Punta San Petru from Ocana

de fr

Shady climb to the ridge between Punta San Pietru and Alcadina. Superb view of Aragnascu, Lake Todda, the snow-capped peaks (in winter) and the entire Gulf of Ajaccio. Steeper than the north side, the climb is steep from the start in Ocana.

Details

n°18010168
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.36 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 843 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 841 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,208 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 426 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Corse-du-Sud (2A)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 41.961849° / E 8.934544°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4252OT, 4252OTR
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Photos

Aragnascu, Ajaccio, Les Sanguinaires
South Gulf of Ajaccio

Description of the walk

Parking is available near the village bar and wash house (a few spaces) on Rue Fontana.

(S/E) Continue along the street (do not return to the D3) and follow Rue Piane until thesecond right-angle bend.

(1) Just after this, take the path that climbs to the right (yellow markings). Cross a forest road and you will reach a fork.

(2) Continue climbing until you reach the next fork.

(3) Turn right towards Bocca di Catarelli and reach the ridge.

(4) Turn left and arrive at the Bocca di Catarelli pass.

(5) Ignore the path that descends to the right towards Cuttoli and continue along the ridge to Mangiara (rocky) and then to the summit of Punta San Petru.

(6) After enjoying the location and the 360° view, return the way you came.

(5) Continue straight ahead until you reach the path on the right.

(4) Turn right and continue downhill to the fork above the track.

(2) Take the path on the right and reach the track. Follow it to the right and arrive at a road.

(7) Turn left, pass in front of the Church of San Michele, then follow the D3 uphill and return to the car park near the village bar and wash house (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 441 m - Village bar car park
  2. 1 : km 0.17 - alt. 453 m - Path on the right
  3. 2 : km 0.56 - alt. 558 m - Fork in the road, straight ahead
  4. 3 : km 0.96 - alt. 675 m - Fork in the road, to the right
  5. 4 : km 2.85 - alt. 1,100 m - Water source
  6. 5 : km 3.3 - alt. 1,061 m - Fork in the road, to the left
  7. 6 : km 4.14 - alt. 1,208 m - Punta San Petru
  8. 7 : km 8.54 - alt. 484 m - Road, on the left
  9. S/E : km 9.35 - alt. 441 m - Village bar car park

Notes

(4) Water point.

This route is steeper than the north side from Cuttoli or the San Petru Pass, but it is a very pretty alternative that is not very busy.

The trail is marked (yellow line) and easy to follow. There are signposts at each junction.

The trail passes several springs that must feed the valley, but none of them offered a place to refill water bottles. The only water source is when you reach the ridge trail.

It took me 2 hours 15 minutes there and back, but I walked up at a brisk pace without stopping and ran back down. Allow 3½ to 4 hours at a normal pace.

Worth a visit

There is a 180° view to the south during the entire climb, then a 360° view once you reach the ridge.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Rv2a
Rv2a

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A real treat: the climb starts steep right from the off, then after a while winds its way up – it seems to get easier with every photo opportunity and lovely view. Then, past the dead trees on the plateau, the summit comes into view. It’s so easy you wonder if there’s been a mistake, and at the top, the 360-degree view is so splendid you forget all about the climb… But the descent isn’t a walk in the park either – I don’t regret doing it.

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monile
monile

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike to get back into shape in superb weather.
I can confirm that the route is very steep on the way up. The heavy rains in February allowed us to test the waterproofing of our shoes, as we crossed the stream many times while walking along it.
The views are superb. In this very wet season, the stony path is quite slippery on the way down, and we regretted not having walking sticks.
But what a treat at the summit, with a magnificent 360° view during our snack break.
Thanks to the author for the route and thanks to the people who cleared the path by cutting the ferns at the summit. It's impossible to get lost because the trail is clearly visible.

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User 26071052
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Positive elevation gain at the start of the hike. Beautiful views.

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Ulysse8837
Ulysse8837

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb route with magnificent views. I did it in September and enjoyed picking blackberries. Be careful at the top, at the foot of the peak, to take the path on the left, which is barely visible in the scrub. There is a 360° panorama at the top, which is absolutely magnificent. As an added bonus, there is a bar-restaurant at the starting point. It is very pleasant, reasonably priced and offers a warm welcome. Cash only.

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Jean.Taverne
Jean.Taverne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful climb on the way up, we extended it with a return trip eastwards to point 4 to climb up and see the view on the other side.
Absolutely no one around and beautiful views, thanks to the author.

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Syberia
Syberia

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A little hesitation at first, but a young black dog, clearly accustomed to this hike, guided us and then accompanied us to the summit.
The climb is indeed steep. It took us two and a half hours, going slowly.
Beautiful place.
With the trail on Viso, it's hard to get lost.
A great suggestion.

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alykle
alykle
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The trail is a bit tricky at the beginning and at times, but the hike is great. Very beautiful view at the end.
Very few people.
Be sure to wear good shoes, as the paths can be slippery at times.

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