Why Visit Corsica?

Walking in Corsica

An eco-friendly way of discovering the immense and mountainous interior is by hiking.

The GR20 long distance footpath crosses the island through woods and across ridges from Calenzana in the North-West (12km from Calvi) to Conca in the South-East (22km from Porto Vecchio). There are also many other footpaths that have been created to start from the sea and head to the mountains 'Mare é Monti' or those that travel coast to coast 'Mare é Mare'. Whether you wish to make your own tracks and go at your own pace, or go as part of a group, we can help with the arrangements.

Corsica will captivate those who enjoy walking, as hiking is one of the key attractions of the Island, along with its beaches. With some impressively high peaks, breathtaking scenery and unspoilt countryside, Corsica can be greatly appreciated on foot and there is sufficient variety to match walkers/hikers of all levels. The main walking season is between mid-May and early July and in September.

The coastal resort of the Balagne, once known as the 'Garden of Corsica' is ideal to discover on foot. The region offers much that is characteristic of Corsica - hidden sandy beaches, sheltered coves, spectacular mountain views and the undeniable beauty of three of Corsica's natural wonders; the Calanche de Piana, the Spelunca Gorge and the nature reserve of Scandola. The two principal towns of the region Calvi and Ile Rousse are natural attractions, but so too are the ancient clifftop citadel villages, which seem to have almost been untouched by time and which are rich in artisans and local produce.

The Gulf of Valinco, debated to be the most beautiful gulf on the west coast of the island is another great region to explore. At the eastern end is the principal town of the region, Propriano, which has developed from a sleepy fishing community to a bustling resort. Around the bay to the south finds Campomoro, a peaceful fishing village, with only a few houses, boats, a sandy beach and a eucalypus grove. To the north of the bay you find Cappiciolo - perhaps one of the best spots on the Gulf - and Porto Pollo, a sheltered little port. The coastline to the south of the Gulf of Valinco is mostly inaccessible by car, so the area of rocks, maquis, sandy coves, footpaths and tracks is destined to be experienced on foot.

Much of Corsica's forests, featuring a whole host of fauna and flora, mountainous hinterland and wild coast are made more accessible courtesy of waymarked trails, maintained by the Parc Regional and local municipalities. Some trails only take an hour, while others take several days, in which case you can enjoy well deserved rests at refuges or gites d'etapes, which offer comfortable dormitory accommodation exclusively to walkers.

For those who want a real challenge and who want to mould their holiday around hiking, the internationally renowned 2 week GR20 trail is ideal. This long distance (200km), high altitude hiking route in Corsica has become somewhat of an institution to both nature and hiking enthusiasts alike. It starts out at Calenzana, in Balagne and finishes at Conca, near Porto Vecchio, following the mountain ridges that cut across Corsica from the northwest to the southeast. Practicable from June to September, the hike requires a high level of fitness, the right equipment, a good head for heights and some climbing experience. Only one in three walkers complete the trail and you can just do half if desired, thanks to the train station mid-trail in the pine-hidden village of Vizzavona.

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