Conca, a village nestling between the sea and the mountains, is the embodiment of the history that has shaped the Alta Rocca region, and of the historic complementarity between the coast and the land. Located just 20km north of Porto-Vecchio, this picturesque village is renowned for its pastoral heritage and superb beaches, making Conca a must-see destination for lovers of the region's nature and history.
Its roots lie in an ancestral pastoral tradition. Originally, this small village served as a winter refuge for shepherds, who migrated to the high plateaux of Casale, Paliri, Cappeddu and Bavella during the summer. Today, Conca has retained its typical Corsican village feel, with its stone houses, narrow streets and friendly atmosphere.
For hikers and nature lovers, Conca is of particular importance as the starting or finishing point of the famous GR20 long-distance hiking trail, one of the most beautiful and challenging in Europe. This legendary trail crosses the Corsican mountains, offering breathtaking panoramas along the way.
As well as its mountain heritage, Conca is also a gateway to a number of splendid beaches. The coastline was developed from the second half of the 20th century onwards, revealing such gems as the nearby beaches of Favona, Tarco and Fautea. These unspoilt beaches are ideal for relaxing, swimming in the turquoise waters and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Over the centuries, Conca has evolved from a small village of shepherds into a larger, sedentary village. Its population, which numbered 427 in 1818, gradually grew, with families putting down roots in the area, bearing names that still resonate in the village. In 1926, Conca already had 127 houses, of which only five were on the coast, underlining the gradual development of the coastline.
The hamlet of Bavella, privately owned by the commune, its spectacular peaks and its pass have been classified as one of Corsica's remarkable sites, offering visitors stunningly beautiful mountain scenery and a rich endemic fauna and flora.