Corsica: Mountain Trails to the Sea

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night

Grade & Terrain

This walking tour is graded to moderate. The terrain in Corsica tends to be quite rocky and at times challenging to negotiate. Since the walks on this tour have quite significant elevation gains and losses you will also need to have a very good level of physical fitness. Although the distances on most days are not too long the walks will take anywhere between 3 and 7 hours. The average daily walk time is around 4-5 hours. You should be sure-footed, have a great sense of balance and not be scared of heights. Also for the more challenging walks hiking poles are recommended.

Navigation

You will be provided with route notes and IGN 1; 25,000 maps to assist you in finding your way. Some of the trails are way-marked, but others are not, so you will need to have good navigation skills and have the ability to read a map, especially when walking in the mountain areas. The weather can also be somewhat unpredictable in Corsica and so before setting out on walks it always makes sense to check the forecast.

Experience & Fitness

This walking tour is graded to moderate. The terrain in Corsica tends to be quite rocky and at times challenging to negotiate. Since the walks on this tour have quite significant elevation gains and losses you will also need to have a very good level of physical fitness. Although the distances on most days are not too long the walks will take anywhere between 3 and 7 hours. The average daily walk time is around 4-5 hours. You should be sure-footed, have a great sense of balance and not be scared of heights. Also for the more challenging walks hiking poles are recommended.

• 7 Nights in a combination of 2* & 3* hotels, and auberges
• 7 Breakfasts
• 1 picnic lunch
• 2 Dinners
• Transfer from Ajaccio Gare to Ajaccio hotel on Day 7
• Luggage transfers
• Detailed route notes, information pack and 1:25,000 IGN maps
• 24/7 support from our local partner and the UK office

• Travel insurance (required)
• Travel to Corte and from Porto
• 6 Lunches & 5 Dinners
• Drinks and Snacks
• Cost of bus from Porto to Ajaccio on Day 7
• Personal equipment
• Mountain rescue/emergency assistance

• Additional nights

When To Go

This tour can be enjoyed in April, May & June, plus in September & October. July and August is too hot, but the spring is delightful with all the wildflowers in bloom and less people on the trails. September and October are also a great time to be there as it is a quieter than in the height of the summer and the daytime temperatures much more suitable for walking.

Getting to the Start

The best airport to fly into is Ajaccio. This airport is served by Easyjet from the UK and by many other airlines (such as Air Corsica, Air France and Alitalia) for travellers outside of the UK. From Ajaccio Airport take a taxi (payable locally) to Ajaccio Train Station, from where you can board a train taking you to Corte, in the centre of the island (an approximate 2 hour journey). For more information concerning schedules you can visit either the Chemins de Fer de la Corse website or the following unofficial website Corsica Bus which also lists timetables for all public transportation in Corsica. It is also possible to fly into Bastia Airport and then take a train to Corte from there.  

Getting from the End

You can take a bus to Ajaccio Airport, however we recommend a taxi which only costs between €10 to €20, depending on what time of day. and traffic. Please note that there are no buses departing on Sundays from Porto to Ajaccio, which is a required part of the itinerary. (Buses depart early morning (around 8:20am) Please check the Corsica Bus website for accurate timetables. Macs Adventure can also offer private transfers from Porto to Ajaccio Airport, but these will need to be booked in advance.  Please ask your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/cycling gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.