Located between Galeria and Girolata, the Scandola nature reserve is a veritable paradise on land and in the sea, accessible only by boat. This exceptional site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified Natura 2000, protects both its seabed and its coastline.
Scandola's red cliffs plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, creating a unique habitat for a rich biodiversity. Inland, you'll find wild boar, foxes, reptiles and amphibians, as well as Europe's largest bat, the molosse. The cliffs are home to golden eagles, peregrine falcons, gulls and many other birds. At sea, Scandola is home to fascinating marine life, with 243 species of fish and numerous molluscs. Dolphins and ospreys can often be seen in these protected waters.
Despite the dry climate, Scandola's vegetation is dense and diverse. Much of the reserve is covered in scrubland, with lavender, heather, arbutus, myrtle and holm oak clinging to the cliffs. Other species, such as mushrooms, ferns, pines and sarsaparillas, enrich the terrestrial flora. On the marine side, the reserve is also remarkable, with 450 types of algae listed.