Punta d’Isa circular route

At an altitude of 1,630 m and close to Ajaccio, this easily accessible peak offers stunning views over the Gravona Valley.
Rather than the quick, direct route to the summit from the Col de Scalella, opt for the longer, gentler circular route, with its stunning scenery.

Details

37022688
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 622 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 616 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,630 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,031 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Tavera (20163)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.054155° / E 9.022486°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4252OT, 4252OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Coming from Ajaccio or the north, from the T20, take the D27 at the Bocognano roundabout. Pass the Voile de la Mariée waterfall then the Tavera junction and park on the left at a lay-by

(S/E) From the lay-by, cross the road and head to the start of the path. Follow the path, marked by signposts indicating the villages of Tavera and Ucciani; it is clearly visible as it forms a firebreak for the first few metres. Yellow markings appear regularly. Continue to a rocky outcrop.

(1) Take a moment to stop and admire the landscape, with views over the village of Tavera and the Gravona valley. Below, you can see Mount Gozzi, as well as the Vizzavona Pass behind it.
Follow the path, which alternates between steep sections and gentle slopes, until the descent towards Ucciani begins.

(2) Turn left. The climb to the summit begins and cairns, sometimes hidden by ferns, mark the path. Continue to the summit at 1,630 m.

(3) There are two crosses here. Enjoy the 360° view. Descend the northern slope following the cairns, taking care not to slip. Reach the Col de Scalella at the end of the descent, keeping to the left at every junction.

(4) Turn left and walk along the road towards Bocognano. Pass a fountain on the left-hand side of the road.

(5) Continue along the path until you reach the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,031 m - U Pruneddu clearing
  2. 1 : km 1.06 - alt. 1,178 m - Rocky outcrop
  3. 2 : km 2.1 - alt. 1,233 m - Junction towards Punta d'Isa
  4. 3 : km 3.31 - alt. 1,627 m - Punta d'Isa (1,630 m) - Punta d'Isa (1630 mètres)
  5. 4 : km 4.98 - alt. 1,192 m - Scalella Pass - Scalella (stream) - Tributary of the Frasselli Stream - Scalella (ruisseau) - Affluent du Ruisseau de Frasselli
  6. 5 : km 6.78 - alt. 1,057 m - "Funtana Rotta" fountain – Ruggia (stream) – Tributary of the Piana Stream - Ruggia (ruisseau) - Affluent du Ruisseau de Piana
  7. S/E : km 7.25 - alt. 1,031 m - U Pruneddu clearing

Notes

A hike exposed to wind and sun. Dress appropriately for the season.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
User 10376848

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Not bad at all

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Azul56
Azul56

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Be careful not to miss the path on the left leading up to the summit. It is marked only by a cairn.

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oponcin
oponcin
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One of the most beautiful hikes around Ajaccio: panoramic views all along the Corsican mountain range
https://youtu.be/2CUL-8UXNAs?si=_OmXKH5V...
In the morning, we’re in the shade of the mountain

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Sebcheuss
Sebcheuss

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike, but one you have to work for – not very long in distance but with a significant elevation gain; it’s a steep climb.
Stunning scenery throughout the climb and a breathtaking 360° panorama once you reach the top.
I agree with the previous comment about the descent via the north face: it’s steep, slippery and not particularly interesting.
Part of the descent follows a barbed wire fence and the last 2 km are along the road leading to the Col de Scalella.
If I do this hike again, once at the top, I’ll turn back and take the same route as on the way up.

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Chromo
Chromo

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The scenery is magnificent, and the higher you go, the more beautiful it gets. One of the most stunning panoramic views I’ve come across so far. That said, it’s a hike fit for goats. You pass through scree slopes as long as the path is marked, but it gets seriously steep as soon as you venture off-trail. From the summit, the view is extraordinary. The descent is simply awful. Very steep, slippery, over loose stones that roll because the ground itself isn’t stable. In fact, it feels endless... It might be better to do a round trip. Wear good shoes (high-top for ankle support) and take a walking stick to help you steady yourself.

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