Circular route of Rocher des Gozzi and Punta Pastinaca

de fr

A superb hike to share with others. Circular walk around the popular Rocher des Gozzi, which then climbs back up towards Punta Pastinaca. It continues on to Punta Curbajola, then descends towards the stream to reach Bocca a Foce. It then climbs back up towards San Sisto. It offers 360° views and a chance to share a moment sheltered from the wind in the old chapel.

Details

n°21437988
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.17 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 615 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 614 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 836 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 404 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Appietto (20167)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.010345° / E 8.769072°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4153OT
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park of the San Chirgu Chapel opposite the village of Appietto.

(S/E) Follow the lower path of Monte Gozzi that runs alongside Petra Lata, then go up the Calancone stream. Cross it and continue on to reach the crossroads below Monte Gozzi.

(1) Turn right to reach the Rocher des Gozzi.

(2) Return to the previous crossroads.

(1) Start the climb opposite to reach the summit of Punta Pastinaca and enjoy the incredible 360° view.

(3) Now follow the ridge along a well-marked path to easily reach Punta Curbajola.

(4) Descend via the path on the right to reach the Bocca a Foce crossroads through the woods.

(5) Turn right heading due north and climb up to the San Sisto ridge.

(6) Return in the opposite direction to Bocca a Foce.

(5) Take the path on the right towards the village of Appietto, which is visible in the distance. Follow the ridge and the stone wall. You will reach a Y-shaped crossroads just before the village.

(7) Turn left, then left again at a cross. You will then reach the Lava Stream.

(8) Cross it and follow it along, taking the path on the left. Continue along a short stretch of road to reach the car park at the San Chirgu Chapel (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 425 m - Car park at the San Chirgu chapel
  2. 1 : km 2.88 - alt. 684 m - Rocher des Gozzi crossroads
  3. 2 : km 3.16 - alt. 711 m - Rocher des Gozzi
  4. 3 : km 4.04 - alt. 812 m - Punta Pastinaca
  5. 4 : km 4.95 - alt. 784 m - Punta Curbajola
  6. 5 : km 5.46 - alt. 668 m - Boca a Foce
  7. 6 : km 6.02 - alt. 832 m - Crête San Sisto
  8. 7 : km 7.82 - alt. 525 m - Appietto crossroads
  9. 8 : km 8.48 - alt. 441 m - Lava stream
  10. S/E : km 9.17 - alt. 425 m - Car park at the San Chirgu chapel

Notes

You will cross a few streams on the way there, at the foot of Mont Gozzi and then towards Boca a Foce. On the way back, check your hiking equipment and remember to stay hydrated.

Worth a visit

(2) Rocher des Gozzi: enjoy the view of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
(6) Crête de San Sisto: take a break here to admire the panoramic view of the Gulf of Ajaccio, Liamone and central Corsica in the distance.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.6 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Elizzabetha
Elizzabetha

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, done in December 2025.
I was worried about being blocked by vegetation, as mentioned in previous comments, but by taking a small detour, it's fine. It scratches your legs a little, but it's passable.
The trail up to the San Sisto ridge is also not very visible, overgrown with vegetation and quite steep, but still passable. Thank you to those who placed the cairns!

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Linda50
Linda50

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

A magnificent view at the summit, but it's a shame that the start of the route is poorly maintained and the descent is very difficult to navigate (no path, forest of ferns and brambles to cross).

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marco 85
marco 85
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This hike should be enjoyable, but the trail is not maintained, brambles grow very quickly, and progress has become very difficult. I replaced quite a few cairns on the rocky section because someone had knocked them all down. It is recommended to start early as there is little shade. A machete, machete blade, and other tools are recommended.

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patetco
patetco

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with flowering vegetation and magnificent views. Thank you for the trail! Indeed, when descending from Punta Pastinaca, it is a bit difficult to find your way with the paths hidden by dense vegetation. But it is well worth the effort.

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lmrcho49
lmrcho49

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike. Very beautiful views. Mountain trail, rutted and damaged. Passage over unstable rocks. Natural ventilation much appreciated on a beautiful Sunday in June. Duration correctly estimated.

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Coline 38
Coline 38

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very interesting route with superb scenery
However, in May 2024, the trail had not been maintained for a long time and nature had reclaimed its rights. From Punta Pastinaca to the village of Appietto, you have to walk through tall grass or scrub. Almost impassable. Wear long trousers and bring a machete 😅

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Claudem
Claudem
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Passage between points 4 and 5 impossible due to vegetation. At point 4, follow the trail to an altitude of 688 metres, then return to point 5. Beautiful walk. Set off as early as possible due to the heat.

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nathrozet
nathrozet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Just one small problem. Between points 4 and 5, the vegetation clearly takes over the path. It disappears under the vegetation. It is barely passable in places. But still a very beautiful walk.

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Sebcheuss
Sebcheuss

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really nice hike, even though I skipped San Sisto. It was midday, 25°C, and there was no shade for climbing this last mountain.
Punta Pastinaca is the most difficult to climb, quite steep, rocky and in full sun.
The section between Punta Curbajola and Bocca a Foce is not easy, as it is difficult to find your way through the vegetation.
Lots of breathtaking views, a very good hike for photographers.

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