Hiking in contrasting Corsica

The journey begins in the island's historic capital Corte. After leaving your bags at the hotel, you can take a walk around the old town to discover this atmospheric place. If you arrive late, we can also arrange accommodation in Ajaccio, Calvi or Bastia, contact us for more information. 

Accommodation in Corte

A short transfer takes you to the beginning of your hike in Scala di Santa Regina. This trail is an old transhumance path used by shepherds leading their flocks in and out of the Niolu valley. You walk down towards the lake to the village of Calacuccia. Your hotel is located on the outskirts of the village and you can expect good cooking at a local restaurant, with the best seasonal, local ingredients.

Accommodation in Calacuccia

A short transfer takes you through the pine forest of Val-du-Niellu over Col de Vergio - one of the highest mountain passes. From here you have a wonderful view over the Niolu area. The hiking trail leads down into the majestic pine forest of Aitone. The path enters via a natural freshwater pool among chestnut trees that have stood there for almost 2000 years. Soon you reach Evisa, a picturesque town at 830 meters altitude, unusually close to the sea for being at this height. Locally it is called "The Pearl of the Mountains".

Accommodation in Evisa

Today you have the opportunity to just relax or hike part of a trail called "Mare e Monti". It is a village-to-village walk that in the past was the only communication between the villages. The hike goes through varied flora and fauna and there is an opportunity to experience rural Corsican life both there and on the way back via the small village of Cristinacce. 

Accommodation in Evisa

From Evisa you hike down the Spelunca gorge. You continue the hike upwards to the village of Ota, a village that blends mountain architecture with Mediterranean flora and fauna - lemon trees, figs and bougainvillea. The trail continues from Ota towards the coast and the view towards Porto Bay is a kaleidoscope of colors, red cliffs and bright blue sea. The hike goes downhill and you find all the vegetation you associate with the Mediterranean along the way. 

Accommodation in Porto

If you wish, you can stay in Porto in the morning and take a boat trip along the spectacular coast. Other water activities such as snorkeling and diving are also possible. If you decide to hike directly to Piana in the morning, it is possible to hike down to the small sandy cove Ficaghiola in the afternoon. When you pass Porto you do so over the bridge that connects Porto with the harbor. You walk along the beach that borders the Eucalyptus forest. The trail then goes just above the sea and provides balcony views straight down into the crystal clear water. You also get fantastic views out over the rocky coast. The vegetation is also beautiful consisting of among others blue-black lavender, pink cistus flower and cyclamen. 

Accommodation in Piana

The journey ends after breakfast. If you have time, you can after breakfast take a hike down to the sandy cove Ficaghiola. With its white sand and high cliffs all around, it is very picturesque. Hiking distance 5 km there and 5 km back. Time about 1.5 hours each way.

If you want to book extra nights in Ajaccio, Bastia or Calvi, we can help you with that.