Castelluccio Children’s Cemetery – Lisa Dam – Castellu d’A Punta

Park in the small car park to the right of the trailhead (D11A road). Return via the same route. You can avoid this return journey if you decide to leave another car at Castellu d’A Punta, but be aware that this road is temporarily closed, meaning you’ll have to walk down and find another way back to the starting point. In summer 2024, the castle is closed to the public due to restoration work.

(S/E) Join the path to the left of the small car park and follow the sign for Barrage de Lisa, taking a wide 4x4 track which quickly climbs steeply up to the dam.

(1) Turn right at the sign for “Cimetière des enfants du bagne de Castelluccio” and follow the gently sloping path to its end, where the cemetery is located (note that the gate is sometimes closed, but you can read the explanations about the fate of these 160 young convicts who died due to the conditions in the penal colony).

(2) Retrace your steps back to the wide path.

(1) Take the wide path on the right which climbs steeply (note: there is no shade at all on the climb up to the Lisa Dam).

(3) View of Saint-Antoine Cemetery. Continue along the wide, steep path which winds upwards and pass under a power line.

(4) View of Ajaccio; continue along the wide path to reach the dam where the 4x4 track ends (you can walk around the lake, but we suggest crossing the dam).

(5) Head down to the right to cross the dam: you can spot some lovely little turtles and hear their surprising call, which sounds like that of frogs.

(6) Turn left and follow the lake along a flat, pleasant path to the end of the lake.

(7) Turn right then left and head up towards the Sentier des Fontaines (signposted). The climb quickly becomes steep and slippery, but with a bit of luck, you may spot small groups of goats in the scrubland. There are numerous views of Lake Lisa, the Gulf of Ajaccio, the ridge path and the Sanguinaires Islands. After this long climb, the slope becomes gentler and you can visit the many fountains.

(8) View of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Continue straight up the path, heading due north.

(9) Panoramic view of the Gulf. Continue along the path to reach the start of the Sentier des Fontaines, which climbs gently.

(10) Pass fountain 1 and continue along the path which climbs towards the next fountain. After fountain 4, continue along the path which climbs towards a series of three fountains. Pass these three fountains and continue along the path which climbs towards the next fountain. After this fountain, the path now climbs steeply towards a fork.

(11) Turn right and walk past the numerous antennas on your left at the summit of Punta Pozzo di Borgo. Climb towards Castellu d'A Punta and pass through several gates in the pastures (don’t forget to close them behind you). Finish with a long descent towards Castellu d'A Punta.

(12) At gate 3, continue along the path as it climbs (remember to close the gate behind you). View of Mont Gozzi a little further on. Continue along the path, which widens.

(13) View of Ajaccio and its gulf. You’re almost there; the path is wide and shaded. Continue to Castellu d’A Punta: the castle is closed to the public as it is undergoing restoration.

(14) Turn back and begin the long return journey along the same route to the car park (S/E).
If you wish to descend via the road, you must take the gentle slope to the left of the Castellu.

Most of this hike is in the open sun, so it is recommended that you bring plenty of water and provisions as the sun is strong and the route is long with steep slopes in places.

Make sure you wear good walking shoes and bring walking poles, as the paths are often very slippery and steep.
Hats and sunglasses are a must – it’s very sunny by the sea!
Binoculars, cameras and photo equipment are essential.
But don’t forget a fleece, as the wind is chilly in winter and spring.

Visit the children’s cemetery at Castelluccio Penitentiary.
Visit the many fountains along the trail of the same name.
And once it reopens following restoration, visit the magnificent Castellu d'A Punta.
Video of the hike: https://youtu.be/8YYsNYhWJp4