Mare e Monti South - Ajaccio to Propriano

Meet at 9am at Ajaccio railway station. Transfer to the start of your walk, which begins in Porticcio, famous for its white sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. You'll follow a pleasant old path through typical scrubland to the Punta di Frassu and its Genoese tower. The site offers magnificent views over the Gulf of Ajaccio. The path then passes close to the hamlet of Zizoli to join the road at Bocca di Catruscia. The route then becomes undulating through shady woods and abandoned fields. It follows the road for 3.5km to Bocca di u Grecu (469m). The day ends by crossing a stream and following abandoned terraces, before reaching Bisinao.

The path runs alongside the Anghjone stream, which winds its way through old trees, creating a fresh, serene atmosphere. It then climbs to Pietrosella, a charming village at an altitude of 480m. Alternating between woods and open spaces, the walk becomes varied, passing through flowery scrubland and coniferous woods, before reaching Monte Tignoso (653 m). After a descent through clumps of lavender and tree heather, you reach the Bocca di Gradello pass. The route continues gently along ridges with magnificent views, through oak woods, down to Coti-Chiavari. This village, which marks the end of the walk, offers superb views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxing.

This stage is renowned for its beauty, offering breathtaking views across the gulf towards Ajaccio and the Îles Sanguinaires. The path alternates between shady coniferous woods and flowering scrubland, descending until you reach Cupabia beach. You'll pass a memorial commemorating the arrival of three soldiers dropped off by a British submarine in 1942 to establish a network of Allied contacts during the Italian occupation of Corsica. The white sandy beach, with its cafés and restaurants, is the perfect place for a pleasant break. The path then joins Serra di Ferro. After passing fields of prickly pear and lentisque shrubs, you will reach the Porto-Pollo seafront.

Departing from Porto Pollo, or Porti Poddu in Corsican, the route follows the tarmac road north-eastwards through the Tanchiccia nature reserve, a favourite with birdwatchers. The path winds through the lush agricultural valley of the Taravu river, accompanied by flowering rockroses and wild pigs. The route then takes you to the foot of Monte Barbatu, a historic site that was once an impressive fortified medieval settlement. The walk continues through vast olive groves to end at Olmeto, a picturesque village 363 metres above sea level. It offers spectacular views over the Baricci valley and Propriano and its gulf.

The walk begins with a descent along an ancient staircase lined with stone walls and flanked by olive groves. This first section reveals a picturesque and peaceful landscape. The route then climbs around the Castellu di a Rocca hill. This part of the trail, once dotted with water mills used to extract olive oil, reveals an important part of the local history. Once past the Vera hut, you'll climb towards Bocca di u Vint'Unu (738 m), before reaching the hamlet of Burgu, marking the end of your Mare e Monti Sud. To make the return journey easier, a transfer is organised to Propriano, avoiding a long walk on the road.