The coastal path: from the Sanguinaires to Capo di Feno.
An easy coastal hike near Ajaccio, between the Parata, the Sanguinaires islands, the maquis and Saint-Antoine beach.
A sea-and-maquis outing for a half day.
The path starts at the Parata car park, an iconic spot in Ajaccio, then follows the coast towards Capo di Feno. You walk above the coves, with the Sanguinaires islands behind you and an increasingly wild atmosphere along the way.
Practical details: 8.1 km, about 2 h 10, altitude 2 to 81 m, about 200 m of climb, easy. The path is accessible but exposed to the sun: water, a cap and proper shoes are essential.
The reward, depending on the season, is being able to go down to Saint-Antoine beach before walking back the same way. For villa guests, it is a lovely way to combine Ajaccio, the Sanguinaires and a real seaside walk.
The coastal path in pictures
The Ajaccio coast, the Sanguinaires and the path to Capo di Feno in different moods.
The trail in pictures.
When to fit this walk into your stay?
It works very well outside the hottest periods, or early in the morning in summer. You can pair it with a stop at the Parata, a sunset by the Sanguinaires or a wilder beach at Capo di Feno. From Ruppione it is a full outing: you drive to Ajaccio, walk, then come back to the calm of the south shore.
The history of the coastal path
The sentier des douaniers ("customs officers' path") takes its name from the customs officers who patrolled it in the 19th century to watch the coast and prevent smuggling. This network of coastal paths, found along much of the Corsican coastline, has gradually been restored as a hiking route. The stretch between the Parata and Capo di Feno is one of the most accessible and spectacular on the Bay of Ajaccio.
From the Parata car park, at the foot of the Genoese tower and facing the Sanguinaires islands, the path gradually climbs above the shore. You walk on granite paths, sometimes along ledges, with constant views of the sea. The fragrant maquis in season, the fresh wind off the cape and the changing colours of the coast create a unique atmosphere.
The route in detail
The outward route is 8.1 km, about 2h10 of walking, with a moderate climb of about 200 metres. The terrain is varied: rocky paths, stretches through maquis, viewpoints over the sea. The start is at the Parata car park (15 minutes from the centre of Ajaccio), and the finish at Saint-Antoine beach allows a swim before walking back or taking a shuttle.
The path first follows the Sanguinaires road, then leaves it to climb higher. You pass the Parata cape and cross Punta Bianca with its red porphyry rocks, before gradually descending towards Capo di Feno. The quiet fine-sand beach at the end is a well-deserved reward.
Practical tips and best time to go
The best times are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October): mild temperatures, the maquis in bloom and fewer walkers. In July and August, be sure to leave early (before 8 am) to avoid the heat. Bring 1.5 litres of water per person, closed shoes (no flip-flops), a cap and sunscreen. There is no drinking water along the way.
For families with young children, the section between the car park and the Parata cape (30–40 minutes return) is doable. The rest towards Capo di Feno is for older children and experienced walkers.
Combining with Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires
This hike fits naturally into a day in Ajaccio: morning at the Parata and on the path, lunch at Capo di Feno or back in Ajaccio, a free afternoon to discover the old town or browse the market, and a sunset facing the Sanguinaires before heading back to Ruppione.
For other activities around the villa, see our local guide, read our article on the Sanguinaires islands, or discover Capo di Feno, a wild beach reachable by car. Our apartments facing Ruppione beach are the ideal base for these trips.
Beyond the path: why this walk changes your view
Walking the coastal path means seeing the coast from a different angle. From below — from the beach or the sea — the cliffs look smooth and impenetrable. From the path you understand their texture: the veins of granite, the mosses, the plants clinging to the rocks, the coves reachable only on foot or by boat. It is a way to better understand the area you are in, not just as a backdrop but as a living landscape.
For travellers staying at Villa Iché-Poggi, this walk complements a beach-focused stay. You are no longer just by the sea: you walk along the coast, look at Ajaccio from above, cross areas that are still wild. This movement between the familiar beach of Ruppione and the more adventurous landscapes of the Parata peninsula gives your stay its depth.
See our local guide page for the best hiking resources around the south shore, and also read our full article on Capo di Feno, at the end of the path, also reachable by car for a swim at a wild beach.
Stay at Ruppione — 7 apartments facing the beach, book direct with no service fees.
See the apartments Local guide