On this Corsica walking tour, you will discover one of the most beautiful corners of the island – from Tuarelli in la Balagne to the world-renowned Nature Reserve at Scandola and the unique coastal village of Girolata in the Gulf of Porto.
Day 1: Arrival in Calvi
Arrive into Calvi, and a transfer will take you to your hotel with time to settle in before exploring. This picture postcard seaside town is distinctly Mediterranean and you will love the quayside and its vibrant café life crowned by the Genoese citadel. It is great to just sit in one of the cafés opposite the harbour and soak up the atmosphere. Visit the shops along the Rue Clémenceau, and whatever you do don’t forget to climb through the atmospheric streets of the citadel and see the Cathédrale St Jean Baptiste or simply relax on the 5km of pine-backed beach.
Overnight: Calvi Hôtel 3* (or similar), on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2 - Piana
After your transfer to Piana and your hotel, high in the village offering fantastic views. Piana is a quaint village in a magnificent setting surrounded by red rocks, lush green forests and blue sky and sea. If you arrive in Ajaccio the day before, we offer a hike on the sentier des cretes, overlooking the city and the Gulf of Ajaccio. The views of the sea and the mountains are superb.
Distance: 6-11km. Duration: 4 hours. Altitude gain: +340m.
Overnight: Hôtel Scandola 3* (or similar), on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: Porto
The trail enters the red rocks of the Golfe de Porto, you will discover an incredible site of granite needles and wind sculpted rocks, dotted with maritime pine trees. The walk above the coast road follows the old mule path or travels higher towards the Capo d’Ortu and offers some spectacular views of the indented rugged coastline and its many creeks below. Drop down to the sea (some road walking) and the port at Castagna.
Distance: 12km. Duration: 5 hours. Altitude gain: +70m. Descent: -520m.
Overnight: Hôtel Kalliste (or similar), on bed and breakfast basis..
Day 4: Serriera
A transfer takes you up to the village of Ota, a delightful place with old stone houses, bourgainvillia and chestnut trees high above Porto. The path climbs into the red rocks before arriving at Capu San Petru, a superb rocky belvedere with views over Serriera and the Golfe de Porto. After dropping down to the village of Serriera, you follow the lane down to the beach.
Distance: 14km. Duration: 6 hours. Altitude gain: +697m. Descent: -1039m
Overnight: in Hôtel Stella Marina (or similar), on a half board basis.
Day 5: Girolata
A taxi drops you at the Bergerie on the Capo Razzozu, the trail follows the ridge dropping down to the coast at the unspoilt beach at Caspiu, before climbing to Gradelle. From here you climb a magnificent ridge, well off the beaten track, to Col de la Croix where you find a well trodden path to Girolata, made famous by Guy the postman. The site is inaccessible by road and you will carry your overnight gear.
Distance: 12km. Duration: 5.5 hours. Altitude gain: +595m. Descent: -795m.
Overnight: E Casarelle beachside lodge (more like 'glamping' than a hotel), on a half board basis.
Day 6: Galeria
The path climbs to the ridge above Girolata, offering a unique view of the Gulf and the Scandola nature reserve and its red granite cliffs. From here you begin your slow descent along the trail to the fishing village of Galéria, either via the Focolara bergeries or along the Tavulaghju river.
Distance: 11km, duration: 6 hours. Altitude gain: +780m. Descent: -750m.
Overnight: Hôtel L'Alivu 3* (or similar), on a half board basis.
Day 7: Porto to Calvi
After a transfer you have a beautiful and contrasting walk on the Revellata peninsula, an unspoilt and now protected area of maquis and sea cliffs. Head around the coast towards the lighthouse that watches over the bay towards Lumio. Your journey back to Calvi can be extended to take in Notre Dame de la Serra, high above the town, this beautiful chapel is the ideal spot for a few shots over Calvi Bay.
Distance: 11km, duration: 5 hours. Altitude gain: +210m. Descent: -210m.
Overnight: Calvi Hôtel 3* (or similar) on bed and breakfast.
Day 8: Departure from Calvi
Your holiday comes to an end at your hotel after breakfast. You will be collected from your hotel at the time advised by our representative and taken to the airport.
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.