This small mountain village offers an authentic slice of Corsican life, beautiful scenery and access to several walking trails.
The sleepy, peaceful village of Ota is set against a mountainside and overlooks dramatic granite cliffs. Make this a base for exploring the surrounding countryside and traversing the nearby trails.
The village has played an important role in Corsican history. During the late 15th and early 16th centuries, this proud and independent mountain village acted as a site of refuge for local forces rebelling against Genoese and Turkish attackers.
Ota is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Tackle part of the scenic Tra Mare e Monti hiking trail, leading from the western edge of Ota village. Follow the path and descend through the stunning Gorges de la Spelunca. This gorge is the place where several local rivers converge and plunging granite cliffs reach up to 3,280 feet (1,000 metres) in height.
Make your way along the cobbled mule track and look for two striking stone bridges named Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Zaglia. These bridges were built by the Genoese in the 14th century. Bring along a bathing suit and take a cooling dip in the swimming pools near the bridges. Allow 3 hours for a round-trip hike along the trail or arrange to have a taxi pick you up in Evisa.
Explore the tiny town of Ota on foot. Look farther up to the summit of Mont Capu d’Ota to see a large boulder precariously perched above the village. Local legend says that this rock is held in place by chains, which were built by monks who now take turns watching over the rock and ensuring the safety of the village.
Take a daytrip to the nearby town of Porto, located on the coast. From here, reach the stunning beaches on the Gulf of Porto or visit an old Genoese Tower. This square-shaped fortification is just one of many that were built around this coast during the 16th and early 17th centuries to protect the Genoese occupiers from invaders.
Ota is located about 3 miles (5 kilometres) inland from Porto. The nearest airports are Ajaccio in the southwest and Calvi in the northwest.
