The Sentier des Douaniers hike follows the old customs officers’ path along the coast at the northern tip of Cap Corse between Barcaggio and Macinaggio, and it is considered one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the Mediterranean. We hiked the first section from Barcaggio in September 2026, and here we show you how to get there, where to park and what to expect on the trail. We built our stop on Cap Corse into our Corsica itinerary for 2 weeks, and you will find all the other stops on the peninsula in our Cap Corse road trip guide.
Sentier des Douaniers Facts
Barcaggio–Macinaggio: approx. 7.5 miles (12 km), 3.5 to 4 hours
Difficulty: moderate, along the cliffs
Start: Plage de Barcaggio, Cap Corse
More info: Pietracorbara on Cap Corse
Highlights
Barcaggio beach
View of Île de la Giraglia
Northernmost point of Corsica
Return by boat shuttle
In a rush? Here is our hotel tip:
Our tip in Macinaggio, at the end of the trail
Getting to Barcaggio and Parking
The narrow, winding road to the Plage de Barcaggio is officially considered unsuitable for campers, but we drove our campervan (17.7 ft / 5.4 m) all the way to the parking lot of the Paillote Les Tamaris beach restaurant without any problems. We paid €2 to park there, and according to the operator you can also stay overnight for €15. From the parking lot, it is about a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Tip: Take the road to Barcaggio slowly and keep oncoming traffic in mind, as it is really narrow in some places.
Starting at Barcaggio Beach
In good weather, Barcaggio beach is worth a few relaxed hours on its own. When we were there, it was very windy, but our dog happily jumped into the waves anyway. Even from the beach, you get really beautiful views along the coast: to the northernmost point of the Corsican mainland with the striking Sémaphore tower, and to the small offshore island of Île de la Giraglia with its lighthouse, which is considered the northernmost point of Corsica overall.
The Sentier des Douaniers Trail Along the Cliffs
After the beach, the Sentier des Douaniers leads along the cliffs and partly through overgrown terrain, with the Sémaphore tower at the northernmost point in view almost the entire way. Along the trail, we kept looking ahead and behind us and marveling at the beautiful landscape. The green rocks along the cliffs were especially lovely to look at.
We walked until just before the tower and then took the inland route back through the scrub. We wouldn’t recommend that, though: the inland path was sheltered from the wind, but it has no views at all, and the distance is almost identical. For the way back, it is better to take the same coastal path again.
Tip: Bring sun protection for the hike, as the trail runs mostly without shade right along the coast.
Continuing the Hike to Macinaggio
If you want to keep going, you can follow the Sentier des Douaniers all the way to Macinaggio. Plan about 3.5 to 4 hours for the roughly 7.5-mile (12 km) stretch. The trail is considered moderate and alternates between white sandy coves, rocky slate and low, salt-sprayed vegetation. Along the way, you pass the sandy beach of Tamarone with two small beach bars, the offshore Îles de Finocchiarola with another Genoese tower, and the chapel and Genoese tower of Santa Maria shortly before Macinaggio.
Returning by Boat Shuttle
If you don’t want to walk back the same way, a boat shuttle run by San Paulu operates between Barcaggio and Macinaggio from April 10 to October 10. Here are the key details (departures from Barcaggio):
- April 10 to 30 and October 1 to 10: one boat daily at 11 a.m.
- May, June and September: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- July and August: 12 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., plus an extra departure at 10 a.m. from August 1 to 20
- Duration: about an hour
- Price: adults €19, children aged 4 to 11 €13, younger children ride for free
- Reservation: be sure to book beforehand, either online through the San Paulu website or by phone in Macinaggio
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sentier des Douaniers from Barcaggio
Where can you park for the hike from Barcaggio?
At the parking lot of the Paillote Les Tamaris beach restaurant. Parking costs €2, and staying overnight there costs €15, according to the operator.
How long is the Sentier des Douaniers from Barcaggio to Macinaggio?
The trail is about 7.5 miles (12 km) long, and you should plan 3.5 to 4 hours for the one-way hike.
How do you get back to Barcaggio after the hike?
From April 10 to October 10, a boat shuttle run by San Paulu operates between Macinaggio and Barcaggio (about 1 hour), and we recommend reserving online or by phone in advance. Alternatively, you can walk back the same way along the coast.
Is the road to Barcaggio suitable for campers?
The road is officially considered unsuitable for campers, but it is passable with care and attention to oncoming traffic; we drove our campervan all the way to the beach ourselves.
What can you see on the trail north from Barcaggio?
You get views the whole way of the northernmost point of the Corsican mainland with the Sémaphore tower and of the island of Île de la Giraglia with its lighthouse.