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 find high mountains, pine forests and the inviting rock pools of the Spelunca Gorge before arriving at the beautiful Gulfe of Porto with red 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.
Mare a Mare North
Self
7 days / 6 nights
Level 1 2 3 4
Point to Point - 6 days walking
2 & 3* hotels
Starting from 790 €
- Walking through varied landscapes
- Corsican mountain scenery to the coast
- Rich Corsican cuisine
- Ajaccio, Evisa, Golfe de Porto & Piana
Groups, families or businesses
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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.
6km/11km, 2h00/4h00,+140m/+340m, -140m/-340m.
Day 2 - Scala Sta Regina to Calacuccia
After a picturesque train ride through the mountains to Corte, a taxi takes you to the start of your walk in the Scala di Santa Regina. This trail is an old transhumance path that was used by shepherds leading their herds in and out of the Niolu valley. You walk down towards the lake 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. The trail passes by an old chestnut mill and crosses a Genoese bridge, following a path that winds its way up through a wonderful forest. For most of the walk, you will be flanking the mountain side, staying more or less on the level and enjoying amazing views across the Niolu. A forest path leads uphill towards the Col de Vergio and the mountain lodge Hotel Castel di Vergio, you night stop.
17km, 7h00, +700m, -340m.
Day 4 - Vergio to Evisa
The Col de Vergio is a high mountain pass, the views are majestic; high peaks loom above. The trail goes down hill through the pines of the Aïtone forest to the outskirts of Evisa. You will pass rock pools and and then arrive at the chestnut woods with roaming pigs 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 down through the Spelunca gorge. Crossing a high arched Genoese bridge, you walk above the torrent on a balcony path 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 at the Gulf of Porto – for an easier day, take a transfer from Ota to Porto and a boat trip to see the Scandola reserve. Stay at a comfortable 3* hotel in Porto.
14km, 4h00, +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 of the indented rugged coastline and its many creeks. 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 holiday can be combined with a Mare E Monti - Piana to Calvi to provide a 10 day holiday.
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.
Supplements/Discounts
Single Supplements : €355pp (May, June, September, October) €405pp (July & August)
Private transfer Piana to Ajaccio (1 to 4 persons) : from €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 (excluding Ajaccio - Ajaccio 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
Daniel-Netherlands
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!
Maria-Australia
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!
Rob-UK
Fantastic trekking holiday thoroughly enjoyed by all members of our party of six.
William-UK
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!
Carla-USA
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.
Linda-UK
Accommodation provided excellent meals, and the walking stages were just right for us. Leisurely walking between 9am and 4pm.
Erin-USA
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
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
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, If you are looking for supported walking in Corsica these guys make it happen !
Katherine-UK
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
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
Lisa-UK
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
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
The walks were pretty taxing due to the heat, but in length and level were about right. Excellent value for money walking holiday.
Paul-Belgium
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.
Adele-UK
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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.