Sea and mountains meet in this stunning itinerary. From the village of Piana perched on the west coast, the hike starts in the UNESCO site of the Calanches de Piana, which plunge into the Gulf of Porto. You then follow the coast to reach the villages of Girolata, Galéria and finally Calvi. On the agenda, the jagged coastline and high mountains of the Corsican Regional Park, untrodden coastal and mountain paths, and the Scandola Nature Reserve. This holiday can be combined with a Mare a Mare North to provide a 10 day holiday.
Mare e Monti - Piana to Calvi
Self guided walking
7 days / 6 nights
Level 1 2 3 4
Point to Point - 5 days walking
3* Hotels & Simple Beachside Cabin
Starting from 870 €
- Coastal and mountain walking
- A real adventure along the West Coast
- Breathtaking panoramas
- Piana, Ota, Girolata, Galeria & Calvi
Groups, families or businesses
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Day 1 - Arrive Piana
You will take the bus to reach the village of Piana (payable locally) and your hotel, high in the village offering fantastic views. If you arrive in Ajaccio the day before, we offer a hike on the trail of ridges, overlooking the city and the Gulf of Ajaccio. The views of the sea and the mountains are superb.
From 6km to 11km, 4h00, from 140m to 340m, from 140m to 340m.
Day 2 - Piana to Porto
The trail enters the red rocks of the Golfe de Porto, you will discover an incredible site of granite needles and wind sculpted rocks, dotted with maritime pine trees. The walk above the coast road follows the old mule path or travels higher towards the Capo d’Ortu and offers some spectacular views of the indented rugged coastline and its many creeks below. Drop down to the sea (some road walking) and the port at Castagna and your 3* hotel at the harbour in Porto.
12km, 4h30, +140m, -540m.
Day 3 - Porto Ota to Serriera Bussaghia
A transfer takes you up to the village of Ota, a delightful place with old stone houses, bourgainvillia and chestnut trees high above Porto. The path climbs into the red rocks before arriving at Capu San Petru, a superb rocky belvedere with views over Serriera and the Golfe de Porto. After dropping down to the village of Serriera, you follow the lane down to the beach, and you overnight in a comfy 3* hotel on Half Board.
10km, 6h00, +900m, -850m.
Day 4 - Serriera to Girolata
A taxi drops you at the Bergerie on the Capo Razzozu, the trail follows the ridge dropping down to the coast at the unspoilt beach at Caspiu, before climbing to Gradelle. From here you climb a magnificent ridge, well off the beaten track, to Col de la Croix where you find a well trodden path to Girolata, made famous by Guy the postman. The site is inaccessible by road and you will carry your overnight gear, for a night in a simple beachside cabin in Girolata on Half Board basis.
13km, 5h30, +715m, -890m.
Day 5 -Girolata to Galéria
The path climbs to the ridge above Girolata, offering a unique view of the Gulf Scandola reserve and its red granite cliffs. Descent to the fishing village of Galéria, either via the Focolara bergeries or along the Tavulaghju river. Night in Galéria in a hotel by the beach on B&B basis, dinner in Galeria.
11km, 6h00, +780m, -750m.
Day 6 - Calvi & Presqu’ile de la Revellata
After a morning transfer, there is a beautiful walk on the Revellata peninsula, an unspoilt area of maquis and sea cliffs. Head around the coast towards the lighthouse, a real highlight of the trip, your journey back can be extended to take in Notre Dame de la Serra, high above Calvi, this beautiful chapel is the ideal spot for a few shots. Night in Calvi on a B&B basis.
12km, 4h00, +300m, -300m.
Day 7 - End of stay in Calvi
End of holiday in Calvi, extra nights and transfers or train to Ajaccio or Bastia 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 : €870 pp (May, June, September & October) €980 pp (July & August)
Supplements/Discounts
Single Supplements : €355 pp (May, June, September & October) €490 pp (July & August)
*subject to availability
Price includes
Accommodation on half board (days 3, 4, 5) B&B (days 1 & 2, 6), local internal transfers, luggage transfers, travel dossier with IGN maps and topo guide.
Price does not include
Price does not include Reservation fee of €5pp, travel insurance, drinks, picnics, site visits and transfers to your hotel in Piana and from Calvi, travel to Corsica.
Starts
At your first hotel in Piana.
Ends
At your hotel in Calvi after breakfast.
Access
Ajaccio Airport or Port or Calvi Airport. Please ask for details.
Accommodation
- Hotels 3* in a twin/double room, and simple beachside cabin at Girolata with shared facilities, please request at time of reservation.
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam).
- Evening meals nights 3, 4, 5 (based on local specialties, including a starter, a main course and a dessert).
Should you have any food allergies, dietary requirements or special requests, please advise at time of booking.
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 IGN map and Topoguide created by our team. During your hike our 24-hour assistance service will also be able to answer all your questions and, if necessary, bring you useful tips for 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. No access to luggage at Girolata.