Walking and active holidays in Corsica

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Holiday Type Duration Guarenteed departures

Mare a Mare North

Self Guided Walking 7 days / 6 nights

Level 1 2 3 4

Point to Point - 6 days walking

2 & 3* hotels

Starting from 750 €

Walking through varied landscapes
Corsican mountain scenery to the coast
Rich Corsican cuisine
Ajaccio, Evisa, Golfe de Porto & Piana

The Mare a Mare North offers wonderful walking in a contrast of Corsica landscapes. The trip starts in Ajaccio, before heading to the hills on a trail leading to the Niolu. The trail was used to lead cattle to summer pastures and you discover the very heart of authentic Corsica. On this Corsica walking holiday, you will discover high mountains, pine forests and the inviting rock pools of the Spelunca Gorge before arriving at the beautiful Gulf of Porto with pink granite needles of the UNESCO heritage site Calanches at Piana. Walk between comfortable rural 2 & 3* hotels, and discover the beauty of this island of Corsica.

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Day 1 - Ajaccio

Arriving at Ajaccio airport, it is just a short ride into the town. Time to settle into your central hotel before exploring Ajaccio, the capital of Southern Corsica. There are old narrow streets to explore, the fisherman’s cathedral, the market, Napoleon’s house, or you can simply relax on the beach. The town has a backdrop of hills with a lovely trail called the ‘Sentier des Crêtes’ a ridge walk that gives fantastic views of the bay and an aerial view of the town. The maquis at this altitude offers a host of plants,strawberry trees, wild myrtle, garlic, orchids, bright yellow broom and heather.

6km/11km, 2h00/4h00,+140m/+340m, -140m/-340m.

Day 2 - Scala Sta Regina to Calacuccia

After a picturesque train ride to Corte, we give you a lift to the start of your walk in the Scala di Santa Regina. This trail is an age old path that was used by shepherds leading their herds in and out of the Niolu valley leading up through a décor of granite cliffs along a superb balcony path to a small Genoese bridge. The views open up and you continue on through old chestnut groves and rolling forest hills. You walk down towards the lake in the base of the valley towards the village of Calacuccia. Hotel Acquaviva is situated on the edge of the village and you can expect some fine cooking at a local restaurant, using the very best seasonal, local produce.

13km, 5h30, +700m, -340m.

Day 3 - Calacuccia to Vergio

Walking from Calacuccia, you cross the village of Albertacce. Taking a path from the village outskirts, you will pass by an old chestnut mill and cross a Genoese bridge, following a trail that winds its way up through a wonderful forest. You will be able to see Calasima across the valley, the highest village on the island. For most of the walk, you will be flanking the mountain side, staying more or less on the level and enjoying startling views across the Niolu valley and back down to the lake you have just left behind. A forest path leads uphill towards the Col de Vergio and the mountain lodge Hotel Castel di Vergio.

17km, 7h00, +700m, -340m.

Day 4 - Vergio to Evisa

The Col de Vergio is a high mountain road pass, it is marked with a forbidding statue and is the boundary point between the island’s north and south departments. The views are majestic; the peaks are high and loom above. The trail goes down hill through the Aïtone pine forest to the outskirts of Evisa. You will pass the piscine naturelle, a big rock pool and local swim spot, then continue down through the chestnut woods that mark your approach to the village. You will arrive in the centre of Evisa, a vibrant mountain village with a healthy climate before heading to the Auberge style Hôtel Aitone.

11.5km, 5h00, +80m, -720m.

Day 5 - Evisa to Porto

The path zig-zags through the Spelunca gorge, leading into the depths. Crossing a high arched Genoese bridge, you walk high above the torrent, towards Ota, a mountain village with a Mediterranean feel. The delicious smells from "Chez Felix" restaurant beckon, take a moment to sit and unwind. Your path leaves Ota, heading down to the coast and the view towards the Gulf of Porto are sublime: red cliffs, shock blue sea and the bold silhouette of the Genoese tower. If you want an easier day, bookable at a supplement, take a transfer from Ota to Porto and a boat trip to see the Scandola reserve. Stay at a comfortable 3* hotel on the marina with a pool.

14km, 6h00, +320m, -1170m.

Day 6 - Porto to Piana

This dramatic coastline is classed by UNESCO a site of world beauty. From Porto beach, you climb into the Calanques’ where you will discover an incredible site of granite needles, tortured shapes and rock sculpted formations dotted with maritime pine trees. The walk above the coast road follows the old mule path and offers some spectacular views. There are splendid views of the indented rugged coastline and its many creeks. Depending on the season, you can find foxgloves, tall white asphodels and delicate wild cyclamen. Stay in a cosy family run 3* hotel in the heart of the village.

12km, 5h00, +520m, -70m.

Day 7 - Piana

End of holiday in Piana, extra nights and transfers by bus or taxi to Ajaccio available, please ask for details.

This itinerary is correct at time of publication. Should situations arise that are beyond our control, such as severe weather conditions, or other such factors that could put your safety at risk, the itinerary may be modified.

Departure on request every day from April to mid October. 2 persons minimum.

Please select your departure date in the calender below to see the price and click on the button to the right to make a reservation.

Prices : €750pp (May, June, September, October) €840pp (July & August)

Supplements/Discounts

Single Supplements : €335pp (May, June, September, October) €390pp (July & August)

Private transfer Piana to Ajaccio (1 to 4 persons) : €165

Scandola Tour by boat (taxi transfer Ota to Porto) : €50pp - sea conditions permitting

Price includes

Accommodation on half board (days 2, 3 & 4) B&B (days 1, 5 & 6), local internal transfers, luggage transfers, travel dossier with A4 copies of IGN maps and walking notes.

Price does not include

Reservation fee of €5pp, travel insurance, drinks, picnics, site visits and transfers to Ajaccio hotel, from Ajaccio hotel to Ajaccio station and from Piana, travel to Corsica.

Starts

At your first hotel in Ajaccio.

Ends

After breakfast in your hotel in Piana

Access

Ajaccio Airport or Port. local internal transfers, luggage transfers, travel dossier with A4 copies of IGN maps and walking notes.

Accommodation

Hotel 2 & 3*, in a twin/double room, please request at time of reservation.
Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam).
Evening meals nights 2, 3 & 4 (based on local specialties, including a starter, a main course and a dessert).

Should you have any food allergies, special requests or dietry requirements, please advise at time of booking. In more rural hotels the choice will be limited for certain dietry requirements.

Number of participants

Reservations for minimum of 2 participants. NB. For safety reasons we do not accept solo hiker reservations on Self-Guided treks.

Level

Moderate. Involves longer walks, generally from 4-6 hours a day. The nature of the terrain presents little technical difficulty but some previous hill walking experience is useful. The ascents will vary from 400m to 800m altitude gain per day. See our level ratings.

Guiding

Self-Guided Walking. We provide you with a Travel Dossier complete with A4 copies of the IGN maps and a walking guide created by our team. During your hike our 24-hour assistance service will also be able to answer all your questions and, if necessary, assist you with the smooth running of your stay.

Luggage transfers

During this walk you will carry only a small day sack with a water bottle, camera, picnic, trailfood, sun and wet weather gear. Luggage is transported by vehicle, point to point.

Our customers' reviews

Adele, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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A fantastic walking holiday, spectacular scenery, good hotels in great locations, delicious Corsican food. Thank you to Nicola and the team for ensuring our holiday ran smoothly.

Paul, Belgium

Currently 4 out of 5 Stars.
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Generally the accomodation was excellent for the price, in Castel di Vergio the room was a bit dark as at the back of the hotel, although otherwise the hotel was great. Generally the level and length of walks were perfect, apart from a few issues with instructions and information on what options were open to us, it was all excellent and a very beautiful 5 days walking. Great value for money.

Erin, USA

Currently 4 out of 5 Stars.
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We were quite satisfied with the trip in general, including pre-departure communications with the staff, logistics on the ground, choice of hotels and quality/diversity of the meals, etc.

John, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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All the arrangements you made for us worked 100% and the whole thing was a great experience for us and we do not underestimate your contribution. The walking went well and the directions and maps were very clear. Once again, many thanks to you for all your help and organisation in making it happen.

Matt, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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The organisation and logistics were second to none and the luggage transfers perfect and straightforward. We walked with / carried our 16 month old boy, which was brilliant for him and us. We found the terrain and distances perfectly manageable and sensible, though bad or very hot weather would affect things. The route was pretty quiet. There are numerous river swimming opportunities for those who like to cool off, and plenty of time in the walking day for such stops. Highlights include the day Calacuccia to Col de Vergio which feels wilder and higher. If you are looking for supported walking in Corsica these guys make it happen with no fuss, honesty and clarity.

Katherine, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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We all enjoyed a fantastically well-planned walking tour and we could never have organised it so well ourselves. Each walk was perfect to the extent that despite having our three teenage/young adult sons with us they did not once complain. The rest days came at just the right time. I would definitely use Corsica Adventure again. Thank you to Nicola and her team.

Trent, Australia

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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All hotels were great! Hotel Aitone was fantastic and Jean-Claude was a very friendly host, Train was interesting, Taxi drivers on time and safe. The holiday was well organised, the walking directions worked well, the day 2 hike was outstanding with magnificent scenery and huge trees and would have to be one (if not the best) days hiking in Europe

Linda, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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Accommodation provided excellent meals, and the walking stages were just right for us. Leisurely walking between 9am and 4pm.

Lisa & Zoe, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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Very easy to follow TOPO Guide and great that it was split up so you only needed to carry the daily information with you in your day pack and could pack some information in the main bag that was transported by car. Really nice hotels in good locations. Good facilities considering most were 2 star only. Excellent holiday.

Julie, Australia

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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We had a great trip - perhaps wetter than preferred, but better than being too hot. Each day was different and challenging without being impossible and the flowers and views were terrific. All went well - great walking, new experiences (eg the FORD !!!) , decent accommodation - we loved Evisa, good meals and efficient baggage transport. So thank you!

Kathleen, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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The walks were pretty taxing due to the heat, but in length and level were about right. Excellent value for money walking holiday.

Carla, USA

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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We had a pleasurable and memorable trip on the Mare a Mare Nord with Corsica Adventures. The trails are in excellent condition, the trails are well-marked, and logistics were seamless. Wonderful trip.

William, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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5

Very efficient service with no issues. We had a fantastic time! Thank you Nicola & all at Corsica Aventure. If we get the chance, we will be back!

Rob, UK

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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Fantastic trekking holiday thoroughly enjoyed by all members of our party of six.

Maria, Australia

Currently 4 out of 5 Stars.
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We loved the walks, scenery was spectacular! Services provided by Corsica Adventure were good, the accommodation was adequate, for relatively remote places, food simple but satisfactory. Recommended!

Daniel, Netherlands

Currently 5 out of 5 Stars.
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I would certainly recommend this trip with Corsica Aventure to anyone who wants to do the hard work, but also the comfort of bringing more luggage than you can carry yourself and nice hotels as well!