Activities in Corsica
There are numerous activities available on the island during the summer season – for all ages and interests. If you wish to book an activity, please call them giving at least 24 hours notice or call by the activity centre itself. Most operators now take credit cards, but you should clarify this beforehand and credit card details may be required as a form of deposit, particularly when equipment is being hired. Please also ensure you check the extent of the cover provided by your holiday insurance as certain activities may be specifically excluded.
Some facilities are only available in July/August and may also only be operational between 10am and 12pm and from 4pm until 8pm.
Climbing
Many of the climbs in Corsica are quite technically difficult and require a degree of competence and fitness so should only be attempted by confident climbers. The valleys around Corte offer some of the most exhilaring rock climbing opportunities in Europe, with superb views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Escalade Association Sportive du Niolo, Calacuccia
Tel 04 95 48 05 22
An affiliated climbing organisation that specialises in climbs on and around Paglia Orba (Corsica’s 3rd highest peak) including the mountain’s vertical north face and the jagged pinnacles of the Cinque Frati.
In Terra Corsa
Gare de Ponte Leccia
Tel 04 95 47 69 48
Interracorsa.com
Organise daily trips of varying difficulties into the Asco valley. Via Ferrata is an excellent and safe way of experiencing the mountain trails, all the while assured by ropes and safety harnesses. They will not accept groups larger than 10 people.
Paragliding, parachuting and hang-gliding
A fabulous way to view the stunning scenery! It is advisable to contact the clubs earlier rather than later during your stay if you are interested as places are limited and activities are weather dependant. The d’Alturaghja (the place of the eagles) is the aptly named site where some of the islands best paragliding is provided, at over 1,000 metres on the slopes of Monte Cinto.
Altore Ecole Professionnelle de Parapente
Montegrosso
Tel 06 08 72 67 19 / 06 88 21 49 16
altore.com
Located approx 3km east of junction of D451 & D151 between Calvi and Montemaggiore. The tandem or solo flights offered provide excellent views of the Monte Grosso massif, the valley of the Fiume Secco and Calvi bay.
Escalade Association Sportive du Niolo, Calacuccia
Tel 04 95 48 05 22
The company offers tandem glides or solo glides on production of the appropriate documentation. The site is easily accessed from Lozzi, just a few kilometres north west of Calacuccia, and, on a clear day, your flight will give you views of west coast, all the way from Calvi up to St Florent.
Tennis
There are Tennis clubs in most main towns.
Tennis Club Calvi
Plage de Calvi
Tel 04 95 65 21 13
Open from 16h30, it is a very popular club so it’s advisable to book in advance. Equipment hire available.
Complexe St François
Monticello
Tel 06 18 02 07 32
Four courts, lit at night open from 5pm. Very popular so it’s advisable to book in advance. €12 for 1 hour.
Tennis Club Ile Rousse
Route de Calvi, Ile Rousse
Tel 04 95 60 20 71
Tennis Davia
Route de Vignola, Davia
Courts available for residents of the area.
Bicycle Hire
Due to Corsica's mountainous terrain, cycling is not an easy option but fairly active and experienced cyclists will find the challenging climbs and winding routes enjoyable.
For those with enough determination and stamina, the views from some of the coastal roads and mountain tracks are breathtaking. Because of the rough terrain, mountain bikes (vélos tous terrains or VTTs) are preferable over other types of bicycles.
The best time for cycling is during mid-season: May and June and September and October, when the weather is slightly cooler and the roads quieter. To escape the traffic completely there are numerous footpaths, woodland trails and 1,900 kilometres of bridleways which will enable you to discover more of the island's natural beauty.
Garage d'Angeli
Place Bel'ombra, Rue villa Antoine, Calvi
Tel 04 95 65 02 13
Balagne Cycles
15 Ave Paul Doumer, Ile Rousse
Tel 04 95 38 12 99 / 06 52 09 10 77
Wild Machja
Résidence Caroline, Bat A, Ave Christophe Colomb, Calvi
Tel 07 78 57 35 61
wildmachja.com
Algajola Sport et Nature
Plage de Algajola
Tel 0789 867 542
algajola-sportenature.com
Quad Bikes
For those who prefer to have more than just pedal power, quad biking through the maquis may be a better choice. The following all arrange accompanied trails on quad bikes.
Corse Loisirs 4x4
Ile Rousse
Tel 06 20 69 38 73
corse-4x4.com
Arrange day trips to the surrounding area.
Tra Mare e Monti
Port de plaisance Calvi (next to port office on marina)
Tel 04 95 65 21 26
tramare-monti.com
Have a fleet of Quad bikes for hire
Horse riding
Treks of differing lengths can be booked ranging from two hours to a whole day. When reserving don’t forget to mention whether or not you are experienced. During the heat of the summer, outings are usually limited to early morning and early evening.
A Cavallu
RN197 (on new RT30 road, close to the roundabout for Calvi airport.)
Tel 04 95 65 22 22
Cercle Equestre de Balagne
Le Cormoran, Lumio
Tel 04 95 60 66 66 or 06 13 42 27 62
Centre Equestre St François
Above Monticello village
Tel 06 19 69 85 62
centre-equestre-stfrancois.com
Walking
The main walking season is between mid-May and early June as well as September. With 250km of rehabilitated ancient paths and bridleway, la Balagne offers plenty of walking opportunities whether you’re a casual walker or a keen hiker. Speak to your local representative for information or purchase the Sunflower guide before you go, which highlights the best walks in la Balagne: the Revellata peninsula, Notre Dame de la Serra, the abandoned village of Occi, the perched villages of la Balagne, the forest of Bonifato, and the coastal section between Galéria and Girolata.
For those who want a real challenge, the internationally renowned GR20 trail is a real must and with other lesser-known pathways, you will be spoilt for choice. Crossing Corsica from northwest to southeast, the GR20 is 170 kilometres long with an average altitude of 1000m to 2000m, starting in Calenzana in the Balagne, and finishing in Conca near Porto Vecchio. The path follows the mountain ridge that cuts across Corsica and attracts many hiking enthusiasts every year. 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 – in its entirety it takes approximately two weeks to complete. Only one in three walkers complete the trail but you can just do half if desired, thanks to the train station mid-trail in the pine-hidden village of Vizzavona. Many refuges can be found en route, marking the end of each stage which offer basic accommodation with cooking / dining facilities as well as supplies’ stock. More comfortable gîtes d’étapes are also available.
