CORSICA UNCOVERED – 7 or 8 Days

Upon arriving in Calvi, you’ll find both an airport and a ferry terminal. Aircorsica offers flights from Paris or Marseille to Calvi, or you can opt for a ferry from Nice, Marseille, or La Ciotat. You can also arrive in Bastia, consequently taking the train via Ponte Leccia to Calvi. Take time to discover the picturesque citadel nestled on a rocky promontory and wander through the charming cobblestone streets. Delight in the breathtaking views of the coastline and nearby beaches, offering a splendid blend of culture, tradition, and seaside relaxation. Spend the night in your hotel in Calvi.

Walking: No scheduled walking for today
Accommodation: Calvi

You can choose from two different loop hikes

REVELLATA LIGHTHOUSE 

Today’s walk leads you along the scenic Sentier du Littoral. The path winds along the rugged coastline, offering stunning views of the bar rock and jagged shoreline. Explore the peninsula and its hidden beaches, ideal for a refreshing swim. After completing the loop around Point de la Revellata, you will return to the same spot.  You can admire the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains from the Revellata Lighthouse. Then, follow a path atop the peninsula back to Calvi

Walking: Moderate / 15km / 4-5 hrs / +220m / -220m

NOTRE DAME DE SERRA & CAPU DI VETA (2 options) 

Today, you’ll venture away from the coast to Notre Dame de Serra, a stunning hilltop chapel boasting magnificent vistas of Calvi Bay, its citadel, and the Reginu Valley. The mostly easy path winds through Corsican scrub, with intermittent rocky sections, leading you to the Notre Dame de la Serra chapel. Although the original sanctuary was destroyed in 1740, a new chapel was erected in the 19th century. Admire the large statue of Notre Dame de la Serra perched atop a rock before returning to Calvi. For a more challenging option, embark on a sun-exposed and rocky trail leading to the highest point above Calvi, the Austrian cross “Capu di Veta.” This exhilarating hike offers incredible panoramic views, though some terrain is rocky with steep steps and one short traverse passage aided by a chain (though not necessary)

Walking: Moderate or Challenging / 9km or 15.5km / 3hrs or 5.5hrs / +-250m or +-720m

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Calvi

Today, you’ll depart from the sandy shores and journey inland towards the mountains and the historic capital of Corte. You have two transfer options (which you must pay for yourself) 

1- Recommended: Take a memorable 2.5-hour journey aboard the renowned Michelin train, winding from the sandy beaches to the mountains, with tickets priced around 25-30€. No visit to Corsica is complete without experiencing the Micheline train, celebrated for its unique charm

2- Opt for a 1.5hr private taxi  transfer, starting from 220€ on weekdays and 300€ on Sundays and Bank Holidays (availability permitting). Upon arrival at the Corte train station, it’s a brief 15-20 minute stroll to reach your centrally located hotel. Nestled at the foot of several valleys and adorned with its citadel, Corte is the island’s historic capital and a bastion of Corsican language and culture preservation efforts

If you arrive early in Corte, you can go for an OPTIONAL HIKE through Gorges Tavigano 

Embark on your hike from Corte on foot, immersing yourself in the wilderness near the city center. The path is consistently easy to navigate, mostly cobbled, with gentle terrain and no steep ascents or descents. Following the “Mare a Mare” trail along the left bank of the Tavignano river, the scenery grows increasingly dramatic as you delve deeper into the gorge. As the hike concludes, the path descends to a footbridge spanning the river, where a natural pool awaits for a refreshing swim. Return along the same path and spend the night in Corte. Note that July & August are very hot and there is not much shade. You can also continue on the Mare to Mare path beyond the bridge if you want to extend the walk

Walking: Moderate / 13km / 4.5hrs / +350m / -350m

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Corte

A brief 30-minute taxi ride from your hotel takes you up to Restonica, where your hike commences at 1370 meters altitude, beginning at Bergerie de la Grotelle, renowned for its charcuteries. The trail ascends steadily on a rocky path to the serene Lac di Melo, offering ample spots for breaks or a picnic lunch

For the moderate option, the return journey follows the opposite side of the river, featuring a steep and rocky path sans chains and ladders

For the challenging option, continue beyond Lac di Melo to Lac di Capitello before descending the same route. The path to Lac di Capitello is steep and rocky, with an additional chain segment, longer and steeper than the one preceding Lac di Melo. About ~45 minutes beyond Melo lies Lac di Capitello, tranquil and frozen for much of the year, situated at the pinnacle of the Restonica valley. This makes for an ideal picnic spot if you choose

Upon descent to Lac di Melo, consider climbing further to the crest, intersecting with the GR20 at its highest point, offering panoramic views of both lakes. This additional climb is extremely challenging, with steep and rocky terrain. Afterward, taxi transfer back to your hotel in Corte, where you’ll spend the night and dine at your leisure

Both hikes present Alpine conditions with steep paths, including some easy scrambling sections with chains and ladders. Beginning early in the morning is advisable to avoid crowds and savour the tranquillity of the lakes. Both options start and finish with a taxi transfer, with drop-off and pick-up at Bergerie de la Grotell

Walking: Moderate or challenging / 4km or 6.5km / 2.5hrs or 4.5hrs / +-350m or +-550m

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Corte

Transfer to the start of your walk (moderate or challenging option) or you can skip the walk and transfer directly down to Porto

The moderate trek commences amidst the chestnut forest, where you’ll follow a winding, cobbled path to the breathtaking Spelunca gorge. Here, natural pools and centuries-old Genoese bridges beckon for exploration. Take a moment to relax by the waters and recharge before ascending through olive tree-shaded paths to the village of Ota

The challenging hike, starting from the Col de Vergio road pass, delves into one of Corsica’s most serene forests, shaded for much of the journey to Evisa. Situated at nearly 1500 meters in altitude, the Col de Vergio stands as Corsica’s highest road pass. Descending mostly downhill, you’ll venture through a majestic chestnut forest before arriving at the authentic mountain village of Evisa

A transfer back to Porto concludes both journeys

Walking: Moderate or Challenging / 9km or 17km / 3.5hrs or6 hrs / +50m/-600m or +150m/-1300m

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Porto

A hike along the coastline to a fishermen village accessible only by foot or boat. The stroll begins at the Col de la Croix pass, ~200 meters above sea level, and gradually descends along a partially shaded path tracing the coastline. This renowned route, known as the “Sentier du Facteur” or Mailman’s Path, was Guy the mailman’s daily route to deliver mail to the remote village of Girolata, accessible only by foot or boat. Following this path, you’ll pass by Tuara Beach for a secluded swim before continuing along the rocky coastline to Girolata, offering abundant dining options and a second opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Returning in a loop via the “Mare e Monti” trail, you’ll then retrace your steps to the starting point at Col de la Croix

For the challenging trek originating from the village of Curzo, you’ll embark on a steep ascent to a breathtaking ridgeline, affording panoramic views of Corsica’s western coastline. Descending from the ridge to the Col de la Croix road pass, where the “Moderate level” walk commences, you’ll encounter steep and sun-exposed terrain. A transfer back to Porto concludes the journey

Walking: Moderate or Challenging / 9km or 17km / 4hrs or 6hrs / +50m/-600m or +150m/-1300m

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Porto

Not part of the 7-day version of the walk

Stay one more night and do the Calanche De Piana Hike – A World Heritage Site

Moderate hike – Begin your journey in Piana, renowned as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Your hike commences along an ancient mule path that offers breathtaking views of the Calanches de Piana, where the coastline exhibits its most stunning features. Here, you’ll encounter blood-red stone pinnacles rising dramatically from the sea, reaching towering heights of hundreds of meters. These colossal granite formations, sculpted by the forces of water and wind, create a mesmerising landscape known as the Calanches de Piana, through which your hike will take you

Challenging hike – For those aiming to conquer the summit of Capu d’Orto, the lush forest quickly transitions into rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the sea. As you ascend the steep and sun-drenched path to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360° vistas, capturing much of Corsica’s western coastline. Sitting at an altitude of 1300 meters and just 3 kilometers from the shore, Capu d’Orto stands as one of the island’s premier lookout points. However, if you opt out of completing the return journey to Capu d’Orto, fear not: our route back still boasts scenic views along a crest overlooking the sea before descending into a centuries-old chestnut forest. Transfer from the conclusion of your hike, where a restaurant/café awaits, back to Porto

Walking: Moderate or Challenging / 10.5km or 15km / 4 hrs or 6 hrs / +500m/-475m or +900m/-875m

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Porto

Today is the end of your tour in Porto. You can catch a bus to Calvi (2h ride apxm) or extend one night and book a boat tour to the Scandola nature reserve or do a hike to the Calanche de Piana

Walking: No scheduled walking for today

Meals: Breakfast

Follow on to Day 8 for information regarding our extension day and night