Monte Astu

Monte Astu is a mountain summit in northern Corsica that rises to 1,535 meters and crowns the Serra di Tenda range. The peak is composed of granite rock that forms dramatic slopes and ridges visible from many surrounding areas.

The mountain has served for centuries as a natural boundary separating local communes and shaping how settlements developed on either side. This geographic division influenced the way northern Corsican communities organized their territories and land use.

The mountain serves as a natural landmark for local communities, defining the geography of the Nebbio region and the surrounding valleys. Its massive granite presence shapes how people in the area understand and navigate their territory.

The hike begins from the village of Lama on a marked trail that forms a round trip of about 13 kilometers and takes roughly six hours to complete. Sturdy hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are essential, as the path climbs steadily and becomes more demanding in the upper sections.

On clear days, the summit provides expansive views across northern Corsica that allow visitors to see several distinct landmarks and landscapes spread across the horizon. This wide perspective reveals how the island's different regions connect geographically and gives a rare sense of the terrain's overall layout.