Serra-Di-Ferro: Archaeology, Churches and Coast

In Serra-Di-Ferro, archaeological sites and churches meet the Étang de Tanchiccia wetland and coastal attractions around Cupabia and Porto Pollo. Sights range from prehistoric monuments to Genoese landmarks and churches from different periods.

Archaeological heritage and Genoese landmarks

Basì is considered the most important archaeological site and gave its name to a period of the Corsican Neolithic. A Stazzona is a dolmen made up of ten stone slabs and a capstone. At U Paladinu, you’ll find a different kind of monument: the statue-menhir is three metres tall, weighs more than a tonne and stands above Suara.

Genoese history is also present in the landscape. Torre Vecchia is a ruined Genoese watchtower near Castellu, west of Porto Pollo. The Genoese tower of Capanella, by contrast, is the destination of a coastal trail from Cupabia beach. Along the way, there are views over Cupabia Bay. The two towers therefore represent different visitor experiences: the ruin near Castellu and a coastal route with views of the bay.

Churches and architecture

The parish church of Saint-Antoine abbé has an elongated floor plan. Its single-nave interior is covered by a barrel vault with lunettes; the choir has the same type of vault. These terms describe both the floor plan and the design of the vaulted interiors.

The church of San Marcu stands in Tassinca. It was built in 1858 by the inhabitants of Tassu and completely restored. The church of San Ghjaseppu has also been restored; its bell tower has three bells. In the village of Serra-di-Ferro, you can visit the church of Sant’Antonu. It dates from the 19th century.

Étang de Tanchiccia and the wetland

The Étang de Tanchiccia is located in the municipality of Serra-di-Ferro. The wetland covers 28 hectares within an 80-hectare sensitive natural area and is listed as a type 1 ZNIEFF. The reed bed extends over about 18 hectares and is the largest in Corse-du-Sud. These area figures refer to the wetland, the reed bed and the larger natural area.

Since 2016, the Étang has had walking paths, observation points, a viewing tower and a picnic area. Visitors can therefore use the paths and several observation facilities; the picnic area adds to the amenities on site.

Coast and activities in Porto Pollo

Cupabia beach is considered beautiful and unspoilt. It can be reached from Serra-di-Ferro via the D155. From there, the coastal trail leads to the Genoese tower of Capanella and offers views over the bay. Trail conditions can vary, so check them before setting out.

The Centre nautique de Porto Pollo offers sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding, as well as catamaran and windsurfing lessons. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, windsurfing boards and motorboats that do not require a licence are available to rent. Check activities and seasonal opening before your trip.

Abbartello Kayak Nature offers sea kayaking trips in Porto Pollo at sunrise, during the day and at sunset. The offer therefore includes both early-morning and evening outings, as well as trips during the day. Here too, it’s advisable to check the offer and seasonal opening before your trip.

At the Jean-Baptiste TOMI harbour in Porto Pollo, you can get information about rates and reservations. Harbour procedures and contact details may change, so check the information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Favone, Tizzano, Valle-Di-Mezzana, Cardo-Torgia, Belvédère-Campomoro, Marignana, Coti-Chiavari, Coggia.

Back to the regional travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.