Villages of la Balagne

Tour  

Walking  |  L'Ile Rousse

Self-guided walking tour - 7 night holiday, incl 6 days' walking

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La Balagne is a great introduction to Corsica, and this walking holiday explores this beautiful region, from the coast to the high hillside villages. 

Backed by mountains that dominate the coastline, the silver sand beaches are also a favourite with holidaymakers, as are the perfumes, colours and contrasting landscapes that have earned la Balagne a prestigious following.

Villages of la Balagne

Duration: 7 nights

Walking: 6 days

Difficulty level: Leisurely - read more on our walking gradings

Type: Self-guided

Start and finish point: Calvi

Departure dates: Sundays 17th May - 29th September

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Day 1 - Calvi

Your holiday starts in the Genoese town of Calvi. Explore the narrow cobbles streets, enjoy the buzz of the local boutique shops and numerous cafes and reastaurants, and enjoy time on the harbour front or relax on the beautiful beach. Walk up the historic citadel and take in the panoramic views across the glistening bay.

Overnight: Hôtel la Revelatta 3* or similar, Calvi on bed & breakfast

 

Day 2 - Calvi to Feliceto

A short transfer will take you to the start of the hike, in the heart of the magnificent village of Montemaggiore, built on a rocky outcrop. Its Saint Augustine church overlooks Calvi Bay, the Figarella plain and, in the background, Monte Grosso, which rises to a height of 2,000m. It is in this dream setting that you will take your first steps. After wandering through the narrow streets, you will reach the Romanesque chapel of San Rinieru, then the village of Lunghignano, before arriving in Cassano. Here, every stone tells a story, every step is an opportunity for discovery. The route then takes you to Zilia, a village renowned for its canistrelli, small white wine biscuits, and its spring. The path then leaves the Montegrosso plain and heads for Bocca di Foata, at an altitude of 735m, offering a panoramic view of the Reginu plain. Your steps will finally take you to the village of Feliceto.

Distance 12km. Duration 5 hours. Altitude gain +600m. Descent -550m.

Overnight: Hôtel Mare e Monti 2* or similar, Feliceto on bed & breakfast

 

Day 3 - Feliceto to Santa Reparata di Balagna

The trail descends towards the 16th-century Saint-Nicolas Church, where you may be lucky enough to see the listed organ dating from 1839, then continues towards Saint-Roch Chapel before crossing a Genoese bridge and climbing back up towards the village of Muro. You will then pass through the villages of Avapessa, Cateri and San Antonino, one of the jewels of the Balagne region. Built high up on a snail-shaped rocky outcrop for defensive purposes, it overlooks both the Reginu plain and the coastal plain. As you venture into this maze of narrow streets and vaulted passageways, you will be immersed in medieval Corsica, the Corsica of Ugo Colonna, Count of Corsica, who is said to have liberated the island from the yoke of the Saracens. The rest of your journey takes place along the ridge, offering a multitude of exceptional panoramic views, before reaching Santa Reparata di Balagna.

Distance 14km. Duration 5.3 hours. Altitude gain +500m. Descent -600m.

Overnight: Hôtel le Santa or similar, Santa Reparata di Balagna on half-board 

 

Day 4 - Santa Reparata di Balagna to L'Ile Rousse

Santa Reparata was a martyred saint; she was widely worshipped on the island, to the point that the church dedicated to her gave the village its name. Today's route mainly follows the ridge above the town of L'Ile-Rousse. You will walk in the footsteps of ancient fortifications, which evolved in response to invasions and power struggles, as well as places of worship, such as San Roccu, protector of Monticello during episodes of plague. The route then turns towards Pozzu d'Arbu, a wetland area where you may be lucky enough to spot a Hermann's tortoise. The day ends by the sea, on Caruchettu Beach. Finally, you can reach the lighthouse on the island of Pietra and enjoy the town's nightlife.

Distance 13km. Duration 5.3 hours. Altitude gain +550m. Descent -320m.

Overnight: Hôtel Casa Rossa or similar, L'Ile Rousse on bed & breakfast

 

Day 5 -  L'Ile Rousse to Lavatoggio

The path rises above the sea and leads to the village of Corbara, whose rich history dates back to ancient times. It continues to Pigna, a vibrant village that has placed arts and culture at the heart of an ambitious renovation project. Here you can meet many artisans, including a luthier who makes the cetera, one of the oldest instruments found on the island. The next stop takes you to the village of Aregno, with its superb polychrome Romanesque church of the Holy Trinity, a must-see for its sculptures and frescoes. Finally, Cateri, a village with a rich history, is home to a 2,000-year-old olive tree and the Marcassu convent, built in 1620, which still houses a religious congregation. At the end of this beautiful day, you will return to the village of Lavatoggio.

Distance 13km. Duration 5.3 hours Altitude gain +650m. Descent -300m.

Overnight: Hôtel Belvedere 2* or similar, Lavatoggio on bed & breakfast

 

Day 6 - Lavatoggio to Calvi

The route climbs towards the chapels of San Giovanni di Venti and Notre-Dame de la Stella, witnesses to the island's deep
religiousness, steeped in ancient beliefs. The path then winds through the old agricultural terraces that cover the slopes of Capu d'Occi (563 m), once used to grow the cereals needed to make bread. Lumio, the village you will soon reach, celebrates this tradition every year with a fair held in mid-June. Meanwhile, the path crosses Occi, an ancient village now in ruins, offering a breathtaking view of Calvi Bay and its rugged coastline. After passing through Lumio, the trail descends towards the coast and reaches Sainte Restitude beach, named in honour of a martyred saint. This is where you will take the train to the town of Calvi (ticket to be paid for on site).

Distance 10km. Duration 4 hours. Altitude gain +200m. Descent -500m.

Overnight: Hôtel la Revelatta 3* or similar, Calvi on bed & breakfast

 

Day 7 - Calvi

Your stay in the Genoese city ends after breakfast. For those who would like to prolong the experience, we suggest a walk to Notre-Dame de la Serra, which overlooks the bay of Calvi.

Overnight: Hôtel la Revelatta 3* or similar, Calvi on bed & 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 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
  • 1 nights' accommodation on half board
  • 6 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
  • Train ticket from Santa Restituta to Calvi on day 6 (purchase at the station)
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Any transfers from/to another arrival airport

Luggage moving and day sack

You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and gortex 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 a variety of different people. This ranges from local taxis, hotel owners and 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. You will need the appropriate luggage.

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. 

Spending money

Bring sufficient money to cover your personal expenses including snacks and drinks. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine, coffee are all expensive. 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.
  • A rucksack or 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 attire
  • 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
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • 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, diarrhea 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 - Villages of la Balagne

Room Type: Standard

Board Basis: Mixed Board Basis

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About the Local Area

ABOUT AREA

Named after the islets that blush a deep russet red in the sunset, L'lle Rousse is a laid-back seaside town with a central square, lively cafés, restaurants and ice-cream parlours. With one of the warmest microclimates in Corsica, thanks to the sheltering Balagne hills that surround the town, and three gently shelving large beaches in close proximity, L'Ile Rousse is an ideal spot for a summer holiday.

BEACHES

L’lle Rousse
The town beach of L'Ile Rousse can be very busy in the peak of the summer and has excellent facilities with cafés, restaurants and sunloungers lining the beach. If you're prepared to wander a little further, you can generally find a quiet spot. Another benefit of its size is that it is generally patrolled. It's a fine yellow sand beach and the water is a gorgeous clear blue. There are good opportunities here for water sports.

Bodri
Just west of L’Ile Rousse, Bodri Plage is an unspoilt beach, a walk through the maquis and over the railway line. The walk is worth it, as the beach has almost white sand and a turquoise sea.

Baie de Giunchetu
A short walk further west, around the rocky Punta di Genebre you will find this beach. It is slightly less picturesque, but larger.

FESTIVALS

Festimare
A celebration of the sea held in L'Ile Rousse every May. In addition to fish and seafood produce, there are many activities for children as well as scientific stands, competitions, exhibitions and workshops.

Estivoce in Pigna 
Estivoce is a celebration of Corsican music and arts with concerts of polyphonic music from June to September with many of the celebrations being in July.

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.

Fiera di l’Artigiani in Felicetu
The craftsmen of the Strada di l’Artigiani congregate to celebrate their crafts every August.

Fiera di u Sumere in Sant’Antonino
Celebrating the donkey in August, the only form of transport in the cobbled winding streets of this mountain village. Take a donkey ride around the village to view the picturesque surroundings and magnificent views.

Rencontres Polyphoniques in Calvi 
Polyphonic singing is at the heart of Corsican culture every September in Calvi and singers from around the world perform in the citadel at the Rencontres Polyphoniques.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

L’Ile Rousse old town
Wander the streets and make sure you take a trip to the market held every morning in a majestic covered market place. The produce is local and fresh and includes fish, vegetables, local honey, charcuterie and cheeses. There are ample restaurants to choose from in the narrow streets and around the main square beneath the plane trees and the silver sand of L’Ile Rousse beach is very tempting.

'Le Petit Train'
For the young or the old take a trip on 'Le Petit Train' a tourist train of L’Ile Rousse which will show you the sites at a leisurely pace.

Visit Calvi and the Citadel
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 Clemenceau where you will find an array of restaurants and souvenir shops plenty. Further walking will present the Ste-Marie-Majeure, built in 1774.

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

Monticello
This is the village where it is believed that Christopher Columbus's mysterious mother was born. The village has a couple of charming restaurants and sports facilities. You can enjoy pony trekking through the Balagne hills to discover the area’s true natural beauty.

Explore the mountain villages of Haute-Balagne
Drive on the mountain roads that meander up to the fortress villages clinging to the hillsides and take in the astounding views across the maquis-carpeted mountains down to the coastline below. You can also follow the craft trail 'Strada di l'Artigiani' and sample the local specialities en route.

Sant'Antonino
Explore the narrow streets of Sant'Antonino, the oldest inhabited village in Corsica and labelled as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'. The village affords 360° views of the surrounding countryside and coast, has several restaurants, a local produce shop and the famous ‘maison du citron’ (run by Mr Antonino), which serves excellent citron pressé.