Organize your hike in Corsica

The Isle of Beauty is exceptional and attracts many visitors every year eager to enjoy nature-based activities during their vacations in Corsica.
With its breathtaking landscapes and the possibility to do hikes of all levels makes it a hiker's paradise.
Whether you enjoy family hikes, or you are a seasoned walker, there are still rules to keep in mind to prepare your hike in Corsica.

How should you get ready for your hike in Corsica?

How to equip yourself for a hike in Corsica

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or an occasional hiker, you need to equip yourself. Here we'll review the basic equipment you'll need for your hike in Corsica.

A backpack, essential for a hike in Corsica

The first piece of equipment is, of course, a backpack. It must be comfortable as it will accompany you throughout the day.

For an easy one-day hike in southern Corsica, a 20 l to 35 l bag is sufficient. We often tend to fill it up, but don't forget that you'll have to carry it, so there's no need to take a bigger bag than you need. To give you an idea of the weight of your backpack, it should be 20% of your body weight.

Comfort-wise, don't overlook models with :

• back ventilation systems
• strap padding
• belly belt with chest straps

You'll easily find affordable, very comfortable models in mainstream stores today. Once you've chosen your bag, it needs to be properly adjusted so that it doesn't move or rub your skin. First adjust the waist belt, then the shoulder straps and finally the chest straps. The aim is to distribute the weight so that the bag doesn't rest solely on the shoulders.

For children, a 4l bag is sufficient. They'll be able to carry their teddy, a small bottle of water and will be happy to "do as the grown-ups do".

Backpack content

Now, let's review what you'll need to take with you on your Corsican hike.

Clothing

Depending on the season, you'll need:

• a cap to avoid sunstroke, or a cap to protect you from the cold
• sunglasses
• pants with a zip that transforms into shorts (or pants and shorts)
• a fleece (it's very light and keeps you warm)
• a windbreaker
• a raincoat (or poncho) or ideally a rain cape to cover your backpack
• waterproof shoes, light, sturdy, with notched soles to grip the ground, and preferably ankle-high to protect your ankles. Don't forget to wear them before setting off on your 1st hike to avoid blisters.
   

Meals and snacks

In general, a Corsican hike is planned for the day, so it's essential to pack a picnic but also small snacks:

• picnic
• cereal bars, dried fruit
• sugar cubes in case you feel a bit weak
• multifunction knife
• trash bags
• Hand sanitizer to avoid wasting water washing your hands
   

Sun protection

To protect your body from the sun, don't forget sun cream or even chapstick: at high altitude you can easily get sunburned.
 

Survival gear

Whether for guidance or in case of trouble, you should pack a survival kit containing:

• a map
• a compass
• a first-aid kit containing disinfectant, bandages, aspirin, arnica, mosquito repellent, bandages, a pair of scissors, a cold spray...
• a survival blanket
• a lighter
• a whistle to signal your position in case of trouble
• trekking poles
• binoculars to observe animals from a distance
• a headlamp
• a mobile phone for emergency numbers

Family hiking in Corsica

For a family hike, you'll need to consider, first of all, the age of your child:

• up to the age of 3, we recommend using a baby carrier
• up to the age of 7, we recommend a maximum of 4 hours of walking, bearing in mind that a child walks between 1km/h and 2 km/h
• from the age of 8, you can head off for a 10 kms to 15 kms, but always take into account the difference in altitude

To be sure you're choosing the right trail, 2 guides in French may help you: "Le sentiers d’Emilie" and "Le p’tit crapahut" that propose around thirty easy hikes in Corsica that take around 2h30. These trails also pass by monuments with historic information displayed.

The best spots for easy hikes in southern Corsica

Corsican hikes for advanced hikers

Corsica is home to many trails that are best taken if you have a good level. Of course, you'll need to adapt the size and contents of your backpack a little, or even add to your equipment.

The best hiking spots for advanced hikers in Corsica