Path 6: Cala Rotonda - Stornello - Pirreca
To reach Cala Rotonda, one skirts the mountain and follows an asphalt road that leads to Punta Sottile. After passing the Scinto Passo tunnel and the Case Canino houses, one must take a dirt road on the left towards the starting point, where it is advisable to leave the car, bicycle or motorbike. It is also possible to reach Cala Rotonda by following the asphalt road that leads to the Approdo di Ulisse Village. This whole area is rich in mastic trees, prickly pears, agaves, capers and fragrant thyme, once used to drive away insects. In spring, poppies and daisies, the typical vegetation of rocky environments and wild fennel also grow. In autumn, 'the improbable' mandrake grows in the most unlikely places.
At Cala Rotonda, looking to the right towards the Landing of Ulysses, at Chiarito, shallow waters with spectacular colours and cerulean hues open up. Walking south along the path, towards the left side of the cove, leaving behind the spectacular rock arch that rises above the sea, after about an hour's walk, one reaches Cala Stornello, a secret refuge for true nature lovers. Along the way, one can admire the cliff, called Corona because of the sharp shape of the rocks.
Continuing on, amidst the silence and the scent of the sea, you walk through a barren landscape, marked by the blue and transparency of the seabed. Having passed the islet of Galera, one arrives at the splendid Cala Stornello. In this stretch of coastline it is possible, descending carefully towards the sea, to take a swim away from the crowds, immersed in dreamy seabeds. Nearby, if equipped with a mask and flippers, one can explore the enchanting seabed near the large outcropping rocks, which can be seen just a few metres from the coast (Scoglio Corrente).
At the end of the excursion, perhaps at sunset, you can stop among the white pebbles of the small Pirreca beach to admire the islet of Preveto where the herring gull nests in spring.
| Route: | Pedestrian |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Distance: | 3 km |
| Time: | 70 min |
| Altitude difference: | 6 m |