Corsica Walking Holiday
Price
from £1335
Enquire Book Now
1 April 2023
–
31 October 2024
A walking holiday from the Mountains to the Mediterranean
Country
France
Grade
Moderate
Duration
7 Nights
Style
Self-Guided
Type
Village-to-Village
Price
from £1335
Explore the Med's most mountainous island
This is a 7-night, self-guided exploration of the magical mountains, coast and culture of Corsica. Based on the Mediterranean’s most mountainous island, this walking holiday features more than 120 summits – but it offers so much more than its peaks. Known as ‘The Isle of Beauty’, almost half of Corsica is protected as a national park. The island nurtures an incredible range of flora and fauna, with wild boars, Corsican pigs, tortoises and birdlife living peacefully amidst cork and olive trees, juniper, lavender, and heather.
A place unlike any other, Corsica boasts a rich and eventful history, and has seen neolithic settlement, centuries of military force from Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Genoese and Papal armies, and WW2 occupation. It is also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, known throughout his military career simply as ‘The Corsican’. On this self-guided trip full of history, breath-taking vistas and authentic hospitality and cuisine, you’ll discover the real Corsica.
On a Collett’s village-to-village holiday, you do the walking – and we do the rest. Our comprehensive maps and route notes make for effortless navigation, while your baggage is transported daily to the next carefully-selected overnight stop. Each evening you’ll be welcomed into the comfort of traditional accommodation, in charmed surroundings. You decide your dates, and we’ll ensure everything else is organised to perfection.
Gallery
At a glance
Dates
01 April – 31 October 2024
(You can start any day)
Price
April, May, June, September & October
2 – 3 people – £1335
4+ people – £1265
Single Supplement – Contact Us
July & August
2 – 3 people – £1425
4+ people – £1350
Single Supplement – Contact Us
Grade
Moderate
Expect to walk for 5 – 7 hours each day, with between 200m – 900m of ascent and 310-1200m of descent.
What’s included
7 Nights B&B in handpicked 2* & 3* hotels
Dinner on nights 3, 4 and 5
Baggage Transfers each day from hotel to hotel
Holiday Pack, with comprehensive route notes, maps & more
24/7 telephone support from our local partner in Corsica
Airport Transfers from
– Bastia Airport to your first hotel in Corte; and
– Calvi to Bastia Airport at the end of your holiday
Travel
The best option for this holiday is to fly into and out of either Bastia or Calvi Airports.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive
On arrival at either Bastia or Calvi Airport, a transfer will take you directly to your first accommodation in Corte – a truly stunning location, surrounded by peaks and rivers. Here, you can settle into your hotel for two nights. Dinner is not included but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Corte.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Corte
Day 2 - Tavignano Gorge Day Walk
Distance: 12½ km, 6 hours walking time, 310m ascent/descent
The Tavignano Gorge is one of Corsica’s most beautiful spots. Unlike the open pine escarpments of the nearby Restonica Valley, this there-and-back route follows a centuries-old mule track that weaves along a dramatic enclosed gorge. As you move up into the high mountains, you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of large rockpools below. After today’s walk, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Corte’s hilltop citadel and pick up any last-minute supplies before starting your point-to-point adventure tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Corte
Day 3 - Scala di Santa Regina to Calacuccia
Distance: 13km, 5 ½ hours walking time, 700m ascent, 340m descent
After breakfast, a taxi will take you to the start of your walk in the Scala di Santa Regina. This trail is an age-old path that was used by shepherds leading their herds in and out of the Niolu valley: it leads up through granite-faced cliffs, along a superb balcony path, and finally to a small Genoese bridge. Continue through old chestnut groves and rolling forest hills before walking down towards the lake, nestled in the base of the valley. Nearby you’ll find your overnight destination in the village of Calacuccia.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 2* Hotel in Calacuccia
Day 4 - Calacuccia to Vergio
Distance: 17km, 7 hours walking time, 700m ascent, 340m descent
Walking from Calacuccia, you cross the ancient village of Albertacce, which has a strong cheese-making tradition. Taking a path from the village outskirts, you’ll pass by an old chestnut mill (a marker of another traditional local product) and cross a Genoese bridge, following a trail that winds its way up through a dense and vibrant forest. Across the valley, you can see Calasima, the highest village on the island. Most of today’s walk flanks the mountainside, producing sweeping views across the Niolu Valley and back down to the lake. A forest path leads uphill towards the Col de Vergio, where a delicious three-course dinner awaits you.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 2* Hotel in Vergio
Day 5 - Vergio to Evisa
Distance: 11½ km, 5 hours walking time, 200m ascent, 720m descent
Today you’ll get your first views of the sea as you descend from the Col de Vergio, where an imposing statue marks the boundary point between the island’s north and south departments. The views here are majestic, with high looming peaks. The trail then moves downhill, through the Aïtone pine forest to the outskirts of Evisa. You’ll pass the piscine naturelle, a remarkable rock pool, and a local swimming spot, then continue down through the chestnut woods that mark your approach to the village. Tonight’s dinner is in a panoramic restaurant, where you can soak up the sun as it sets over the distant Mediterranean.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: 2* Hotel in Evisa
Day 6 - Evisa to Porto
Distance: 14km, 6 hours walking time, 320m ascent, 1170m descent
Today the path starts by zig-zagging down into the depths of the Spelunca gorge. After crossing another stunning Genoese bridge, you’ll walk high above the torrent towards Ota, a mountain village with a distinct Mediterranean feel. The views as you leave Ota are sublime, and looking out towards the Gulf of Porto you’ll see red cliffs, an astoundingly blue sea, and the bold silhouette of the Genoese tower. In Porto, you’ll stay at a comfortable 3* hotel on the marina, the perfect base for exploring the town with its shops, bars, and restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3* Hôtel in Porto
Day 7 - Transfer to Calvi - Rest Day or Afternoon Walk
Today you transfer directly from your hotel in Porto to your hotel in Calvi by taxi (1¾ hrs. – included) where you can check into your hotel, grab some lunch and then choose from one of the two following walks:
Notre Dame de la Serra: 5km, 2.5 hours walking time, 200m ascent/descent
The 13th-century chapel of Notre Dame de la Serra sits high above the town and affords captivating views of the Bay of Calvi and its mountainous backdrop. This short but beautiful walk leaves you plenty of time to explore Calvi and its iconic citadel.
Calvi to the Revellata Peninsula: 14km, 5 hours walking time, 300m ascent/descent
Stretching to the north of Calvi, the Revellata Peninsula gives a taste of the arid wilderness typical to the north-east of Corsica. The path hugs the coast, offering plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim. Return by the same path, or take the high route over the cliffs on the western side before walking back to Calvi.
Alternatively, you might choose to explore Calvi, the self-styled capital of Corsican culture and the reputed birthplace of Christopher Columbus. There are many opportunities for a full and fun day here, doing some last minute shopping or spending some time on the beach!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Calvi
Day 8 - Depart
After breakfast a private transfer will take you directly to either Bastia or Calvi Airport (included).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
This itinerary is based on bed and breakfast accommodation in handpicked 2* and 3* hotels. Packed lunches are not included but are often available from your overnight accommodation (purchased separately). Alternatively, it’s easy to pick up supplies for your walking days from local bakeries and markets.
Need to Knows
Trusted local partner – please note that this holiday is exclusive to Collett’s and is organised and delivered in collaboration with a trusted local partner based in Corsica.
Maximum altitude – the maximum altitude on this trip is 1477m above sea level.
Terrain – Walking in Corsica requires no technical skill but can be rough underfoot, and needs surefootedness. Previous hill walking experience is useful. The route generally follows clear footpaths and forest tracks with some short sections on road. Any exposure is mild and only very short sections – maximum 5m, and usually avoidable by not taking a route extension.
Group size – the minimum number for the holiday is two, due to safety reasons.
Airport transfers – Transfers are shared on the odd occasions when clients arrive or depart on the same flights.
Booking Conditions – be sure to read our full terms and conditions here before booking.
At Your Own Risk – please read the important notes here.
Travel Advice – check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice here.
Passport & Visa – any questions should be directed to the relevant embassy of your destination country; find out more here. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a full passport, valid for your chosen destination.
Travel Insurance – having adequate and valid travel insurance is a condition of booking with us. Details of our insurance partner, Campbell Irvine, are here.
Health Information – You should carry either an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) Neither is an alternative to adequate travel insurance. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
ABTA – Independent travel advice and help is always available from ABTA by calling 020 3117 0599 or visiting www.abta.com.
