Between two towers from Arinella Beach

de fr

As you walk along the coast, this walk will allow you to explore the remains of the built heritage, whilst admiring the view of the Gulf of Calvi and its citadel. The route passes by the square Tower of Caldanu and arrives at the round Tower of Spano. Two different Genoese architectural styles serving the same purpose: to watch for dangers coming from the sea...

Details

n°19829001
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.30 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 78 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 73 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 28 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Balagne
  • ⚐ District: Lumio (20260)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.57668° / E 8.805361°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4149OT
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Photos

Round Genoese Tower
Granite rocks
Tour de Spano

Description of the walk

From the T30 (Calvi road), take the coastal road down to a shaded car park. Park and look for the path to the right of the Arinella Beach establishment (closed in winter).

(S/E) Set off to the right of the beach establishment and follow the coastal path

(1) Cross the beach, find the path leading towards the rocks at the far end of the beach and continue until you reach the square tower of Caldanu on your left as you come to a road.

(2) Continue along the tarmac road.

(3) At a bend in the road, you can take a shortcut if you wish by following a path for a few metres, or continue along the road that runs alongside the sea.

(4) At the end of the road, take a path leading to a small beach. Cross the beach to rejoin the path.

(5) Follow the path opposite and take the one furthest to the left to reach the Round Tower of Spano.

(6) Turn back and, following the same route as on the way there, return to the starting point at Arinella Beach (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 3 m - Arinella Beach
  2. 1 : km 0.19 - alt. 3 m - Beach crossing
  3. 2 : km 0.9 - alt. 8 m - Caldanu Square Tower
  4. 3 : km 1.65 - alt. 13 m - Shortcut
  5. 4 : km 1.95 - alt. 24 m - End of the road
  6. 5 : km 2.27 - alt. 4 m - Trail junction
  7. 6 : km 2.65 - alt. 7 m - Spano Round Tower
  8. S/E : km 5.3 - alt. 3 m - Arinella Beach

Notes

In winter, bring a windbreaker.
In summer, whilst a swimsuit may be a useful item, be sure to bring a cap and plenty of water.
To avoid disturbing the local wildlife, it is recommended that you walk quietly.

Worth a visit

The sea is visible throughout the walk: between rocks and beaches.
Between the two towers, you’ll find the remains of an old granite quarry, a jetty and the former workers’ accommodation.
You’ll also be able to spot numerous plant species that inhabit the coastline in various spots.
Furthermore, you can observe seagulls, which are very numerous on a small island, as you approach the Tour de Spano.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Alain Luque
Alain Luque

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk along the coast, with rough seas and huge waves.
It takes an extra half hour after point 6 to reach the Genoese tower, which is very easy.
You can return via a slightly higher route, parallel to the railway line.
There are no trees, so avoid this route if it is too hot (but you can swim along the way).
Superb view of Calvi and La Revellata.

Machine-translated

Frederico
Frederico

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A walk along the coast, starting from a large car park. The views along the route are magnificent. One small downside: the name "entre 2 tours" (between two towers) becomes clear when you reach point 6, as the route stops right in the middle of the two towers. You will need to add around 45 minutes there and back to reach point 6 at the tower.

Machine-translated

inconnu qui randonne
inconnu qui randonne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant stroll along the Corsican coast.
No difficulty.

Machine-translated

mjmperot
mjmperot
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

It’s a lovely walk, with a beautiful view of the sea.
However, the section between point 2 and point 4 isn’t particularly interesting as it’s on a tarmac road and there are hardly any views of the sea...
Point 6 doesn’t actually reach Spano Tower. You need to carry on for about another half an hour to get there.

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