Discover the beauty of Corsica – an island of stunning contrasts that is made for hiking
Ancient walking trails surrounded by stunning mountain peaks
The Restonica Gorge with its spectacular glacial lakes and rustic shepherd’s huts
The dramatic Revellata peninsula and Notre Dame de la Serra set high above Calvi
Immersion in the unique culture, language and cuisine of this fascinating island
Hiking Corsica’s Mountains & Coast
Self-guided walking holiday in Corte and Calvi
Corsica is a walker’s paradise. Its rugged, mountainous interior has proved unsuitable for roadbuilding but its network of ancient footpaths, snaking their way through dense pine forests, beautiful maquis scrubland and majestic valleys, makes it an ideal hiking destination. Corsica is often likened to a miniature continent, such is it’s the diversity of landscapes on offer. The wildness of the interior contrasts sharply with the stunning coastal scenery of pretty seaside towns and turquoise Mediterranean waters.
This trip has been designed for those who wish to discover some of the best walks in Corsica with the comfort of staying in two 3* hotels. You will be based in two beautiful and contrasting Corsican towns; Corte, the historic capital of the island has many possibilities for walkers in the mountains whilst Calvi, with its chic port and beautiful coastline offers a completely different experience.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | From €799 per person sharing*
*A high season supplement of €80 pp. will apply during the months of July, August & September. |
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ACCOMMODATION | 6 nights accommodation in 3* hotels is included. All offer a warm welcome to walkers and are centrally located in the towns. All rooms are en-suite. | ||||||||||||||
AVAILABILITY | You can start your trip on any day of the week (subject to availability) from the beginning of April to the end of October. | ||||||||||||||
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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DIFFICULTY | This trip is graded moderate overall, although there are some more challenging sections. It is suitable for people who are in good physical condition and used to walking 3-5 hours a day in the mountains. The walks are on good footpaths and trails although terrain is often rocky and there are many uphill and downhill sections. You also have the option not to walk on some days if you are looking for a slightly less strenuous trip. |
Day 1: Arrival in Corte
You will begin your holiday in Corte, the historical capital of Corsica, and settle into your hotel in the afternoon. Corte is a very scenic 2-hour train journey from Bastia.
Overnight: 3* hotel in Corte on bed & breakfast basis
Day 2: The Tavignano Gorge and natural pools
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m | 4 hrs approx.
After breakfast, you will make your way to the citadel of Corte and start a stunning day’s walk along the Tavignano Gorge. Then, you will reach a bridge over the Tavignano, where you will be able to swim in beautiful crystal-clear waters. Finally, you will return to Corte via the same route, with magnificent views down the valley.
Overnight: 3* hotel in Corte on bed & breakfast basis
Day 3: The Restonica Gorge and mountain lakes
Distance: 4.5 km | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 600 m | 4 hrs approx.
After breakfast, a taxi will pick you up and take you to the shepherd’s hut of Grotelle, where you will start your walk. After an ascent, you will reach a small plateau that marks your arrival at a new shepherd’s hut, which in the summer season sells its own cheese. You will keep climbing from here until you reach the Melo lake and, then, the lake of Capitello. Finally, you will return back to the shepherd’s hut at Grotelle where Théo will let you try traditional Corsican cooked meats!
Overnight: 3* hotel in Corte on bed & breakfast basis
Day 4: From Corte to Calvi by train
You will have the choice to either take the train in the morning or take a little more time to enjoy Corte. The train trip is an experience in itself; passing through spectacular landscapes before reaching Calvi, a charming small town, with a lively atmosphere during summer. There, you will find an old citadel and a small port, lined with bars and restaurants. You can take a dip in the inviting Mediterranean waters or just stay in your hotel and sunbathe near the pool.
Overnight: 3* hotel in Calvi on bed & breakfast basis
Day 5: La Revellata lighthouse coastal walk
Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 430 m | Descent: 430 m | 3½ hrs approx.
After breakfast, you will begin your walk from the citadel and the Christopher Colombus monument. This famous explorer was allegedly born in Calvi. Your walk will lead you southwards along the coast and onto a peninsula. You will be able to enjoy a refreshing dip at the various secluded little beaches on the peninsula, before reaching a lighthouse the Revellata lighthouse. From here, you will return to Calvi along a high path on the top of the peninsula.
Overnight: 3* hotel in Calvi on bed & breakfast basis
Day 6: The Notre Dame de la Serra above Calvi
Notre Dame de la Serra walk – Distance: 5 km | Ascent: 180 m | Descent: 180 m | 2 hrs approx.
Capu di a Veta walk – Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 675 m | Descent: 675 m | 5 hrs approx.
Today, you will leave the coastline and follow a path amidst maquis scrubland, that will lead you into Corsica’s central region and the chapel of the Notre Dame de la Serra. From up there, the view back towards the gulf of Calvi, the citadel and the Revellata is superb. You will have the option of returning directly to Calvi or continuing along the path that takes you steeply up into the mountains to the cross at the peak of the Capu di a Veta.
Overnight: 3* hotel in Calvi on bed & breakfast basis
Day 7: Departure
Your arrangement comes to an end after breakfast this morning. From Calvi, you can take a direct train to Bastia for your departure flight. We would also be happy to arrange additional nights for you in Calvi or Bastia. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to do this.
Getting to Corte
Departure from Calvi
/ | There is a dirct train from Calvi to Bastia, which takes approximately 3½ hours. Once you get to Bastia, you can either take the airport shuttle bus or a taxi to the airport. |
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