73. Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve, France

This nature reserve on the west coast of Corsica, Mediterranean Sea, is centered on the gulfs of Porto and Girolata between the craggy Scandola Peninsula to the north and the turrets of the Calanche (a type of “fjord” of the Mediterranean Sea) of Piana to the south. The reserve is part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and is made by an impressive porphyritic rock mass. The coastline is known for its orange-red cliffs and rugged headlands up to 900 m high, sheltered sand beaches, and the coves and serrated red ochre pinnacles of the Calanche of the Piana coast – the livid, sheer, and jagged cliffs of the coast contain many grottos and are flanked by numerous stacks, islets, and coves. The vegetation is also outstanding and gives examples of Mediterranean maquis, a densely growing evergreen shrub. In addition, the clear waters, their islets, and inaccessible caves harbor a rich marine life.