Hiking in Corsica

Hiking in Ajaccio

You're starting your holiday in Southern Corsica with a stopover in the imperial city? Itineraries, between sea and mountains, await you for a hike in Ajaccio.

For your first hike in Corsica, take le sentier des douaniers. This four-kilometer trail links the Genoese tower at La Parata to the beach at Saint-Antoine through the maquis. From the steep paths, you have breathtaking views of the Sanguinaires Islands. The low gradient makes this two-and-a-half-hour excursion (round trip) accessible to all, even beginners.

After this warm-up, you're trained for le sentier des Crêtes. As is often the case when hiking in Corsica, there are several loops so you can find something to suit your abilities. But it doesn't matter how long or how difficult. The Mediterranean and the Gulf of Corsica pass before your eyes as you progress through the prickly pear trees.

Hiking in Piana: discover the calanques

The calanques of Piana are most often discovered from the sea, on a boat trip. Yet the red rocks plunging into the turquoise waters are just as spectacular from land.

Here again, you have different options to choose from. If you're hiking in Piana with young children, opt for la Tête de Chien trail. This hour-long walk, in the shade, takes you up to the fortified castle. You'll have plenty of time to admire the volcanic cliffs and the Gulf of Porto along the way.

For a day outing, challenge yourself to climb Capu d'Orto, nearly 1,300 meters above sea level. Once at the summit, the view embraces the Scandola nature reserve and the Evisa valley. But this view has to be earned! Allow six hours to get to the top and back. Although the route is well marked, a third of the hike is on stony ground. It's best to be sure-footed and enjoy a bit of climbing!

Hiking in Bonifacio

In summer, the narrow streets of the Upper Town are bustling with activity. You'll find some peace and quiet on the hiking trails in and around Bonifacio.

The Capu di Fenu trail runs from Paragan beach to Tunara beach. Goats roam around freely among the granite rocks and maquis. You'll also come across the remains of a water mill and the Capo di Feno lighthouse. This great Corsican hike is not difficult. However, you'll need to allow at least four hours one way. Don't hesitate to take a break in one of the almost deserted coves to cool off with a swim.

But there's no need to walk for so long to appreciate nature. The Campu Ruminaru, a one-hour hike, starts from the citadel and follows the edge of the cliffs. One hour is also the time it takes to go around Lavezzu Island. Provided you don't stop along the way for a swim or take a photo of the Corsican daisy.

Hiking in Campomoro, climbing to the Genoese tower

In Southern Corsica, hiking is also a great way to discover the island's history and heritage.

The Genoese tower of Campomoro was built after the Barbary pirates attacked Sartène. For over 500 years, it has stood watch over the Gulf of Propriano. From the top of this tower, the largest in Corsica, the Genoese once scanned the horizon for enemy ships. Now that pirate and Barbarian ships are no longer to be feared, you'll enjoy panoramic views over the Mediterranean on this hike to Campomoro.

The tower is reached after a short hour's walk. Then stop off at the fishing village of Campomoro for lunch or a swim in the bay.

Hiking in Porto-Vecchio

Renowned for its beaches, the city of salt also delights Corsican hiking enthusiasts. Itineraries, suitable for all levels, allow you to explore the coastline, the forest and even the mountains!

If you had to do just one hike in Porto-Vecchio, it would surely be la Punta di a Vacca morta (literally "Dead Cow Peak"). Behind this rather gloomy name lies a two-hour walk. Halfway through, you reach the summit, at an altitude of 1,300 meters. It offers 360-degree views of the village of Ospedale, the forests, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aiguilles de Bavella.

Hiking in Calvi

Some come to Calvi for its festivals and nightlife, others for its hiking trails. But there's nothing to stop you from combining the two! Just make sure you get a good night's sleep before your excursion. Hiking in and around Calvi is rather long and requires being well prepared.

Dreaming of a Corsican stroll along the sea, in the company of ospreys and crested cormorants? Head for the sentier des douaniers, between Calvi and the Revellata peninsula. Along the fourteen kilometers, you can contemplate the citadel, swim in deserted coves and catch a glimpse of the red rocks of the Scandola  nature reserve. But this getaway is for good walkers only: you'll need at least three hours to reach the lighthouse.

Hiking in the Balagne, Northern Corsica

Calvi isn't the only destination for a hike in the Balagne region. Its eternal rival, l'Île-Rousse, also offers some great trails.

The most accessible of l'Île-Rousse's hikes is undoubtedly the one from the town center to the island of La Pietra. It takes just 45 minutes to cross the pier. You can then admire the town from the lighthouse or the Genoese tower.

But hiking in Northern Corsica and exploring the Balagne is above all about discovering its villages, their narrow streets, their churches and their local specialities. Leave your car at the parking lot and visit them on foot! For example, follow the mule paths around Montegrossu and the surrounding hamlets or walk from Lumio to Occi, a hauntingly beautiful village nestled at 370 meters above sea level.

In summer, when the sun invites you to swim, take the Trinichellu train to Algajola or Bodri and walk back along the Mediterranean. You can stop as often as you like to swim in the translucent sea and relax on the fine sandy beaches.

Corte: hiking in Corsica's regional natural park

The regional park is home to the best-known hikes in Corsica. The GR20 and Mare a Mare trails run through it. But even if you're not a seasoned athlete, you can still appreciate the beauty of this protected area. In Corte, there's no shortage of hiking opportunities, whether you're an accomplished sportsman or a beginner.

Landing your bags in Corsica's historic and cultural capital, you can easily go hiking at Lake Nino. Perched at 1700 meters, in the heart of the Rotondo massif, the lake emerges in the middle of a pozzi. This thick green lawn is dotted with natural pools of transparent water.

But you can also hike up the Restonica to its source: Lake Melo. Its dark blue contrasts with the grey rocks and vegetation. If you've got any energy left, and like steep roads, continue on to lac de Capitello, the deepest lake in Corsica.

Hiking in Cap Corse

Cap Corse is sometimes nicknamed Little Corsica, because it offers a condensed version of the island's wildest and most emblematic features. It's all mountain-side villages, cliffs dropping sheer into the sea and sandy beaches. And as always in Corsica, hiking is the best way to enjoy this unique landscape.

You'll find these assets when you hike Cap Corse. Seasoned walkers will embark on a journey along les crêtes du Cap Corse, a 48-kilometer route between Bastia and Barcaghju.

If you're traveling with young children (or have come to the region for a rest), it's best to take le sentier des douaniers. The views over Italy and the Finocchiarola islands will leave you with unforgettable memories. But the difference in altitude is much smaller! Several short loops (less than three kilometers) also allow you to visit Nonza, Centuri and Rogliano.