Walk one of Corsica’s classic long-distance treks with the comfort of luggage transportation
Well-marked hiking trails, following ancient mule paths through plunging gorges and pristine forests
Discover Corsica’s untamed mountainous interior and the ancient capital of Corte
Take in the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Porto on the rugged west coast
Stunning views of the Calanches de Piana, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hiking the Mare a Mare Nord: Corte to Piana
Self guided walking holiday with luggage transportation
The Mare a Mare Nord is a classic coast-to-coast hiking trail and one of the very best walking tours in Corsica. This version begins in the mountain stronghold of Corte, with it’s plunging gorges and tranquil forests. From there, you will face some challenging mountain trails across the untamed region of Niolu, with its pretty villages, before eventually reaching the west coast and the outstandingly beautiful Gulf of Porto, with its sweeping bays and vertical red cliffs.
Along the way you will have opportunities to bathe in the crystal-clear rock pools, as you make your way across numerous mountain streams. Your trek finishes in the village of Piana, perched high above the Golfe de Porto. The stunning sea cliffs Les Calanque de Piana has been named a UNESCO world heritage site due to its outstanding natural beauty.
This trip has been especially designed for those who wish to make the most out of their walking holiday amidst Corsica’s magnificent landscapes with the comfort of having their luggage transported along the way.
We also have a two-centre hiking holiday based in 3* hotels in the ancient capital of Corte and the lively coastal town of Calvi.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | From €899 per person sharing*
*A high-season supplement will apply during the months of July and August. |
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ACCOMMODATION | Private rooms in a combination of tradtional hotels (2* standard) and 3* hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities. | ||||||||||||||||
AVAILABILITY | You can start your trip on any day of the week (subject to availability) from May to the end of September. | ||||||||||||||||
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NOT INCLUDED |
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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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: Scala Santa Regina
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 850 m | Descent: 500 m | 5 hrs approx.
After a short transfer from Corte, you will be in the heart of the Scala Santa Régina gorge. The cliffs overlooking the Golo river offer splendid views. You will take an old mule path to your next stop by the Calacuccia lake.
Overnight: Calacuccia
Day 3: Radule Waterfall and GR20 path
Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 554 m | 6 hrs approx.
Beautiful walking day to the Verghio forest. You leave the Mare a Mare path to reach the Radule waterfall and shepherd house. Then using the world famous GR20 path, you walk to your hotel for the night. Numerous bathing possibilities in natural pools.
Overnight: Hotel Castel di Verghio in a private room
Day 4: Evisa via the Aitone natural pools
Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 850 m | 4 hrs approx.
Passing the Col de Verghio, you will descend through a chestnut forest overlooking the Aitone stream and its beautiful natural pools. This trek takes you through the mountain village of Evisa, the chestnut capital of Corsica. Corsica is famous for its chestnuts, which are used to make local foodstuffs including flour, cake and beer!
Overnight: Evisa
Day 5: Evisa to Porto via Ota
Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 1450 m | 5½ hrs approx.
From Evisa, it is a fantastic walk, descending into the heart of the Spelunca gorge through dense forests of chestnut and holm oak, where you will walk on tracks and bridges constructed by the Genoese. The scenery here cannot fail to impress with its outstanding natural beauty. The charming village of Ota is an ideal place for a rest before walking down to the superb marina of Porto.
We would highly recommend booking an additional night here to take a well-earned rest day by the pool or the beach, or perhaps taking a boat trip to admire the spectacular coastline of the Gulf of Porto.
Overnight: Porto
Day 6: From Porto to Piana
Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 869 m | Descent: 689 m | 4 hrs approx.
During this last walking day, you will walk along the sea before climbing up inland toward the Capu d’Ortu summit. Enjoy the shade of the Palani with fantastic views over the spectacular Calanches of Piana (bright red rocks that plunge dramatically into the sea).
You will then carry on walking to the centre of the delightful sleepy village of Piana.
Overnight: Piana
Day 7: Departure
The trip ends after your breakfast in Piana. You can take the bus to Calvi or Ajaccio or we can also arrange private transfers.
Important: No buses on Sundays or bank holidays except in July and August.
If you would like to book additional nights in Piana, Calvi or Bastia then just let us know at the time of booking.
Tour Reviews
We’re a couple who took this trip in July. It was our first big hiking trip, so we were not totally sure what to expect. We chose Wild Rover because they are reasonably priced and their agendas were flexible.
However, we can can say straight away that this was a great way to see the wild side of Corsica, and we really enjoyed the walking experience. Having your baggage transported ahead of you is a genius move, really allowing you to enjoy the days walk with the minimum of gear.
Going in July meant the weather is pretty warm even up in the mountains. You need to have good walking shoes, moderate fitness and a sense of adventure to get the most out of this holiday. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful walking experience and a truly memorable holiday.
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