Solaro – Dune Landscapes, Trails and History

Solaro’s landscape stretches from long dune beaches to Punta di Tintennaghja. More than 9,000 hectares of unspoiled landscape are part of its natural heritage; the surrounding area is known for its great diversity of flora and fauna. If you are looking for a hotel in Solaro, you can tailor your stay to your interests: the landscape, several hiking trails and traces of local history offer different perspectives on the destination.

Hiking Trails and Activities

The Mare è Monti Livantinu hiking trail starts at the Pont de la Solenzara in the Kamiesch district of the municipality of Solaro. It is considered accessible year-round and a route with no particular difficulties. Before setting out, check the weather, any fire restrictions and local conditions.

The A Strada Maestra hiking trail leads to Solaro and passes the remains of the chapel of San Ghjuvanni and the square tower, a torra di Saraccini. The five-kilometer route runs from the hamlet of Tribbiu to the Listinchellu area on the plain; seven information panels line the way. Two viewpoints complete the route. It thus combines a defined trail with information about local history and views along the way.

The Da u Pinu a u Piralzu circular hiking trail starts in the village of Solaro and is marked with yellow signs. It is described as an easy, two-hour hike with an elevation gain of 150 meters. Along the way, there are educational panels about birds of prey and a trail-orientation board facing the mountains. These features may change over time through maintenance or other changes. If you are looking for a circular route with a stated duration, you will find different details here than for the five-kilometer A Strada Maestra, whose description highlights two viewpoints and seven information panels. Conditions can vary on all trails; check local conditions before setting out.

Acqua Natura offers high ropes courses, canyoning and paintball in Solaro. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, confirm the provider’s availability before your trip.

Culture and History

The parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, also known as San-Ghjuvanni-Battista, has a three-story bell tower topped with a pyramidal finial. The former church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, also known as San-Giovanni-Battista, is a Romanesque baptistery with a single nave and a semicircular apse. It retains a circular baptismal font measuring 1.60 meters in diameter. Based on the motifs and construction techniques identified in its remains, the ancient baptistery of San Giovanni Battista dates from the late 10th to early 11th century.

The Torra d'i Sarracini watchtower also bears a specific trace of history: the year 1543 is inscribed above a loophole. In the 16th century, the tower was used to raise the alarm during raids by the Barbary corsairs, known as the “Turchi.” The Solaro memorial stele commemorates the 50th anniversary of Corsica’s liberation and bears the dates 1943–1993. It depicts the submarine Casabianca surrounded by laurel. The Marina de Solaro is also a memorial site of the Resistance and a significant location in the Corsican resistance during the Second World War.

At the Moulin de l'Agnarone, an entry on a historical map and a surviving architectural feature come together: the building is listed as a grain mill on the 1795 Terrier map; it may date from the 18th century. The water channel that brought water from the Travo is still visible.

A recurring event in the village is the Feast of Saint Augustine on August 28. It includes a Mass, a procession, a large dance celebration and other events. Check the specific event dates and program before your trip.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Erbajolo, Omessa, Pianello, Rogliano, Ville-di-Pietrabugno, Santa-Lucia-Di-Moriani, Palasca, Calenzana.

Return to the regional travel overview: Haute-Corse.