Mare e Monti North

High mountain peaks, rocky creeks and quaint fishing villages are all form an incredible backdrop on this walking tour.

You will discover one of the most beautiful corners of the island - from Tuarelli, Balagne, to the world renowned Nature Reserve at Scandola and the unique coastal village of Girolata in the Gulf of Porto.

Duration: 8 days / 7 Nights

Walking: 5 days

Difficulty level: Moderately challenging walking

Type: Self Guided

Start and finish point: Calvi

Departure dates: Sunday 13th May - 30th September

Day 1: Arrival in Calvi

After being transferred from Calvi airport to your hotel, the day is dedicated to discovering Calvi and its citadel, the nearby beaches may encourage you to do some swimming.

Day 2 - Calvi to Galeria

After a taxi transfer to Tuarelli, your walking begins. From here a lovely loop climbs to Manso, offering grand views of the high granite summits that form the backbone of the island. The path descends back to the Fango torrent and you pick up the famous long distance trail called the ‘Tra Mare e Monti.’ The water below is translucent, with massive rock pools and mini canyons, quite wondrous. Pulling up and away from the river, the path leads through the maquis to Galeria, your home for the next two nights.

Distance: 18km, duration: 6 hours, altitude gain: +565m, descent: -550m.

Overnight: Hôtel Stella Marina, with pool, on a half board basis.

Day 3: Galéria

Today if the weather is fine, a taxi speed boat takes you into Girolata via Scandola reserve. Girolata is a sleepy harbour village only accessible by sea. The cluster of houses with bright orange roofs are set off against a backdrop of rugged pink-hued sea cliffs and the crystal blue waters. From here, before the crowds arrive by boat, you walk back to Galeria, through an area of outstanding natural beauty, discover the Focolara bergeries and a wild maquis, second to none in Corsica.

Distance: 11km, duration: 5.5 hours, altitude gain: +780m, descent: -780m.

Overnight: Hôtel Stella Marina, with pool, on a half board basis.

Day 4: Galéria to Serriera

This morning your taxi transfer takes you early to the start of the walk, Bocca di Crocce. A glorious less trodden path drops down hill through the maquis, giving glimpsing simply stunning views of the Capu Seninu and the sea cliffs of the Golfe of Porto. You can choose to walk out along the old “postman's” trail, or take a taxi boat across the bay to Bocca a Crocce. The trail follows the magical indented jagged cove line via a number of quiet coves all the way to Bussaghlia. Your hotel is tucked just 300m away from the beach. You can expect some succulent cuisine in a very private and relaxing setting.

Distance: 16km, duration: 6 hours, altitude gain: +680m, descent : -950m.

Overnight: Hôtel Stella Marina (a different one to previous), with pool, on a half board basis.

Day 5: Serriera to Piana

A taxi will take you to the start of the walk, in the Calanches. Walking from the ruins at Dispensa you head to the heights through a varying landscape of chestnuts and pines. This is an incredible site of granite needles, tortured shapes and sculped rocks, it is a high level path up to the heights below the Capo d’Ortu peak, before dropping to emerge in Piana. A fine setting for a dinner in a historical hotel. This sleepy village is classed as one of the prettiest in France and the sunsets are sublime.

Distance: 13km, duration: 5.5 hours, altitude gain: +320m, descent: -70m.

Overnight: Hôtel Les Roches Rouges, with pool on a half board basis.

Day 6: At leisure in Piana or optional walk payable locally

If you want an active day today, after a short transfer, an optional walk today can be taken to the Capo Rossu and the Genoese Turghia tower, perched at 300m above the sea on this magnificent headland. Although a short walk, it is a real highlight walk on this west coast, and is sure to leave you with memories - supplement €65 up to 4 people. If you fancy an easier day, it is possible to walk down to the small cove of Ficaghola, set far below the village, a good spot to settle with a book and watch the waves on the shore. Settle down for a celebratory meal at Hôtel Les Roches Rouges watching the sun set on this walking holiday.

Overnight: Hôtel Les Roches Rouges, with pool on a half board basis.

Day 7: Calvi

From Piana a short taxi ride is arranged through the Calanques to Porto Bus Station. From Porto take the bus (pay for ticket locally) all the way to Calvi.

Overnight: Hôtel Regina (or similar) on bed and breakfast in Calvi.

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.

Trip grading and level of difficulty

The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking all day and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.

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.

Number of participants

From 2 people. For safety reasons we do not accept single person reservations.

What's included

Return flights from London Stansted or Manchester
5 nights accommodation on half board
2 nights accommodation on bed & breakfast
Return airport transfers
Transfers on the walk
Luggage transfers between hotels on the walk
Maps and route notes.

What's not included

Meals not stated in the trip notes
Drinks
Travel insurance
Bus from Piana to Calvi on day 7 (approx €18 per person).

Luggage Moving and Day Sack

You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and weatherproof 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 either local taxis, hotel owners or 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 the 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. Soft luggage is recommended.

Accommodation

See Tour Accommodation section below.

Meals

Breakfasts are continental style. Evening meals are 3 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. Alternatively main provisions can be purchased from larger supermarkets in Calvi.

Spending money

Bring sufficient to cover your personal expenses including snacks and drinks. 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 jacket.
A rucksack or soft 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 costume or trunks
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
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, diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, re-hydration. Glucose tablets or malt loaf and multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.

UK residents should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling. The EHIC 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. You can obtain an EHIC from the Department of Health by phone, online, or at the post office.

Mare e Monti North