Mountains to the Sea

France

Country

6 nights, 7 days

Duration

Moderate

Difficulty

Breakfast

Board

Yes

Luggage transfer

Mountains to the Sea: A Corsican Hiking Adventure Through Contrasting Landscapes

Step into the picturesque island of Corsica and embark on an unforgettable journey along the mesmerizing Mare a Mare North trail. This remarkable walking holiday commences in the historic town of Corte, leading you through a captivating spectrum of Corsican landscapes. From high mountains to fragrant pine forests, you’ll discover the heart of authentic Corsica. Your adventure culminates with a scenic exploration of the UNESCO heritage site Calanches at Piana, where you’ll marvel at the red granite needles overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Porto.

Tour Highlights:

Authentic Corsican Experience: The Mare a Mare North trail offers an authentic Corsican experience like no other. Starting in Corte, you’ll delve into the island’s history and culture, with the opportunity to explore the atmospheric old town and discover the Tavignano and Restonica gorges. These gorges provide stunning walks along old mule paths, once used by shepherds to access the isolated Niolu region.
Mountain Majesty: As you journey from Corte to Calacuccia, you’ll experience Corsica’s high mountains, pristine pine forests, and the inviting rock pools of the Spelunca Gorge. The dramatic landscapes of Corsica’s interior will take your breath away, offering a true escape into the heart of the island.
UNESCO Heritage Site – Calanches at Piana: The grand finale of your Corsica walking holiday unfolds in the beautiful Gulf of Porto. You’ll be enchanted by the red granite needles of the Calanches at Piana, a UNESCO heritage site known for its dramatic rock formations, sculpted shapes, and rugged coastlines. This unique geological wonder will leave you in awe.

Your journey between comfortable rural 2 and 3-star hotels ensures that you experience Corsica’s beauty with all the necessary comforts. The delicious local cuisine prepared from seasonal produce adds an extra layer of authenticity to your adventure.

This exceptional walking holiday is a celebration of Corsica’s diversity, offering something for every nature enthusiast and culture seeker. As you traverse the these trails, you’ll witness the island’s most remarkable landscapes and immerse yourself in its history. Conclude your adventure with a sense of awe and gratitude for the splendid journey you’ve undertaken. Whether you’re drawn to the Corsican wilderness, the heritage of Piana, or the rich culture of Corte, this is your chance to explore the diverse beauty of this remarkable island.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Accomodation in 2* hotels or similar including breakfast

Dinners in Calaccucia and Evisa

Transfer from Corte to Calaccucia and Calaccucia to Col de Vergio

Luggage transfers and travel dossier with A4 copies of IGN maps

Walking notes

GR20 pocket map and access to our guidance application

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Flight

Travel insurance

This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only services mentioned above are included in the price.

Additional information

Month	April, August, July, June, May, October, September
Dog friendly	Yes
Accomodation	Hut to Hut

Explore the beautiful landscape of Corsica on this leisurely walking trip. You will commence your walk from Corte, the island’s old capital, and follow a trail through the rough terrain and across lakes, ponds, and high peaks, culminating at the lively coastal village of Piana, situated atop the Golfe de Porto. This holiday offers the perfect opportunity to fully experience all that the island has to offer.

Day 1:Corte

This walking holiday starts in the island’s historic capital, Corte. The rocky citadel dominates the town, and after dropping your bags at the hotel, you can take a walk around the old town, to discover the sights of this atmospheric place. Corte is situated on two magical gorges – the Tavignano and Restonica. The Tavignano o˞ ers a walk along an old mule path, a route used by shepherds into the isolated Niolu region and it makes for stunning walking. Steep cli˞ s rise up above the pounding torrent and numerous rock pools allow you to cool o˞ .

Hotel: Hotel de la Paix ( or similar)

Upgrade with supplement: Hotel Duc de Padoue (or similar)

Distance: 12 km

Up: 480m

Down: 480m

Time: 5 hours.

Day 2: Scala Sta Regina to Calacucci

A short transfer takes you to the start of your walk in the Scala di Santa Regina. This trail is an old transhumance path that was used by shepherds leading their herds in and out of the Niolu valley. You walk down towards the lake towards the village of Calacuccia. Hotel Acquaviva is situated on the edge of the village and you can expect some ˡ ne cooking at a local restaurant, using the very best seasonal, local produce.

Distance: 13 km

Up: 700m

Down: 340m

Time: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Hotel name: Hotel Acquaviva

Day 3: Vergio to Evisa

Morning transfer to Col de Vergio .The Col de Vergio is a high mountain pass, the views are majestic; high peaks loom above. The trail goes down hill through the pines of the Aïtone forest to the outskirts of Evisa. You will pass rock pools and and then arrive at the chestnut woods with roaming pigs that mark your approach to the village. You will arrive in the centre of Evisa, a vibrant mountain village with a healthy climate before heading to your hotel.

Hotel: Hotel Scopa Rossa ( or similar)

Upgrade with supplement: Hotel Aitone (or similar)

Distance: 11.5 km

Up: 80m

Down: 720m

Time: 5 hours.

Day 4: Evisa to Tassu & Marignana village

Today you have the option of just relaxing, or taking a walk that follows part of the trail known as the MARE E MONTI It is a village to village walk leading through the surrounding chestnut woods and into a luxuriant maquis. You will arrive at the aban-doned hamlet of TASSU, a small treasure to investigate. You can continue on to the village of MARIGNANA which is situated directly across the valley from EVISA. Good walking and an insight into rural village life.

Hotel: Hotel Scopa Rossa ( or similar)

Upgrade with supplement: Hotel Aitone (or similar)

Distance: 9 km

Up: 300m

Down: 300m

Time: 6 hours

Day 5: Evisa to Porto

The path zig-zags down through the Spelunca gorge. Crossing a high arched Genoese bridge, you walk above the torrent on a balcony path towards Ota, a mountain village with a Mediterranean feel. The delicious smells from “Chez Felix” restaurant beckon, take a moment to sit and unwind. Your path leaves Ota, heading down to the coast at the Gulf of Porto – for an easier day, take a transfer from Ota to Porto and a boat trip to see the Scandola reserve. Stay at a comfortable 3* hotel in Porto.

Hotel: Hotel Kalliste (or similar)

Distance: 14 km

Up: 320m

Down: 1170m

Time: 4 hours

Day 6: Porto to Piana

This dramatic coastline is classed by UNESCO a site of world beauty. From Porto beach, you climb into the Calanques’ where you will discover an incredible site of granite needles, tortured shapes and rock sculpted formations dotted with maritime pine trees. The walk above the coast road follows the old mule path and o˞ ers some spectacular of the indented rugged coastline and its many creeks. Stay in a 3* hotel in the heart of the village.

Hotel: Hotel Les Calanches (or similar)

Upgrade with supplement: Hotel Scandola (or similar)

Distance: 12 km

Up: 520m

Down: 70m

Time: 5 hours

Day 7: Piana

End of holiday in Piana, return to Ajaccio by Public bus; ( no public bus on sundays and bank holidays except in July and August)

Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.

Need to have:

Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)