A veritable mountain in the sea, Corsica is the most geographically diverse of the Mediterranean Islands. It offers such a variety of landscapes from snow topped mountain peaks to fine sandy beaches. Age old paths link high mountain plains dotted with shepherd huts through to the picturesque Mediterranean Coast.
This itinerary starts in the central valley and includes some time on the Grand Randonnee 20 (GR20), the challenging long distance route running most of the length of Corsica. On foot you'll discover the scented pine tree forests and the lively village of Evisa.
Explore the deep Spelunca Gorge and the exceptional Gulf of Porto with its unique jumble of rose granite pinnacles including the famous Calanques of Piana.
Arrive Corte
The trip begins in Corte, and we recommend that you arrive no later than 7pm for the taxi transfer to Calacuccia. The hill top town of Corte was once the capital of Corsica and continues to be a centre for Corsican Nationalism. Whilst Corsica is officially part of France and Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, the majority of its inhabitants align themselves more with Italy. On arrival in Corte you will be transferred to the Niolu Valley and the town of Calacuccia, altitude 850m, which is a further 45 minutes by road from Corte.
To Vergio (13kms / 4H30 - 5H)
Today’s walk takes you from Calacuccia to the Vergio pass (1400m) along a beautiful path overlooking the Golo Valley and its natural pools. Overnight at Vergio.
Day walk to Valley de Tulla, including a stage of the GR20 (14kms / 5H30)
From Vergio, it is a moderate ascent up the Tulla Glen, on the GR20, surrounded by the highest peaks of the island. Today you’ll see sheepfolds and high mountain pastures. Return to Vergio for overnight accommodation. Note: today there is also the option to walk to Paglia Orba
To d'Evisa (12kms / 4H30)
From Vergio to the village of Evisa (850m) through the magnificent forest of Aitone, where you will see immense umbrella pine trees, natural pools and waterfalls. The pretty town of Evisa set at 850m, is famous for its ancient chestnut forest and has expansive views of the valley. There will be ample time to explore the village before dinner at the hotel.
Descend to Porto (10kms / 4H30)
Our walk continues this morning down the Spelunca Gorge where there will be opportunities to swim in the river beneath Genovese bridges. The walk finishes at Porto on the coast.
To Piana (18kms / 6H)
The hike today takes you from the beach of Porto past the impressive red cliffs of the “Calanques de Piana”. The contrasting colours of the red rocks against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea are quite spectacular. On arrival in Piana, (440m), you will appreciate why this is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Europe.
Return to Ajaccio, trip concludes
The bus to Ajaccio takes around 1h30 along the bays of Cargese and Sagone. You should expect to arrive at the bus station around 10:20am, where the trip concludes.
- 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners (set menu)
- 6 nights in simple hotels on a twinshare basis with private facilities
- all internal transfers including taxi from Corte to Calacuccia and bus from Piana to Ajaccio
- luggage transfer
- route notes and maps
Daily (except mondays) from 15 May to 30 Sep, except from 1 Jul to 31 Aug when there are daily departures
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