Hiking in Corsica from mountains to sea

You arrive independently to Corte, beautifully situated between several valleys and crowned by its citadel. The town has long been a cultural and political heart of Corsica and is still today strongly associated with the island's language and identity. Take a first stroll through the alleys and feel how the mountain atmosphere sets the tone for the first part of the journey.

Overnight in Corte

The hike starts directly from Corte and quickly leads into the wilderness. The trail is easy-going and follows the Tavignano river into an increasingly dramatic ravine. You pass cobblestone sections and open views before the path reaches a suspension bridge over the river. Here there's an opportunity for a refreshing swim in a natural pool before you return the same way.

Overnight in Corte 

Today you choose between two different circular hikes. Either a cultural-historical hike dedicated to Corsica's only saint, Saint Théophile. The hike takes you up to the Punti di u Corbu pass where you get a fine view over Corte, the Restonica valley and the sea to the east.

Alternative 2 goes in a lesser-known valley, off the usual tourist trails: the Riviseccu valley. You hike through Laricio pine forest and past well-preserved shepherd's huts (bergeries). The surroundings are magnificent with large rock massifs and the Riviseccu stream as companion. This tour requires local bus or taxi to the starting point (the taxi can be pre-booked with us).

Overnight in Corte 

Today you move from Corte to Calvi on Corsica's wild west coast. We recommend the classic narrow-gauge Corsican railway, the Micheline train, which slowly takes you through mountains, valleys and nature reserves down to the coast. An experience in itself and one of the journey's memories. 

The Micheline is not like modern trains on the mainland: it's simpler, slower and more charming, and at first glance may look like a large toy train. But it's built for Corsica's steep and difficult gradients and gives you views over landscapes in the middle of the island's preserved park environments, through really rugged terrain. Tickets are bought on site at the station and cannot be booked online. Alternatively, private taxi can be booked.

Once down in Calvi you settle into the journey's second accommodation and can explore the town's small-town life, environments, flavors and bathing opportunities.

Overnight in Calvi

A spectacular coastal hike along the Sentier du Littoral - a striking contrast to the first hikes in the island's interior. The trail follows the barren cliff coast around the Revellata peninsula and offers extensive views over the Mediterranean and back towards the mountains. Along the way you pass small coves that are perfect for swimming.

Overnight in Calvi

You leave the coast and hike up to Notre Dame de Serra, a beautiful chapel on a height with magnificent views over Calvi Bay, the citadel and the Reginu valley. The terrain is mostly easy-going but with rocky sections, and the trail goes through Corsican scrubland, maquis, on the way to the chapel. The original sanctuary was destroyed during a siege in 1740, and today's chapel was built during the first half of the 1800s. Here you can take a closer look at the chapel's simple 19th-century architecture, the baroque bell tower and the large statue of Notre Dame de Serra that stands up on a cliff before you hike back towards Calvi.

For those who want to push a little extra on the last day, there's a more demanding variant that continues to the highest point above Calvi: Capu di Veta. The views are extensive and the hike is intense, but the terrain is partly very rocky with steep steps. There's a short section with a chain for support (it's not necessary to use it, but it can feel reassuring). No dangerous passages or precipices, but good balance and fitness are required for this variant.

Overnight in Calvi

The journey ends after breakfast, unless you choose to book some lovely extra nights.