8 Days & 7 Nights

4.6

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

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.

From $1,675.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrival in Corte

Corte is a set against a backdrop of incredible mountain scenery and the historic capital of Corsica.

Overnight Corte

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hôtel Duc de Padoue | Hotel

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.

Hotel Du Nord

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.

Day 2 Cala Santa Regina Gorge Walk 7.5 miles / 11.5 km

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: 708/346 m (2,323/1,135 ft)

Overnight Calacuccia

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Acquaviva | 3 Star | Hotel

This charming hotel is composed of 14 comfortable rooms that feature private bathrooms, cable TV, telephone and balcony.

Casa Balduina | Bed and breakfast

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.

Day 3 Radule Waterfall & GR20 Walk 12 miles / 19 km

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: 740/181 m (2,428/594 ft)

Overnight Verghio

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hôtel Castel di Vergio | Hotel

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.

Day 4 Aitone Natural Pools 7.5 miles / 12 km

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: 229/742 m (751/2,434 ft)

Overnight Evisa

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Scopa Rossa | Hotel

A warm and authentic Corsican welcome awaits you at this wonderful family run hotel! The Hotel fesatures a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace.

Day 5 Ota to Porto 9.5 miles / 15 km

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 Bussaglia. The beach is located in the heart of the gulf, surrounded by high cliffs, and is perfect for a picnic.

Option 1: Ota to Porto via Capu San Petru
Distance: 15km/9.5mi | Ascent/Descent: 698/1030 m (2,290/3,379 ft)

Option 2: Ota to Porto (shorter alternative)
Distance: 13km/8mi | Ascent/Descent: 475/792 m (1,558/2,598 ft)

Overnight Porto

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hôtel Costa Rossa | Hotel

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.

Hotel Le Subrini

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.

Day 6 Porto to Piana 7.5 miles / 12 km

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.

Ascent/Descent: 799/385 m (2,621/1,263 ft)

Overnight Porto

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hôtel Costa Rossa | Hotel

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.

Hotel Le Subrini

Day 7 Free time in Ajaccio

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.

Overnight Ajaccio

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hôtel Napoléon | Hotel

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.

Hotel Castel Vecchio

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.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

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.

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Other Information

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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.

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 in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle 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&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Activity Level & Terrain

This walking tour is graded moderate, but Corsica’s rugged and rocky terrain can make it feel more challenging in places. Several walks feature significant elevation gains and descents, so a high level of physical fitness is essential. While daily distances aren’t overly long, you can expect to walk for 3 to 7 hours each day, with an average of 4–5 hours.

Some trails include narrow or exposed paths, so confidence in your footing and a head for heights are essential.

Sure-footedness, good balance, and confidence with heights are important. The terrain may feel tricky in places, requiring you to step up, balance, and move with care - especially on steep or uneven sections. We recommend using hiking poles for extra stability and support.

Experience & Fitness

To complete this walk comfortably, you’ll need to be in good physical fitness. Regular hiking and strength training will help you prepare for this tour. If possible, include some hikes with similar elevation profiles to those on the trip. Prior experience on mountain or coastal trails with significant elevation change will help you feel prepared.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in a combination of 2* & 3* hotels, and auberges
7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners & 1 lunch
Transfers as detailed in the itinerary
Luggage transfers
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
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 Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

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.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? How do the baggage transfers work? What equipment to I need? When is the best time of year?

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.