Hike one of the world’s top trails on the Scented Island

    Skip the camping and still hike the high trails of Corsica! While hiking on the Scented Island of Corsica, our steps will be accompanied by a bouquet of wild thyme, rosemary, and lavender. An island birthed by volcanic eruptions, Corsica is the Mediterranean’s most mountainous island, and a hiker’s delight.

We’ll journey by foot along dramatic gorges to the rugged high mountain Corsican Haute Route which spans the island, stopping at points like Bergerie de Radule, known for its soft white brocciu shepherds cheese. Following ancient mule and shepherds paths through secluded valleys and cool forests, we’ll amble along the Mediterranean coastline, and pause to quench our thirst with chestnut beer, a Corsican tradition. At night, enjoy stunning views and airy rooms in cozy mountain and seaside inns.

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Activities

8 Days of moderate to strenuous hiking on varied terrain, maximum elevation 6,330'.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow ancient mule tracks and shepherds paths through secluded valleys that overlook the Mediterranean Sea
• Spend your evenings soaking in breathtaking views from the terrace of your comfortable hotel
• Stroll along cobbled streets in charming seaside villages

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Ajaccio End Location: Calvi

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Corsica

  Arrive in Ajaccio, Corsica. Meet with the group in the evening for a welcome dinner and orientation.

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  Day 2 : Ajaccio – Piana

  Today we'll drive to the neighboring village of Piana.  From the village square, we'll take a narrow road that follows the coastline and overlooks dramatic cliffs, the bay of Porto and Sagone.  Our hike takes us along a promontory leading up to a Genoese watchtower (Genoa once ruled Corsica). From its summit we can enjoy super views of the coastline and looking inland, a stunning panorama of high jagged mountain peaks. 

• Day 3 : Piana – Capu d’Ortu foothills

  We’ll make our way to a nearby football pitch at the entrance to Les Calanques, which means ‘inlets’ in Corsican.  Our age old trail winds upwards through a décor of red granite cliffs. Genoese watchtowers dot the horizon, in the distance, we can see the UNESCO-protected Scandola sea reserve.  There are different options possible on the Capu d’Ortu foothills, all of them  wind upwards through a beautiful rose hued granite. 

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  Day 4 : Spelunca Gorge - Evisa

  We’ll drive through Les Calanques, taking in the tortured shapes of red granite pinnacles that give way to numerous inlets and canyons opening to the sea. Continuing journey to Porto, we’ll then head up to the village of Ota where we’ll start our hike. Along the way we’ll pass a Genoese bridge and the entrance to the Spelunca Gorge. We’ll hike up the gorge, which was at one time the only route of communication between Ota and our destination, the neighboring village of Evisa.

• Day 5 : Col de Cuccavera

  From just above Evisa village we’ll take a forest trek that leads uphill to the Col du Saltu, where we’ll enjoy a break at a nearby lodge. Then we’ll leave the forest landscape and hike to pass between the hillsides on our way back to the village.

• Day 6 : Golu Valley

  Short transfer in the morning to the Col de Vergio, Corsica’s highest pass, where we’ll set off along a trail leading into a serene valley. We’ll walk through silver birch and pine trees towards the little stone huts of the Bergerie de Radule, then join up with the GR20 path and follow it towards the Golu Valley. There's an option to hike the Ciottulu Refuge before continuing on to Corte for our overnight.

• Day 7 : Day to Explore Corte

  Today we’ll spend the day exploring the area around the little town of Corte, once the island’s capital. Today this charming village is full of artist workshops, pottery studios, and street cafés. We’ll see the Place Gaffori at the center of town and wander the town’s cobblestoned streets. The town’s many steep streets up the hill lead to the citadel, built high on a rocky crag, and visible from anywhere in town. In the citadel is the remarkable Museum of Corsica, and we’ll spend some time visiting its exhibits.  (No hiking this day)

• Day 8 : Lacs de Mello and Capitello

  We'll walk from the Bergerie de Grotelle in the Restonica Gorge to Lac de Mello (5,612') and, for those up to it, continue farther to Lac de Capitello (6,330'). Capitello is the deepest lake on the island. Our hike today is along rocky terrain, but the moderate challenge is widely rewarded with beautiful mountain scenery. We’ll return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (41/2 miles, 51/2 hours hiking, 2,437 feet ascent)

• Day 9 : Drive to Calvi

  We'll journeyto Ponte Leccia. A long sandy beach stretches around the crescent shaped bay, backed by snow capped mountains, it’s a magical spot.  Cobbled streets lead past the chic waterfront and bustling marina up to the  ancient Genovese citadel.  This fortified hilltop town is magical with narrow streets, hidden corners and tall vertical houses. 

• Day 10 : Departure from Calvi

  Transfer to the Calvi Airport on your own, and depart on homeward-bound flights.

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  Hôtel l'Aïtone

  Evisa, Corsica

  This large country hotel features comfortable accommodations in the lush village of Evisa. The on-site restaurant has a reputation for gastronomic prowess, and guests can also enjoy the hotel's relaxing bar and swimming pool.

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  Hotel Dominique Colonna

  Corte, Corsica

  Perfectly situated along the banks of the river at the heart of the beautiful Restonica Valley, the Hotel Dominique Colonna is a haven of peace and tranquility, surrounded by verdant forests of Laricio pines. The comfortable rooms each have French windows opening onto a terrace or balcony, and guests can enjoy the hotel's heated swimming pool, garden area and numerous walking trails nearby.

• Hotel San Carlu

  Ajaccio, Corsica

  In the heart of the historical quarter, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shopping, and nightlife, and mere meters from the beautiful white-sand beach of Saint François, the Hotel San Carlu could not be better situated for discovering Ajaccio.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

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photo credits: ©David Abram/Aurora Photos