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.
Adele-UK
Thank you for rating!
You have already rated this page, you can only rate it once!
Your rating has been changed, thanks for rating!
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.