Around Cap Corse

Tour  

Walking  |  Bastia

Self-guided walking tour - 7 night holiday, incl. 6 days' walking

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Off the beaten track, the Cap Corse peninsula is a real undiscovered gem. Now a marine national park, its outstanding natural beauty is sure to enchant you.

Starting on the east coast of the Cap Corse, in the busy harbour village of Maccinaggio, this walking tour will explore seaside villages, deserted beaches, coastal paths and remote Mediterranean wilderness before heading south to the lively seaside town of St Florent.
 

Around Cap Corse

Duration: 7 nights

Walking: 5 days

Difficulty level: Challenging - read more on our walking gradings

Type: Self-guided

Start and finish point: Maccinaggio - St Florent: Fly in/out of Bastia

Departure dates: Saturdays from 13th May to 23rd September

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Day 1 - Macinaggio

Start with a transfer from Bastia Airport to Maccinaggio to check-in to your hotel. Your stay begins in Macinaggio, a small fishing port not far from the far north, easily accessible from Bastia. During this first day, relax and unwind, or choose to do an afternoon walk to reach the village of Rogliano located on the heights. Through a heritage trail, you can discover all the cultural and historical richness of these places. Night in Macinaggio.

Distance (optional depending on time) 12km. Duration 4 hours. Altitude gain +450m. Descent -450m.

Overnight: Hôtel Marina d'Oro or similar, Maccinaggio on bed & breakfast

 

Day 2 - Macinaggio to Barcaggio

You will take the coastal footpath which will allow you to admire the reserve of the Finocchiarola islands, the Genoese towers of Santa Maria as well as many beaches before reaching the fishing village of Barcaggio. 

Distance 13km. Duration 4 hours. Altitude gain +220m. Descent -220m.

Overnight: Hôtel Petra Cinta or similar, Barcaggio on bed & breakfast

 

Day 3 - Barcaggio - Centuri

From the village, the path partly runs along the cliffs that overlook the coast, and weaves through the maquis. It is a wild and authentic landscape that will await you. Take the opportunity to make a stop at the Tower of Tollare and the Semaphore of Monte Grossu, before reaching the village of Centuri. This fishing village, nestled in the heart of a small creek, offers a unique resting place. Overnight in Centuri.

Distance 11km. Duration 4.30 hours. Altitude gain +500m. Descent -500m.

Overnight: Hôtel de la Jetée 2* or similar, Centuri on half board

 

Day 4 - Centuri - Luri

The route runs along the seaside then rises in the maquis to reach the hamlets of Morsiglia and the pretty chapel of Notre Dame des Grâces. Your journey will now be on ridges, offering you sublime landscapes on a torn coast before reaching the Seneca tower, a belvedere overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Mediterranean. Night in Luri.

Distance 13km. Duration 5 hours. Altitude gain +900m. Descent -500m.

Overnight: Gîtes de Sénèque, on half board (chambre d'hotes) and picnic for the next day.

 

Day 5 -  Luri to Canari

From here, the path plunges into thick maquis, discovering the remains of a building linked to the forgotten agro-pastoral economy of men, present since prehistoric times. You will discover the Pinzu a Vergine menhir which again marks your journey along the ridges. A route that skirts the highest peaks of Cap Corse, a former summer pasture where sheepfolds and mountain springs are still present. Overnight in Canary.

Distance 14km. Duration 6.30 hours. Altitude gain +850m. Descent -950m.

Overnight: Hôtel Bon Clocher or similar, Canari, on half board

 

Day 6 - Canari - Nonza

This last stage leaves the ridges but remains on the heights of the Gulf of Saint Florent. In vegetation degraded by fire, you will walk on the old inter-village mule tracks. These will take you to the old asbestos quarry, which you will follow to reach the magnificent village of Ogliastro, before switching to the village of Nonza, perched on its rocky outcrop, the end of your hike. At the end of the day, transfer to St Florent. Overnight in St Florent.

Distance 14km. Duration 6 hours. Altitude gain +800m. Descent -850m.

Overnight: Hôtel Dolce Notte or similar, St Florent, on bed & breakfast

 

Day 7 - Free Day

Day off to explore and enjoy St Florent. For more walking you can do a walk into the Agriates and back starting from La Roya beach, or take a boat trip from the port to the beach of Lodu then walk to Saleccia beach then back to Lodu and get the boat or a one way boat trip to Lodu then walk back from there, or maybe take a shorter walk along the cliffs towards Farinole and back to St Florent.

Overnight: Hôtel Dolce Notte or similar, St Florent, on bed & breakfast

 

Day 8: Departure from Bastia

Your holiday comes to an end at your hotel after breakfast. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Bastia Airport. 

 

 

Good to know

  • This itinerary is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. Should situations arise that are beyond our control, such as full hotels, severe weather conditions, or other factors that could put your safety at risk, it may be modified.

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Key Information

This mountain walk is graded as:

Why self-guided walking?

You can walk at your own pace, choosing when and where to stop. There are often other walkers on the same itinerary that you will bump into along the way. We transport your bags between the hotels, provide maps and good walking notes. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility; you dictate the walking pace and rhythm of your holiday.

For safety reasons we do not accept single person reservations.

What's included

  • Return flights from London to Bastia
  • Return airport transfers
  • 3 nights' accommodation on half board
  • 4 nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast
  • Transfers on the walking days - one by boat
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Map and route notes

What's not included

  • Meals not stated in the trip notes
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Any transfers from/to another arrival airport

Luggage moving and day sack

You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks, just taking with you what you need for the day. Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops by a variety of different people. This ranges from local taxis, hotel owners and our own staff. We ask you to please limit your main luggage to around 15kg per bag to facilitate the driver loading it in and out of a transfer vehicle.

It is important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances at the start and towards the end of your holiday. You will need the appropriate luggage.

Accommodation

See Tour Accommodation section below. 

Meals

Breakfasts are continental style. Evening meals are three-course affairs using local produce. We recommend that you bring your preferred trail food, or high energy bars for the walks. Picnics can be purchased daily from bakers or small supermarkets. 

Spending money

Bring sufficient to cover your personal expenses including snacks and drinks. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine, coffee are all expensive. It is impossible to change money here and trying to find a working cash machine can be problematic. We recommend bringing all the euros you need with you in cash.

Preparing for your trip

It is a good idea to get fit for this trip. The more time you put in before you leave, the more you will get out of the walking. You should do regular aerobic exercise in preparation for the hills. Walking regularly with a rucksack is the best way to make sure you are fit enough for the Corsican hills and enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Climate

You can expect to encounter some very wide ranging temperatures. During the walks you should be ready for everything; take powerful sun protection, as well as warm fleeces and a weatherproof jacket. Corsica is known for its micro climates and each valley can be very different. The weather can change quickly and the mountains generate some stormy, often unpredictable weather.

What to bring and pack

  • A small day pack for your water bottle, camera, picnic and weatherproof
  • A rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage (15kg maximum per person)
  • Good walking shoes or boots with a good grip sole
  • Walking socks
  • Warm fleece
  • Shorts and t-shirts
  • Swimming attire
  • Towel
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Water bottle (one litre minimum)
  • For your picnics: a good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup and plate some plastic bags
  • Sun and rain protection
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • Trainers or open sandals
  • Warm fleece and casual wear
  • First aid: we recommend that you bring your own personal first aid kit consisting of antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment, painkillers, plasters and blister treatment and re-hydration supplements. Glucose tablets or malt loaf and multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.

UK residents should obtain a Health Insurance Card (EHIC or GHIC) before travelling. This is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. This might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care. Speak to the Department of Health by phone, online, or at the post office.

Tour Accommodation

Days 1 to 7 - Around Cap Corse

Room Type: Standard Room

Board Basis: Mixed Board Basis

  More Information

About the Local Area

ABOUT AREA

Bastia is one of Corsica’s most successful commercial towns and known as the capital of Haute Corse. The Place St Nicolas is a pleasant spot to soak up Bastia's Mediterranean atmosphere and with its shady trees and cafes, is the social hub of the town. The Boulevard Paoli and Rue Cesar Campinchi are the main shopping streets running parallel to the square. The old town lies south of Place St Nicolas and surrounds the old port which should not be missed. It is overlooked by the honey coloured Citadel and bustles with harbour side bars and restaurants. Wander through the old streets behind the old port to find the Place du Marche where there is a local farmers market each morning.

BEACHES

Bastia
The main beach in the town of Bastia is a pebbly one, and it can get very busy with the locals in the summer months. The sandy Plage de l'Arinella, south of the town, is the beginning of a long sandy shore that extends along the whole of the east coast with water sports, beachside cafés and restaurants.

Moriani Plage
A 14km stretch of golden sand and gently shelving waters south of Bastia, Moriani Plage has various access points with several beach bars and water sports available.

Plage de Porticciolo
North of Erbalunga lies Plage de Porticciolo, a sandy beach near a small port which has turquoise sea and white sand. Its position means that it is rarely busy, and it is beautiful.

Plage d’Aliso
The narrow road down to the golfe d’Aliso just after the turn off for Luri, ends at a small, red, sandy beach.

Plage de Tamarone
Situated 2.5km north of Macinaggio at the end of a dirt road is the sandy and clean Plage de Tamarone that boasts deep and clear waters. Do not be surprised if the beach at Macinaggio itself is often covered with shelves of dead posidonia leaves as, although unattractive to wade through, they protect the coast from erosion and shelter the fish.  From the car park here, various walks are marked which take you through Le Site Naturels de la Capandula.  This reserve also includes the Islands off the coast, which you can see.  There is a coastal walk (sentier des douaniers) leading to Barcaggio (3-4hours one way) and also a shorter 1hr 30min circuit that takes in many of the highlights and leads to a second beach Plage des Iles.

FESTIVALS

Rock' Inseme – Biguglia, June
A rock and pop music festival bringing together recognised artists and up-an-coming bands.

Fiera di u Vinu – Luri, July
A lively festival celebrating the wine produced in the Cap Corse region.

A Notte di a Memoria – The Relève du Gouverneur - Bastia, July
A re-enactment of the arrival of the French governor with a light and drum parade through the streets of the citadel.

Les Nuits de la Guitare – Patrimonio, July
The amphitheatre in the village of Patrimonio is the setting for this popular festival that takes place every July and draws stars from the world of guitar, be it jazz, flamenco, blues or rock.

Porto Latino - St Florent, August
A hot Latin festival with nightly open-air concerts held in the citadel.

Festival de la Chanson/Corse Pascal Paoli – Furiani, August
Corsican singing concerts.

Festival de Musique – Erbalunga, August 
An established music festival showing off some of the greatest national and local talents.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Bastia
Capital of Haute Corse and just a 15 minute drive from Erbalunga is Bastia, a busy town with a population of 50,000, making it the second largest town on the island. The Place St Nicolas is a pleasant spot to soak up Bastia’s Mediterranean atmosphere and with its shady trees and cafes is the social hub of the town. The Boulevard Paoli and Rue César Campinchi are the main shopping streets running parallel to the square. The old town lies south of Place St Nicolas and surrounds the old port which should not be missed. It is overlooked by the high honey-coloured Genoese Citadel (quite a climb) and bustles with harbourside bars and restaurants. Wander through the old streets behind the old port to find the Place du Marché where there is a local farmers market each morning and the church of St Jean Baptiste, Corsica's largest church is well worth a visit.

Drive around Cap Corse
Often called an island within an island, the Cap Corse is a maquis covered peninsula whose history sets it apart from the rest of the island. Tiny ports divide the east side as the western villages are sited on rugged cliffs. On the west of Cap Corse, narrow roads wind above a dramatically serrated coastline, dotted with little coves, whilst the sea washes on the rocks below and woods and maquis outline the peaks above. A complete circuit of the Cap Corse will take you about four hours (without stops) and we recommend that you always drive in a clockwise direction so that you are always in the inside lane (the road can be narrow and winding and the drops are precipitous and rather scary!).

Erbalunga
Just past Bastia, approx 1hr drive, the fishing port of Erbalunga on the eastern coast clings to a little jagged promontory, opal waves slapping against gaudy fishing boats. The pedestrianised village has many cafés and restaurants and a Genoese tower on the headland and is the home of a Jazz festival in August.​

Patrimonio
Spend a leisurely afternoon visiting a vineyard in the pretty village of Patrimonio, and tasting the superb wines. The Patrimonio region is most famous for its vineyards, much of Corsica’s best wine being produced in this area. You will find dozens of vineyards to visit and the proprietors are happy to welcome you and offer you their wines to sample. There is now a ‘route des vins’, which will lead you to all the vineyards.

St Florent
The sparkling, sheltered bay of St Florent lies between the Cap Corse and the Désert des Agriates. At first sight St Florent appears to be a bustling, attractive waterfront town, with boats, bars, excellent fish restaurants and an almost permanent game of boules in the square, but stroll into the old town and you discover a charming, ageless quarter of old houses, little shops and wine bars. There are pretty squares and quiet corners, with the sea always nearby!