike around the village at sunset, when the light falls over the gulf. For heritage guided tours, people usually rely on Ajaccio, which has more city walks and boat trips along the coast.

How long to spend

With half a day you have time for the village and a spell on the beach at Lava. The climb up the Rocher des Gozzi, on a stony path with steep sections, needs another half day and good footwear. Ideally, give it a full day, or use it as a base for two or three days to combine it with Ajaccio and the beaches of the Gulf of Sagone. In summer it is best to walk early or late in the afternoon.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay by the Gulf of Lava, where there are apartments, holiday residences and houses with pools near the beach. If you prefer cool air and silence, the upper village has holiday homes with views. You will need a car, because the roads are winding and public transport is scarce. Ajaccio, less than half an hour away, has most of the hotels.