Corsica: Mountain Trails to the Sea
- 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 a section of the classic GR20 trail
- Enjoy time exploring the vibrant city of Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Corte and overnightCorte is a set against a backdrop of incredible mountain scenery and the historic capital of Corsica.
This small and friendly hotel offers brightly decorated rooms and overlooks a quiet square. It is a peaceful haven in the heart of the town centre.
Ideally located in the heart of the city, Hôtel du Nord et de L'Europe is the oldest hotel in Corte. It features renovated and spacious accommodation. The hotel offers modern comforts whilst retaining its original, period charm.
After a short transfer from Corte you’ll be in the heart of the Scala Santa Regina Gorge. Walk along cliffs overlooking the Golo River. This magnificent gorge is carved into the old red granite rock and is a fantastically wild place with many waterfalls flowing down into the valley.
Walk along an old mule path to reach your overnight stop beside Calacuccia Lake
Ascent/Descent: 850m/500m
This rural, charming and very friendly guest house has seven comfortable bedrooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You are sure to enjoy your unique stay in this peaceful place.
Leave the Mare e Mare Nord trail and enjoy a beautiful day of walking through the Verghio Forest of pine, larch and silver birch. Reach the enchanting waterfall of Radule and the shepherd’s hut, where you may like to try the local Corsican cheese. Then follow the world-famous GR20 trail for a while and take the opportunity to bathe in the numerous natural pools, before arriving at the Castel di Verghio.
Although this walk has the most elevation gain all week it is worth the climb as it is a beautiful day of walking. However, there is the option to shorten this walk if you prefer.
Ascent/Descent: 900m/554m
Dinner: Verghio
This property is a combination of dormitories and private rooms. You’ll be staying in a private room with en suite bathrooms. It is a very simple hotel, but with an exceptional location in the middle of the mountains.
After breakfast begin today’s walk by passing the Col Verghio and taking a trail under the shade of Lariccio pine trees which are unique to Corsica. The route overlooks the small Aitone river and here there are stunning natural pools in which you may take a cooling dip. Arrive in the lovely town of Evisa, the chestnut capital of Corsica.
Ascent/Descent:Â 400m/850m
Dinner: Evisa
Relax in the shade of the garden’s chestnut trees and enjoy the panorama over the Gulf of Porto and the Spelunca Gorge. The 12 rooms are all bright and welcoming and for dinner this evening you can relish their traditional Corsican cooking!
In the morning, you'll be transferred to Ota, from where you'll hike along a magnificent high-altitude path to Porto, accompanied by some of the best views in the Gulf of Porto around Mount Capu San Petru. You'll also pass by an Oriu cave, a cave under a natural rock overhang, typical of the Corsican landscape.
There's also the option to take a 3km shorter route with less elevation gain through the valley to the beach of Bussaghlia. The beach is located in the heart of the gulf, surrounded by high cliffs, and is perfect for a picnic.
Ascent/Descent:Â 750/1070 meters (or 480/790 meters)
This hotel has a wonderful swimming pool surrounded by eucalyptus trees and is located only 700m from the beach and 300m from the marina. All the air-conditioned rooms have large terraces.
In a classic, stone building, this simple seaside hotel is a 3-minute walk from Porto's marina, 5 minutes from the Tour de Porto (16th century Genoese tower ruin), and 8 km from the Belle plage de galets (beach) in Bassaglia.
Today’s superb walk takes you firstly along a coastal path and then inland towards the Capu d’Ortu summit. Enjoy fantastic views over the Calanches de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since there are only 2 buses per day, you can either leave early and take the early afternoon bus back. Or leave later and take the late afternoon bus. Please note that from September 1st there is only one late afternoon bus. Â
Ascent/Descent: 869m/689m
This hotel has a wonderful swimming pool surrounded by eucalyptus trees and is located only 700m from the beach and 300m from the marina. All the air-conditioned rooms have large terraces.
In a classic, stone building, this simple seaside hotel is a 3-minute walk from Porto's marina, 5 minutes from the Tour de Porto (16th century Genoese tower ruin), and 8 km from the Belle plage de galets (beach) in Bassaglia.
Make your way by local bus to Ajaccio. Napoleon’s birthplace, Ajaccio is a vibrant city just waiting to be explored, with its lovely marina and the many museums, such as the quirky Museé A Bandera which explores Corsican history up to WWII.
This comfortable and conveniently located hotel on a quiet street in the centre of the town is also just a 5 minute walk from Beach St Francois. You will receive a warm welcome and thoroughly enjoy your stay here.
This hotel is well-located in the heart of the city of Ajaccio, opposite the Admiralty Marina. All the rooms have a sea view and there is a swimming pool, garden and terrace for you to enjoy. You will receive a warm welcome.
Make your way to Ajaccio Airport from where you can make your onward journeys.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?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.
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 in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
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.
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 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.Â
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.
- 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
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.
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. Â
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is popular especially in May/June and September. However, we will always try our best to accommodate your plans.
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.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.
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.
April and May are great months as the daytime temperatures are cooler. Mid-September to the end of October will also be cooler and quieter on the trails.
-
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.
-
Save %7 Days 6 Nights
Provence: Mountains to the Mediterranean
A discovery of the Sainte Baume Mountains and the fjord landscapes of the Calanques de CassisHighlights- Walk from the mountains to the French Riviera
- Explore the Calanques National Park
- Soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere in Cassis
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
The E5 Alpine Crossing
Complete the classic Alpine crossing through the Bavarian, Austrian and Tyroler Alps.Highlights- Challenging hiking and rewarding Alpine views
- Comfortable accommodation and bag transfer
- Refuel with homemade Apfelstrudel and cream
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
The Dolomites to Lake Garda
Walk from the sky-scraping limestone peaks of the Brenta Dolomites to the shores of Lake Garda.Highlights- Classic walks from high in the Brenta Dolomites
- Overnight in historic and cosy mountain rifugi
- Walking remote trails