One of the most popular long-distance footpaths in Corsica, the Mare a Mare South trail crosses the rocky spine of the island between the Porto Vecchio and Valinco Gulf, taking in the full cross-section of Corsican landscapes, from the deep blue inlets of the coast to the beautiful forests and high peaks of the Alta Rocca region.
This Mare a Mare South walking ttrip will also offer you the opportunity to take cooling dips in the clear waters of the many rock pools and rivers along the way. All in all, this is an ideal trip for those looking to swap the hustle and bustle of the coastal south for a more off-the-beaten-track experience, involving spectacular mountain scenery and timeless village life.
Mare a Mare South
Duration: 7 nights
Walking: 6 days
Difficulty level: Moderate
Type: Self-guided
Start and finish point: Figari
Departure dates: Saturdays: mid May - end October
Day 1: Start your holiday in Porto Vecchio
Fly to Figari and spend the rest of the day exploring Porto Vecchio. Spend the night in Porto Vecchio.
Day 2: From Porto Vecchio to Cartalavonu
Your walking circuit starts in Porto Vecchio. After a short taxi transfer to Alzu di Gallina, you will start walking towards the mountains. Passing through the Ospedale villages, you will reach Cartalavonu, situated at 1,020m altitude. The trail will take you through the Corsican maquis and under maritime pine trees until finally reaching the plateau of Cartalavonu.
Spend the night in Cartalavonu.
Distance: 16.3km. Around 5 hours walking. Altitude gain: +1110m. Descent: -150m
Day 3: From Cartalavonu to San-Gavino-di-Carbini
The start of the day provides you with a beautiful viewpoint over the Gulf of Porto Vecchio and the lake of Ospedale. Take a short detour around the summit of Vacca Morta (which also rewards you with great panoramic views). After passing through the Col de Mela, you'll discover the needles of the Bavella mountains and the charming little village of Carbini. Your last section takes you through Levie and a couple of archaeological sites, the most famous being Cucuruzzu, dating back from the Bronze Age, before reaching San-Gavinu-di-Carbini.
Spend the night in San-Gavino-di-Carbini.
Distance: 18.7km. Around 7 hours walking. Altitude gain +900m. Descent: -1250m
Day 4: From San-Gavino-di-Carbini to Quenza
The path you follow leads you through shaded undergrowth and runs alongside the stream of Pian di Santu. You will walk into the heart of the Alta Rocca villages, from Zonza to Quenza – an absolutely charming walk!
Spend the night in Quenza.
Distance: 10.8km. Around 4 hours walking. Altitude gain: +470m. Descent: -340m.
Day 5: From Quenza to Aullène
Quenza is famous for its church that dates back to the year 1000. You leave this village and hike up to the plateau of Cuscione and the hamlet of Giallico, before descending through scrubland and passing by the shepherds' huts of Lavu Donacu before reaching your stop for the evening.
Spend the night in Aullène.
Distance: 8.5km. Around 3 hours walking. Altitude gain: +450m. Descent: -410m
Day 6: From Aullène to Santa Lucia di Tallano
Today's walk commences through a chestnut forest and Serra di Scopamena – you will notice the old mill that has been restored by the Corsican Natural Park. In the shade of the oak trees and thick vegetation, you can swim in the local fresh river while enjoying your surroundings. You will climb up through the midst of oak and strawberry trees to the Col de Tavara and the hamlet of Altagène. A bend in the path then takes you through the scrubland to the bell tower and olive groves of Santa Lucia di Tallano.
Spend the night in Santa Lucia di Tallano.
Distance: 13.5km. Around 5 hours 40 walking. Altitude gain and loss +740m, -1140m.
Day 7: From Santa Lucia di Tallano to Burgo
Passing the XII century Roman chapel St-Jean-Baptiste, the path descends through a forest of oak trees to the Piombatu Bridge that crosses the Rizzanese. You will head towards Fozzano, a village famous for a story from Mérimée, after which you will make your way towards Baracci, crossing the Capannajola and the Baracci river close to an old water mill.
Spend the night in Burgo.
Distance: 15km. Around 5 hours 20 walking. Altitude gain +880m. Descent: -1130m.
Day 8: End of holiday
After breakfast in Burgo you will be transferred to Figari airport for your journey home.
Please note: This itinerary is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to, correct at time of publication. Should situations arise that are beyond our control, such as severe weather conditions, or other factors that could put your safety at risk, it may be possible for the itinerary to be modified.