Corsica: Mountain Trails to the Sea

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.9 Read 8 reviews
  • Classic mountain and coastal walking on the French island of Corsica
  • Discover Corte, the historic capital surrounded by mountain peaks
  • Stunning views over the Calanches de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Hiking the formidable Spelunca Gorge and a section of the classic GR20 trail
  • Enjoy time exploring the vibrant city of Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace
The French Mediterranean island of Corsica has an untamed and magnificent mountainous interior and incredible dramatic seascapes. Immerse yourself in this rugged scenery and walk all the way to the exceedingly picturesque west coast through river gorges, past natural pools, lakes and to the Calanches de Piana, one of Corsica's scenic highlights. Even though this island has been part of France for over two hundred years, it has its own unique qualities; cuisine, language, culture and history, which only serve to make it more appealing. Following trails through these contrasting landscapes really allows an exploration like no other and when walking you will be able to see the island in all its glory first-hand.
This moderately rated self-guided tour will suit those who like to walk through contrasting scenery; mountains, river gorges, cliffs, coastlines, lakes and natural pools. You will be walking from the interior of the island to the beautiful coastline and you’ll enjoy warm welcomes in charming hotels and B&B’s en route.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Activity Level & 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.

Accommodations

7 nights accommodation in a combination of 2 or 3* hotels, and auberges is included. All offer a warm welcome to walkers.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is not available to solo walkers. Single rooms are also available and a single supplement is payable.

Meals

7 Breakfasts are provided at your hotels with offerings such as fruit, yoghurt, cereals, pastries, meats, breads, jams, fruit juices, tea and coffee. One picnic lunch is provided and on the other days there will always be the opportunity to buy one from a local shop or market. 2 Dinners are included at the more remote locations, but on the other nights there are restaurants in which to have dinner, or you can eat at your accommodation. 

Included
  • 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
Excluded
  • 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
Extras
  • 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.

Luggage 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.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Corte and overnight Day 2 Short transfer. Cala Santa Regina Gorge Walk 7.5 miles / 12 km Day 3 Radule Waterfall and GR20 Walk 11 miles / 18 km Day 4 Walk to Aitone Natural Pools 7 miles / 11 km Day 5 Evisa to Porto 9 miles / 15 km Day 6 Walk to Piana. Return by local bus 7 miles / 11 km Day 7 Bus transfer to Ajaccio. Free time in Ajaccio Day 8 Onward Travel

  • Corsica Walking

    This video gives you a little overview of the French Island of Corsica. Both the mountains and the sea with the incredible views and scenery that this untamed island has to offer. The cuisine and culture are both slightly different than mainland France and rather unique, which makes the exploration of this island even more appealing.

    youtube icon

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