Capu Tafunatu (Pierced Rock)

Capu Tafunatu, the Pierced Rock, is a summit of 2,335 metres in the central Corsican massif near Col de Verghio, distinguishable at great distance by the natural arch — tafunatu in Corsican — pierced through its rock face near the top. The round trip of approximately 12 kilometres begins at Col de Verghio at 1,467 metres and climbs through high-altitude terrain to one of the most geologically distinctive summits in Corsica. The lower section follows a clear waymarked path through open moorland and scattered pines before the trail steepens dramatically onto scree, then onto a sustained rocky ridge approach to the summit. The final section to the top and the arch involves careful scrambling on polished rock; a degree of exposure is unavoidable, and hikers without prior scrambling experience should assess the terrain carefully before committing to the summit push. The arch itself frames a circular view through to the sky and distant sea, and the summit offers a near-360-degree panorama across the Corsican interior, including Monte Cinto — the island's highest peak at 2,706 metres — to the north-east. The trail passes close to the GR20 long-distance route and hikers may encounter GR20 walkers near the upper section. Water sources are absent above the lower moorland; the entire 12-kilometre return must be completed with water carried from the trailhead. The col and surrounding terrain sit within the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse; camping is prohibited off designated zones. The approach road from Porto on the D84 is spectacular but narrow and demands confident driving, particularly on the hairpin sections above Évisa.