Mare e Monti North

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, a transfer will take you to your hotel with time to settle into your hotel 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 Citadelle. 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 just relax on the 5km of pine backed beach.  

Overnight: Calvi Hôtel 3* (or similar), on bed & breakfast basis.

Day 2 - Calvi to Galéria

A transfer by taxi in the early morning will take you to Tuarelli, you walk along the old transhumance path linking Calvi to Niolo, a pleasant route lined with junipers and myrtle bushes, this path also follows the course of the River Fango. Once at the Ponte Vecchio, Paglia Orba is visible in the distance dominating the landscape with an altitude of 2325m. From here you cross the Fango bridge and head on to the hamlet of Fango. Your route then climbs into the maquis and passes several old shepherds' cabins. Your day's walk finishes with a short downhill stretch in to the village of Galéria where you are rewarded with stunning views over Fango.

Distance: 9km, duration: 4 hours, altitude gain: +240m, descent: -320m.

Overnight: Hôtel L'Alivu (or similar), on a half board basis.

Day 3: Galéria to Focolara bergeries

Today you have a choice of walking, either to the sheepfold of Focolara, just on the edge of Scandola, above the bay of the same name. The other option is the Capu Tondo, a summit walk giving superb views over the village of Galéria and the Fango delta, however high you decide to climb. For those wanting an easier day, take a kayak into the Fango delta nature reserve.

Distance: 11.7km, duration: 5 hours, altitude gain: +760m, descent: -760m.

Overnight: Hôtel L'Alivu (or similar), on a half board basis.

Day 4: Galéria to Girolata 

You will not see your bag tonight so make sure you have all you need for tonight in your day pack. Today you start by following a beautiful path shaded from the sun. Your path leads you to a natural pool, and an uphill section alongside the river bank. You will shortly come across an area of vegetation, after this you will emerge into a forest of oaks before reaching the Crête du Lucciu (697m). From here you will have remarkable views over the gulf of Girolata, the Genoese tower and the red granite cliffs. You continue west along the ridge path to reach the River Cavone and the coast. This is also a picturesque spot to swim and to cool off after your days walk. Your stop for tonight is the picturesque harbourside hamlet of Girolata. The accommodation is a simple beachside cabin on half board with a restaurant on the sand.

Distance: 11km, duration: 6 hours, altitude gain: +750m, descent : -780m.

Overnight: La Cabane du Berger in Girolata (or similar), on a half board basis.

Day 5: Girolata to Serriera

From Girolata's beach, you follow the postman’s path that runs alongside the coast, to Col de la Croix. From here you leave the Mare e Monti and continue down to the coast to walk along magnificent ridge path in a south-westerly direction you can admire exceptional views over Scandola's natural reserve and the Golfe de Porto, one of the largest natural marine sites in Europe, this path offers beautiful views some of the best in Corsica - an explosion of colours and fantastic landscapes. Stop at the beach at Caspiu before a short transfer takes you to tonight stop is in a comfortable 3* hotel on half board near the beach at Bussaghia, Serriera.

Distance: 11km, duration: 5 hours, altitude gain: +799m, descent: -799m.

Overnight: Hôtel Stella Marina 3* (or similar), on a half board basis​.

Day 6: Serriera to Porto

After a ride to the trailhead, from Serriera, the Mare e Monti then climbs steeply up through a pine forest to the Capu San Petru. The views from here are spectacular, across the Gulf of Porto. After a walk on the flat, the path plunges down through a high mountain landscape towards the village of Ota, a delightful place with old stone houses, bourgainvillia and chestnut trees. A transfer takes you from Chez Felix to overnight in a comfy 3* hotel on bed & breakfast basis, situated high in Porto. Choose from a number of nearby restaurants for dinner.

Overnight: Hôtel Capo d'Orto 3* (or similar), on bed & breakfast basis​.

Day 7: Porto to Calvi

A bus is available for Calvi (payable locally), just 200m from your hotel or you could choose a private transfer later in the day (at a supplement) and take a boat trip to Scandola from Porto. After a 2 hour transfer along the west coast you arrive in Calvi, and your last night in Corsica, either spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the old town, or take a short walk to Notre Dame de la Serra or onto the Revellata peninsula. Night in Calvi in a central 3* hotel near the beach on bed & breakfast basis.

Overnight: Calvi Hôtel 3* (or similar) on bed and breakfast.

Day 8: Sunday - Departure from Calvi

Your holiday comes to an end on Sunday 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.