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

Park in the small car park on the right-hand side 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 please note 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 whilst undergoing restoration.

(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 path as it climbs gently to its end, where the cemetery is located (please note that the gate is sometimes closed, but you will be able to read the explanations about the fate of these 160 young convicts who died as a result of 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 (please note there is no shade at all on the ascent to the Lisa Dam).

(3) View of the Saint-Antoine Cemetery. Continue along the wide, steep path as it winds its way up and pass under a power line.

(4) View of Ajaccio; continue along the wide path until you reach the dam, where the 4x4 track ends (you can walk round 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 walk along the lake on a flat, pleasant path to the far end of the lake.

(7) Turn right, then left, and head uphill 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 maquis. There are numerous viewpoints over Lake Lisa, the Gulf of Ajaccio, the ridge path and the Sanguinaires Islands. After this long climb, the slope levels out and you can visit the many fountains.

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

(9) Panoramic view of the Gulf. Follow 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 antennae on your left at the summit of Punta Pozzo di Borgo. Climb towards Castellu d’A Punta and pass through numerous 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). A view of Mont Gozzi opens up a little further on. Continue along the path, which widens here.

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

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

Most of this walk is in the open sun, so it’s advisable to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the sun is intense and the walk is long, with steep slopes in places.

Make sure you wear sturdy walking shoes and take walking poles, as the paths are often very slippery and steep.
Hats and sunglasses are a must – it’s very bright 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.
A visit to 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 walk: https://youtu.be/8YYsNYhWJp4