High mountain peaks, rocky creeks and quaint fishing villages all form an incredible backdrop on this 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.
Mare e Monti North
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Walking: 5 days
Difficulty level: Moderately challenging walking
Type: Self-guided
Start and finish point: Calvi
Departure dates: Departures on Sundays mid May - end September
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 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 relax on the 5km of pine backed beach.
Overnight: Calvi Hôtel 3* (or similar), on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2 - Calvi
Today starts with a beautifuil walk on the Revellata peninsula, an unspoilt area of maquis and sea cliffs. Head around the coast towards the lighthouse, a real highlight to the start of the trip. This protected area is a haven for wildlife, with much flora and fauna that is found only here. The walk passes along sea cliffs and down to unspoilt coves. Your journey back can be extended to take in Notre Dame de la Serra, a chapel high above Calvi, which serves as an ideal spot for a few photos.
Distance: 11km, duration: 4 hours, altitude gain: +210m, descent: -210m.
Overnight: Calvi Hôtel 3* (or similar), on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: Calvi to Galéria
A transfer by taxi in the early morning will take you to Tuarelli where you'll 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 2,325m. From here, 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 4: Capo Tondu or Focolara Cove
Today you have a choice of walking, either to the sheepfold of Focolara, just on the edge of Scandola and above the bay of the same name, the walk can become a large loop walk with views out over Girolata. Your second 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: in Galéria at Hôtel L'Alivu (or similar), on a half board basis.
Day 5: Col de la Croix to Serriera
From the pass above Girolata you continue along the path less trodden towards the coast. Today you are walking along the 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 some of the best views in Corsica – an explosion of colours and fantastic landscapes. Stop at the beach at Caspiu before a short transfer takes you to tonight's stop: a comfortable three-star hotel on half board near the beach at Bussaghia, Serriera.
Distance: 12km, duration: 5 hours, altitude gain: +432m, descent: -778m.
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 a comfy three-star hotel on bed and breakfast basis, situated high in Porto. Choose from a number of nearby restaurants for dinner.
Distance: 10km, duration: 6 hours, altitude gain: +880m, descent: -570m.
Overnight: Hôtel Capo d'Orto 3* (or similar), on bed and 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 two-hour transfer along the west coast you arrive in Calvi. Spend your last night in Corsica either relaxing on the beach, exploring the old town, or take a short walk to Notre Dame de la Serra or onto the Revellata peninsula. Spend the night in Calvi in a central three-star hotel near the beach on bed and breakfast basis.
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.
