Hiking Corsica

From Calasima, Corsica's highest village, to the foot of Paglia Orba, the Vallone valley offers superb hiking in a wild setting. Lozzi is the starting point for the ascent of Monte Cinto. You'll pass Lac du Cinto and have the chance to sleep at the Ercu refuge. Beware: the paths are narrow and the gradients considerable, so this hike should be undertaken with caution and only if you're in good physical condition.

At Ghisoni, head south on the D69, then take the junction with the D169 towards the Capannelle sheepfolds (at an altitude of 1,640 m) and continue to the end of the road. From here, follow the Pietra Niella ski run to the summit, then take the path marked with cairns. After about 1 hour's ascent to the south-west, you'll reach Lake Bastani. To bypass it to the west, follow the path past Punta Bacinello.

This hike takes you to Corsica's second-highest massif, Monte Rotondo, at an altitude of 2622 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the whole of Corsica, its imposing peaks, majestic lakes, Cap Corse and the Mediterranean. The route starts from the D623 and passes through the Restonica Forest. After the Bergeries de Timozzu, the landscape turns mineral as you head towards Lac de l'Oriente. Between steep peaks and rocky ridges, the surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, but be prepared for a steep climb for much of the way.

At the end of the carriage road that leads to the coastal residences of Formali and Fonaverte, follow the customs path to the Mortella point. Built in the 16th century by the Genoese, the tower was bombarded in 1794 by Admiral Nelson's English fleet. Consolidated in its current state by the Conservatoire du Littoral, it offers visitors a superb cross-sectional plan which allows them to appreciate the thickness of its walls. In spring, you will be conquered by the maquis.

From Meria, a walk takes you to the beautiful ghost village of Caracu. Between land and sky, this aerial route offers superb views of the eastern tip of Cape Corsica and the Tuscan archipelago. The trail is mostly flat and rocky. At the start, you'll discover monumental tombs, each more impressive than the last. Once you've reached the abandoned village, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the ruins.

Following the stone-paved lanes of the hamlet of Ortale, ancient mule tracks run through the memory of the Cape Corsican cradle. Following the wanderings of the Funtanaccia, an ancient water mill stands like a rock wall, shrouded in the golden ether of the undergrowth. You'll then cast your gaze over the remains of a Genoese bridge, before crossing the stones of the Savina mill, whose activity continues unabated despite the patina of the ages, conferring immemorial bliss on this journey from beyond time!

On this hike, you'll discover the Santa Maria tower and enjoy a superb view of the Finocchiarola islands, classified as a nature reserve. From the port of Macinaggio, follow the signs for the U Stazzu campsite, then reach the Tamarone beach. Cross the beach and continue along the path, either along the coast to the right, or inland to the left. Choose one of these paths on the way out and the other on the way back, to enjoy different views.

This beautiful granite arch is also known as the Scandulaghju arch or the Padule arch. It starts near the parking lot at the foot of the citadel, a little higher up than the path leading up the Tavignano to the refuge de la Sega (a sign points the way to the arch). Although the arch is not very far from Corte, the climb is very tough (1,000 m ascent on rocky ground) and the first part of the route is totally exposed to the sun, with no possibility of shelter. Bring plenty of water and set off early in the morning.

Join an old hydraulic mill and refresh yourself in the waterholes along the way! Leave at the last houses of the village of Albertacce on the D84. Take the dirt track on your right with the sign for the gîte d'étape and follow the orange markings to reach a crossroads at the Saint-Antoine oratory. Then turn left (signposted Bocca di Vergio) to reach the bridge and the Muricciolu mill. On the way back, you can also take the path left behind at the oratory, which leads back up to Albertacce.

From the hamlet of Canaglia, you will take a track marked with orange markers, which will guide you along a bucolic walk before becoming a path. When the path splits into two opposite ways, you will take the one on the right towards Tolla, which will take you in a few minutes to the beautiful Manganello, a tributary of the Vecchio. Along the stream, the entire route follows the course of its clear water. In spite of their freshness, the less reckless swimmers will not resist for long to the attraction of its sumptuous basins!

It is one of the highest peaks in Corsica, offering a breathtaking view. A nice excursion to make from the Vizzavona pass. At the pass, follow the wooden sign indicating the direction of the Bergeries de Pozzi, located about halfway up this route. From the sheepfolds, head towards Punta Grado by taking the Madonuccia Rock to the east. Then follow the ridge line to the foot of the summit. Be careful, the last few metres, in a crumbly rock, are very difficult to cover.

The starting point for this hike is the Genoese bridge on the outskirts of the village of Asco. The trail passes through a small chestnut grove dotted with the remains of low walls and sheepfolds, then becomes progressively steeper and rockier. A series of ascents and descents await you along the way. At the finish, you'll be lucky enough to discover a small waterfall about 3 metres high. The return journey takes the same route.

The starting point for this hike is the Scalella pass, at an altitude of 1,193 metres. From the pass, head east for about 1 hour 30 minutes, then take the path up to the pozzine (peat bogs). Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes to reach this area. For the more adventurous, it's possible to extend the hike to Lac de Bracca, the source of the U Prunelli river, culminating at 1,777 meters above sea level. However, this variant is more difficult and requires good orientation.

This trail runs through the lands of the commune of Olcani, located on Cap Corse. In less than 4 kilometers and around 90 minutes of walking, it offers interesting discoveries, such as the San Quilicu chapel, as well as charming viewpoints. After passing the ruined sheepfold, you have two options: you can either branch off towards A bocca di Violu, or go directly to A bocca di A Sellula before turning around for the return journey.

The Sentier du littoral or Sentier des Douaniers covers the 35 kilometres of coastline between Saint-Florent and Ostriconi beach. To do it in its entirety, it takes two days of walking, but you can segment it in stages of 1h to 6h30 depending on your starting point. The shortest stage connects the two white sandy beaches of Loto and Saleccia, which will give you a foretaste of paradise. Another shorter trail connects the two beaches inland.

Departing from the village of Rapale, this lovely family hike introduces you to the religious heritage of the Nebbiu micro-region. The trail starts at the Santa Maria Asunta church, before winding its way to the San Quilicu de Pieve church and the Santa Margarita chapel. Nature is omnipresent here, and the panorama from the San'Antone oratory is superb. The rest of the loop takes you back to the village to explore other sites of interest.

This easy hike early Soccia takes you to the Lake Créno. It alternates between the landscapes of rocks, ponds and forest, enough to entertain time to face the ascent. Your efforts will be rewarded, because at over 1300 feet high, the air is pure and always nice views. You will also pass sheepfolds before reaching the Lake Créno. Despite the high, the vegetation is abundant here and you can can be observed carnivorous plants (droseras) that have taken up residence here. From here, you can turn around or to extend a ride to the bergeries de Livru.

Price: free.

Duration: 2:00.

Problem: way.

Change in altitude: 500 metres away. A thing for children: go hiking donkey!

Julie Michel, a mountain guide in Corsica, offers a range of activities including full-day and half-day hikes, treasure hunts, joëlette excursions, discovering rock shelters, ridges and secret tunnels, botanical hikes, as well as 2-3 day stays such as crossing the Cuscionu or exploring the GR20. She also organizes snowshoe outings in winter. On request, Julie can take care of the complete organization of your stay, including accommodation, catering and travel arrangements.

The start of this 45-minute walk is in the village of Furiani, south of Bastia. Go up the main road and turn right towards the cemetery. The start of the walk is signposted "Capella Santa Maria". Tradition has it that the ruins near the chapel were once a hermitage. Dating from the ^9th century, the chapel is a listed historic monument. To enter the building, ask for the key at Furiani village hall.

We join the valley of Prunelli by the pretty site of Eccica-Suarella. It is from Ocana that the true Corsican mountain begins. The pass of Mercuju is an extraordinary point of view which reveals, from the belvedere at the end of the road, a whole region of uneven reliefs. A little further on, before reaching Tolla, there is a path on the right that leads to the lake. From this point you can reach the Prunelli Gorge along a narrow and winding road.

Departure from the hamlet of Campodonico above Piedicroce, another possible departure from the Prato pass. Altitude: 1,767 m. Difference in height: 900 m from Campodonico, 800 m from the Prato Pass. Duration: 6 hours return. Itinerary: signposted path to the "Caselle de Favalta" hut (1,404 m), on the plateau turn right immediately, go past a spring (be careful, no indication, no visibility on the San-Pedrone), you pass ruins where you find a path that leads to a clearing. At this point, a sign indicates that there is 1 hour left until San-Pedrone.

A wild and soft region at a time, the land is again being maintained and rather green, to narrow roads, to the pretty villages typical, between mountain and countryside, with, here and there, looking up at 180 degrees, towards the Gulf. Below Vico, the Cruzzinu River reaches the Liamone River and a little-known mountainous region. This is a pity because the wild landscapes are varied, green and picturesque and attractive villages. The micro area abounds in the trails of the star-shaped countries around each village, along with walks, orientation tables, fountains, waterfalls, coves, including the Muna. The Cruzzinu Valley: You can access it via the D 125 by passing through Casaglione. We go back to the river U Cruzzinu, coming from Du, to Rezza, a small village buried in the middle of pine trees where you find the information house of the Regional natural park of Corsica in a remarkable building containing a water mill, further away, the three beautiful rural gîtes U Tretorre of Jean-Pierre Giordani and since this year a communal restaurant A Sulana. The D 104 goes to Pastricciola and then Frasseto, and that's where you catch the Mare e Mare Nord trail that joins the GR 20 at the Col d'Oreccia near the Monte d'Oro. Panorama of the Forêt forest. The exit of the valley can be done by the Col de Tartavello and then Vero, to reach the Gravona Valley and the RN 198. The micro area abounds in the trails of the star-shaped countries around each village, along with walks, orientation tables, fountains, waterfalls, coves, including the Calanques. On Rezza, an original orientation circuit that allows you to discover the heritage, the environment, the legends and beliefs that make the valley rich.

This leisure centre offers a wide range of outdoor activities on the spots of the region: canyoning and aqua trekking, rafting, via ferrata and giant zip lines, walks and e-bike rental, paintball, expeditions in 4 x 4, hiking ... Depending on the season you enjoy the nautical base in Lozari, (sea kayaking and stand-up paddle) or a ski school (ski and snowboard lessons, snowshoeing tours, biathlon) at the foot of Asco Stagnu, at least when the snow is there! Professional supervision. On reservation.

The Vizzavona Aventure park offers a forest acrobatic course on the site of the Vizzavona forest and its waterfalls. The structure also offers canyoning activities on the Richuisa river in Bocognano, hiking. Dare to try the 100 m Tyrolean traverse and the Tarzan jump. The 14 courses are located on laricio pines and beech trees. Let's go for 4 hours of thrills and challenges for the whole family. Helmets and harnesses are provided.

A small structure that offers the biggest adventure course in Corsica with 17 courses and 198 workshops in Vero, a via ferrata in Tolla, canyoning trips in the Richiusa, in the Ziocu, and the Verghellu, water hiking for the youngest or the less sporty, hiking, snowshoeing trips in winter and climbing under the supervision of state-certified professionals. Organisation of sports and cultural seminars, in various disciplines, in the mountains (hiking, climbing, canyoning, mountain biking, obstacle courses...) or at sea (sea kayaking, excursions...) and fun activities (treasure hunts, orienteering, obstacle courses...).

Le Ranch de Sagone is dedicated to horse and riding enthusiasts in Corsica. Discover an unusual space, decorated with a western theme. Under the guidance of Floriane de Bermond Gaffory, who holds a BPJEPS Western diploma, you can discover the joys of western riding and perfect your technique. Lessons are open to riders aged 3 and over. The center also breeds Quarter Horse, Paint Horse and Corse horses, and offers boarding, breaking-in and training services. LE RANCH is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of horses.

A specialist in guided residence in Corsica, in Corsica, Corsica Natura organises active stays for individuals, groups and travel agencies. So, whatever your level, age, individual, friends or family, Corsica Natura offers you day-to-day activities or short stays adapted to your wishes. Hiking, snowshoes, mountain biking, canyon and adventure park.

Guided walks throughout Corsica and at all levels: The authentic GR 20 by summits and variants; the GR 20 at the Trail speed; family walks; Discovery of Cape Corse; Mountaineering and climbing in Corsica; Snow snowshoes

A fresh wind breathes on the Sartenais thanks to the arrival of Antoine Martin-Cochet, young professional of the mountain. To get out of the beaten trails and discover atypical circuits, this accompanist offers all the public its 7 symbolic trips between sea and mountain. In small groups, you will enjoy trips to Senetosa, Pozzi, Bavella, Campomoro, L 'Omu di Cagna and many other surprises from 7 to 77 years.

Opposite the San-Giorgio church, you'll find the footpaths for visiting the Alta Rocca, including the one to Serra, which is fairly short and very pretty. About 1.5 km downhill towards Zonza, on the left, a path leads to the refuge d'Asinao, catching up with the famous GR20 trail. The whole of the Alta Rocca massif is criss-crossed by a multitude of well-marked footpaths, ranging from short strolls to long-distance hiking trails. Don't forget to check the weather forecast before you go!

Situated on a hill facing the sea, at an altitude of over 377 m, this ghost village offers an exceptional view of the Sant'Ambroggio marina and the Gulf of Calvi. Take a short, unusual stroll to discover Occi, believed to have been founded in the ^14th or 15th^century . Sumptuous landscapes await you, and when you arrive at your destination, you'll have the pleasure of admiring the fully restored church: masses are even celebrated here!

Take the D70 up to the Col de Sevi. About 1.5 km from the top of the pass, there's a footpath to Marignana, part of the Solenzara-Cargèse route, which links up with the Spelunca Gorge trail. With a detailed map, you can also pass through the abandoned village of Tasso on your way to Marignana (where you join the Mare è Monti trail). From the pass, descend to Cristinacce and rejoin the D84. Typical of inland Corsica.

Following the Rizzanese river, take the D69 to the old Spin'a Cavallu bridge. Following the Départementale 65 eastwards, a road takes you to the Foce belvedere and its beautiful viewpoint over the plain. 8 kilometers south of Sartène from Gianuccio, a footpath leads you through the maquis. You then cross a stream, a ridge and the locality of Bocca di Favalettu to arrive at this huge, smooth rock emerging from a mass of granite boulders... Panoramic view of Valinco, Figari Bay to the south and Alta-Rocca. Towards Serraggia, you'll reach the Rocher du Lion (Lion Rock) on the Cap de Roccapina, where you can perhaps (probably!) take a swim. Then take the path to the right of Le Lion, facing the sea, and after a short 3-kilometre walk, you'll arrive at some divine, secluded coves! The Ortolo beach unfurls its miles of desert before you, then you can admire the Murtoli estate with its sheepfolds and luxury homes, as well as the forgotten Senetosa lighthouse. You can also climb up to the Lion Tower at Roccapina, which offers an absolutely magnificent panorama in the midst of unspoilt nature. Finally, in the Propriano area, of course, is the town of Sartène, with its prehistoric site, the menhirs of Filitosa and the oil mills of the upper Ortolo valley, not to be missed.

From Murzo on the Guagno road coming from Vico, turn right towards Rosazia. Continue on to Salice, then, just before the first hamlet, take a path on the left to the Ancone waterfall. You'll come to Azzana, a lovely village in a beautiful natural setting, overlooking the Cruzzini valley and facing the other side. We admire an old ochre church with an old bell tower from another era. On to Rezza and the valley road.

Some roads cross the cape Corsica from east to west and give to see magnificent landscapes. From Luri, go north on the D35 and the Meria valley: you follow the road on the left to go down to Morsiglia, which allows you to reach Pino. From Luri, cross the mountain to the southwest to reach Conchiglio and the Giottani Marine. Then you have to follow the beautiful coastal road northwards, passing Punta Minerbio to reach Pino.

As with many hikes in Corsica, your walk begins in the magnificent maquis. Departing from Ste Lucie de Tallano, you cross the Rizzanese forest in timeless landscapes, stop off at the ^12th-century chapel, and wind your way along this 56-kilometer waterway. The Rizzanese, a magnificent river, rises from Monte Incudine at 2,100 m and surges through the massif, slowly descending towards the Gulf of Valinco, ending its course at Propriano.

From the chemin Donateo, you'll reach an immemorial chapel adjoining the rocky promontory of the statue of Notre-Dame de la Serra: overlooking the Capcorsin coastline and the Bay of Calvi, it will show you the way to the next stage of an exhilarating journey, from the crest to the foot of Capu di a Vetu. This sporty half-day hike, designed for experienced hikers, offers magnificent views of the Pointe de la Revellata and the inland villages, as well as the peaks of Monte Cinto and the impressive Paglia Orba!

Listed as a historical monument and then bought by the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Omigna tower is a beautiful walk north of the village of Cargèse. From the beach of Pero, walk along the road until you reach the metal gate on your left. Always follow the dirt path to the famous building. The point offers a 360° view, from Capu Rosso to Capu di Fenu. Go back to Cargèse; in all, you will have walked for only 2 hours!

This hike offers superb views of the valley, the mountain of Cagna, the granite chaos and the maquis. It is imperative to bring a water reserve. The path is marked with cairns (small piles of rocks) and yellow markers, but it is better to bring a map! After an hour's walk, an impressive imbroglio of rocks appears, topped by a few lodgepole pines and green oaks. A second plateau, covered with tree heathers and bristling with astonishing granite shapes, is reached after an hour and a half of walking.

It is one of the most famous and popular walks in high season. About twenty minutes are enough to reach it from the RT20 which connects Bastia to Ajaccio via Corte. Park at the car park at the Vizzavona pass (Foce di Vizzavona) just before starting the descent to Ajaccio. The path starts on the right side of the national road coming from Corte. Go into the beech forest, the path goes down to the left. You will cross a rocky passage before coming to the waterfall and its beautiful basins that invite you to swim.

The small village of Tassu was formerly the meeting point of the trade routes of these villages. The old village can be reached from a path that starts near the Ustaria di a Rota. The itinerary is a section of the Mare e Monti path (orange markings). You will appreciate the beautiful restored chapel and the bathing area below the Tassu, which is less crowded than the overcrowded Aitone swimming pool, even polluted in summer.

A native of the region, Stéphane Colombani offers exceptional hiking programs for all levels. Departing from Ghisonaccia and Solenzara, you'll discover the Renosu, Fiumorbu and Bavella massifs. Set off in a group for a day with your spuntinu (Corsican snack), an integral part of mountain culture. In winter, put on your snowshoes and travel the snow-covered slopes of Corsica's mountains, accompanied by a dynamic team of mountain guides. A great way to visit the region!

À Muvrella offers day hikes in small groups, with a Corsican picnic, departing from Ghisonaccia and Solenzara, on the Renosu, Bavella and Pozzi massifs. In winter, when it snows, Christophe Melchers also accompanies you on snowshoe hikes. It's also possible to tailor-make your own hike. Discover the wonders of the Corsican mountains, guided by a state-certified mountain leader who knows his territory inside out and knows how to share its beauty!