Capo Rosso, Cape in Piana, Corsica, France

Capo Rosso is a pink granite headland in Piana, Corsica, rising 331 metres above the sea. Its summit carries the Turghiu Genoese tower, built in 1608, and the north and east sides drop as sheer cliffs. A single trail climbs from the Orsini pass through low scrub to the tower.

The Genoese built the Turghiu tower on the summit in 1608 as part of their coastal watch system. For a long time it was guarded by the Greeks of Cargèse. An outer staircase leads to a room, then a narrow, dark inner stair climbs to the top platform.

The name refers to the pink granite of the headland, called porphyry in some accounts. The tower of Turghiu, built in 1608, was long guarded by the Greeks of Cargèse, whose village lies to the south. From the summit the view reaches Cargèse and the Gulf of Sagone on one side, the Gulf of Porto and Scandola on the other.

Access is from a parking area on the D824 road at the Col d'Orsini, near the bar where a sign marks the spot; the cape is visible to the west. The single trail is 8 km round trip with 450 m of elevation gain, about 3.5 hours, and you must retrace your steps. The last stretch climbs a rock fault with low walls and rough steps, so bring sturdy shoes and water, as there is no shade or supply along the way.

The summit rises 331 m above the sea and carries the Genoese Turghiu tower, built in 1608 and long guarded by the Greeks of Cargèse. From the top the view runs 360 degrees, from Cargèse and the Gulf of Sagone south to the Gulf of Porto and Scandola north, with the calanques of Piana and the Punta Minuta and Paglia Orba peaks inland to the east.