Mare e Monti North

Tour  

Walking  |  Calvi Town

Self-guided walking tour - 7 night holiday, incl 5 days' walking

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

 

Mare e Monti North

Duration: 7 nights

Walking: 5 days

Difficulty level: Challenging - read more on our walking gradings

Type: Self-guided

Start and finish point: Calvi

Departure dates: Sundays, 18th May - 28th September

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Day 1: Calvi to Piana

Arrive at Calvi Airport and transfer directly to Piana and settle into your hotel. Explore Piana with its quaint little village and enjoy a local dinner as a restaurant of your choice. 

Overnight: Hôtel Mare e Monti or similar, on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 - Piana to Porto

The trail enters the red rocks of the Gulf of 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 and your 3* hotel at the harbour in Porto.

Distance: 12km. Duration: 5 hours. Altitude gain: +70m. Descent: -520m.

Overnight: Hôtel Kalliste, on bed and breakfast basis..

Day 3: Porto to Serriera

You will leave Porto and cross the Vitrone ravine, with its red porphury walls, 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, and you overnight in a comfy 3* hotel.

Distance: 14km. Duration: 6 hours. Altitude gain: +697m. Descent: -1039m

Overnight: in Hôtel Stella Marina or similar, on a half board basis.

Day 4: Serriera to Girolata

Early morning transfer to reach the entrance to the village of Partinello. The route leads through fragrant scrubland down to the seafront, winding along the jagged coastline before climbing back up to Bocca Croce. There is an exceptional view of the Scandola nature reserve, one of Europe's major natural sites, offering an explosion of colours and landscapes. Follow the balcony path to Girolata, a small fishing hamlet inaccessible by road and you will carry your overnight gear, for a night in a simple beachside cabin in Girolata.

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 5: Girolata to Galeria

The path climbs to the ridge above Girolata, offering a unique view of the Gulf Scandola reserve and its red granite cliffs. Descent to the fishing village of Galéria, either via the Focolara bergeries or along the Tavulaghju river. Night in Galéria in a hotel by the beach and dinner in Galéria.

Distance: 11km, duration: 6 hours. Altitude gain: +780m. Descent: -750m.

Overnight: Hôtel Filosorma or similar, on a half board basis​.

Day 6: Galeria to Tuarelli & Calvi

The path climbs up through the scrubland, past ancient sheepfolds where you can admire beautiful views over the Gulf of Galéria, then descends towards the Fangu to reach Ponte Vecchju. After arriving in Tuarelli, transfer to Calvi and settle into your hotel, and explore Calvi in the evening with its huge choice of eateries.

Distance: 9km, duration: 4 hours. Altitude gain: +320m. Descent: -240m.

Overnight: Hôtel Revellata 3* or similar on bed and breakfast.

Day 7: Calvi

Enjoy a day discovering Calvi and all it has to offer. relax and rest your feet on the beach, or if you are still up for seeing more, board the little train and travel the coastline all the way to L'lle Rousse hopping off and on as you please. 

Overnight: Hôtel Revellata 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 and taken to Calvi Airport. 

 

 

Good to know

  • This itinerary is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. Should situations arise that are beyond our control, such as full hotels, severe weather conditions, or other factors that could put your safety at risk, it may be modified.

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Key Information

This mountain walk is graded as:

Why choose 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.

For safety reasons we do not accept single person reservations.

What's included

  • Return flights from Stansted to Calvi
  • Return airport transfers
  • 3 nights' accommodation on half board
  • 4 nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast
  • Transfers on the walking days
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Map and route notes

What's not included

  • Meals not stated in the trip notes
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Any airport transfers from/to other arrival airports

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 a transfer 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 three-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 Health Insurance Card (EHIC or GHIC) before travelling. This 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. Speak to the Department of Health by phone, online, or at the post office.

Tour Accommodation

Days 1 to 7 - Mare e Monti North

Room Type: Standard Room

Board Basis: Mixed Board Basis

  More Information

About the Local Area

ABOUT AREA

Calvi's social life focuses on the many restaurants and cafés of the Quai Landry which is a large seafront walkway that links the marina and the port effortlessly. To get the best possible feel of the town, this is the place to be! A walk up through the narrow passageways off Quai Landry will take you to rue Clémenceau where you will find an array of restaurants and souvenir shops plenty. Further walking will present the Ste-Marie-Majeure, built in 1774 and from this a flight of steps will introduce you to the modern high street which is the point of entry to the wonderful citadel.

Wherever you are in Calvi, you will never be short of inspiration for a bite to eat. The marina offers a host of seafood options, the more inland streets present pizzerias and Corsican restaurants and of course the cafés complete the variety.

LOCAL BEACHES

Calvi's main beach
Calvi's beach is a huge sweeping crescent of white sand fringed by woods of planted maritime pines and it has something for everyone: it is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer and has a gentle shelving gradient that is perfect for all ages, including toddlers. It boasts a fine array of restaurants and cafés nearby - some of which serve directly onto the beach whilst you bask on your sunlounger; not to mention a diverse range of water sports activities for the more energetic.

Pointe de la Revellata
At this headland, just three kilometres west of Calvi Citadel, there is a sandy beach and tiny coves which can only be reached on foot or bike. A great, more secluded alternative to the town beach that gives an idea of the wilder coastline to be explored on the west coast of Corsica.

Ste Restitude
A picturesque and secluded beach that can be reached by train or by a two hour walk along the coast. Backed by macchia and pine trees, swimming conditions are perfect at Ste Restitude with soft sand and clear water. There is a restaurant serving refreshments but little else.

FESTIVALS

Calvi on the Rocks
This festival held in July is a youthful music and arts festival with a mix of electronic music and digital art and includes a concert each night in the citadel.

Rencontres Polyphoniques de Calvi
Polyphonic singing is at the heart of Corsican culture and musicians from around the world perform in the citadel at this event.

Fiera di San Petru
Held in Lumio in mid July, this is a village festival with exhibitions celebrating stone-masonry and stone-related crafts made in the village from iron ore mined on Cap Corse.

Foire de l'Alivu in Montegrosso
Around 10,000 visitors honour the olive in July, in a delightful olive grove setting with exhibitions demonstrating olive production over the years and artisans selling refreshments and local produce. 

Foire de l'Amandier in Aregno
Held in the Balagne village of Aregno every August, the Foire de l’Amandier includes tastings, painting exhibitions, events for children and cooking contests all based around the almond and its trees.

 

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Calvi has so much to see and do, there is something to suit everyone!

Calvi Citadel
If you don’t mind the climb to the top through the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, then a visit to the citadel is a must during your holiday. From here, the views across the bay to the mountains are magnificent.

Music Lovers
For energetic music lovers, walk up to Notre Dame de la Serra to listen to the violinist playing in the chapel. At 216m above Calvi, you will also be rewarded with fabulous views across the bay below and don’t forget to take water, a hat and sun cream.

Each week held at the Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste, which stands at the highest point of the Citadel you can experience Corsican Polyphonic singing with the concerts of “Chansons polyphoniques”.

Water sports, Jet-ski & Boat Rental
There are a number of places in Calvi where you are able to participate in ‘on the water’ activities. Waterskiing, motorboats of all sizes, parascending and jet-ski hire to name but a few, plus English speaking instructors are available for windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing. All these activities are bookable in advance through local companies.

Train Journeys
Taking a train journey is a delightful and different way to experience the varied and wonderful landscapes of Corsica.

Calvi – L’lle Rousse
This regular service allows you to explore the coastline to the east of Calvi, stopping at all of the beaches en route. The line built in the 1880s and 1890s hugging the coast is undoubtedly one of the worlds most scenic railways. The journey takes approx 50 minutes, and depending on the time of year travelling, there are between five and 10 return journeys a day.

Balagne villages
Take a coach trip for half a day around the old Balagne villages, or take a full day to travel a little further afield. Perched high above the sea, the fortress villages of the Haute-Balagne offer dramatic mountains landscapes and spectacular views over the coastline. Stop en route to sample the local produce or visit one of the workshops along the craft trail "Strada di l'Artigiani".

Bonifato forest
Explore the Bonifato forest, a spectacular pine forest with hidden rock pools and stunning views over Calvi bay with walks of varying difficulties.