Corsica Walking Tour
Overview
Join us on our Walking Tour of Corsica! Corsica is the third largest Mediterranean island, belongs to France, and has a long history that makes it a compelling destination. It boasts a wide variety of scenery - coastal landscapes, stunning shorelines, breath-taking mountains, refreshing forests and high-altitude lakes perfect for outdoor excursions and hiking. It is located in the western Mediterranean Sea just north of Sardinia, south-east of France and off the west coast of Tuscany (Italy). It is a magical island of wild, untouched, and sensational natural beauty. Blend that in with its unique culture and charming coastal towns and you have the recipe for a perfect Caspin Walking Tour.
MORE ABOUT
Corsica, France
Corsica is located in the northernmost waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea with the Côte d’Azur and the Tuscan Archipelago only a stone’s throw away. The island boasts a wide variety of scenery including 1,000 km of coastal landscapes, stunning shorelines, breath-taking mountains, refreshing forests and high-altitude lakes.
A central range of steep mountains starting in Calvi in the North and ending in Porto Vecchio in the South divides the island into two distinct regions. The South and the West are substantially more mountainous and volcanic. Its coastline is rugged and defined by steep and jagged granite cliffs and coves – the occasional sandy beach is often only accessible by boat. The North and the East by comparison have more gentle mountains and the coastline has long stretches of sandy beaches spanning from Bastia to Porto Vecchio.
Bonifacio & St Florent stand out with their limestone escarpment where the rock is clear and light, a stark contrast to the deep red volcanic cliffs of Scandola National Park and the western coast of Corsica.
Corsica is the tallest and greenest island in the Mediterranean with 20 peaks over 2,000m high and water omnipresent. Its mountains are thickly forested and the highlands form vast natural prairies with an abundance of freshwater sources, streams and rivers. Water cascades down the mountain directly down to the sea, hollowing out the gorges and valleys in its wake.
Highlights
- Classic mountain and coastal walking on the French island of Corsica
- Strolling through Corte, the historic capital surrounded by mountain peaks
- Stunning views over the Calanches de Piana. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hiking the formidable Spelunca Gorge and a section of the classic GR20 trail
- Enjoy time exploring the vibrant city of Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace
INFO AT A GLANCE - Activity level: Moderate
Duration - 10 nights, 11 days
From € 4,875 p.p. - sharing room
Single occupancy - € 6,275 p.p.
Group size - max 10
Age range: from 25 to healthy 80 :-)
Tour Dates
19 - 29 May 2025 - Reserved private group
"Bring your own group - choose dates well in advance!"
Places You'll See
MORE ABOUT THIS TOUR
Corsica Tour
Itinerary
INFO: - PICK UP & DROP OFF - In the charming town of Ajaccio
Advice: We recommend you arrive in Ajaccio one day before the tour starts so you can get over any jet lag. It is also a fun city to explore.
Day 1 - Arrival - Ajaccio, Capo Rosso & Piana
We meet at 12.00 in Ajaccio and head north along the coast, soaking up spectacular sea views as we go. Our destination is a charming hotel perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Golfe de Porto, gazing out over the fiery red rock formations of the Calanches de Piana nature reserve, a World Heritage Site for its awe-inspiring beauty. For those who want to stretch their legs there is an optional walk to the Capo Rosso peninsula and the Genovese watchtower with 360° views encompassing the Calanches de Piana's full grandeur.
Hike: 8km / + 500m Elev
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Scandola National Park
Our day starts in the seaside village of Porto, where after time for a coffee and stroll, we get on a boat to cruise along the volcanic cliffs of the Scandola Nature Reserve. This is one of the most carefully protected areas in Corsica due to its rich flora and fauna home to a broad range of birds, fish and algae.
We'll disembark in the charming fishing village of Girolata, accessible only by sea, to enjoy a delicious fresh fish lunch.
After lunch, a scenic hike along the Postman's Path leads us back to our vehicle for the drive to Calvi. This vibrant and chic beach town, with its pastel harborfront houses, lively cafés, and old citadel overlooking the azure bay, is the perfect place to spend the night.
Hike: 12km / +350m Elev
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 - Calvi, Lumio & the North Coast
We begin our day in the hilltop village of Lumio, just a short jaunt from Calvi. From here, we set out on a circular hike that transports us back through the centuries, passing through a lost-in-time 15th century hamlet, abandoned and untouched.
We'll emerge from this portal into the present-day wine country, stopping to savor the robust Nielluccio vintages in a local winery. After lunch we'll return to Calvi where you'll have time to explore the town and wander the cobblestone streets to its iconic Citadelle. Dine at your own leisure in one of the marina's many restaurants.
Hike: 6km / +200m Elev
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4 - Calvi to Erbalunga
Leaving Calvi behind, our day begins amidst the Desert de Agriates' sweeping sandscapes - home to one of Corsica's longest beaches. After a picnic refreshed by sea breezes, we'll head through the rugged beauty of the island's interior and emerge on Corsica's dreamy eastern shores in Erbalunga, our home for two nights. With its stone houses, ancient tower, and yacht-filled harbor set against a backdrop of waves and mountains, this tranquil village paints the quintessential Corsican coastal tableau.
Hike: 10km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hike: 11km / + 600m Elev
Day 5 - Cap Corse & Bastia
Today we head to the Northernmost part of Corsica, the Cap Corse. Our walk takes us right around the tip of the peninsula, along the coastal Sentier de Douaniers, and brings us to the tiny village of Barcaggio. In the evening we take some time to wander the streets of Bastia before heading for dinner. Bastia is the second largest city of Corsica, it has retained its medieval charm, an incredible citadel and a charming marina, all heritage left behind by its Genoese settlers.
Hike: 13km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6 - Corte & the interior
It's time to leave the coast behind and head inland to Corte, the heart and soul of Corsica, and once its capital. Today we hike along the Restonica River through the granite walls of the Tavignano Gorge, along Corsica's famous GR20 route. As we traverse quiet trails, we may spot local shepherds bringing their goats and sheep to graze Corsica's sweet highland pastures just as they have for centuries. Tonight's hotel is located just outside of down on the banks of the Restonica river.
Hike: 12km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7 - Corte & Vizzavona Forest
In the morning we head inland towards Vizzavona Forest. We trace a fairytale path following a pristine river through Vizzavona's woods up to the cascading English Waterfalls. This idyllic scene is capped by the crumbling yet still mighty ancient fortress standing guard above. We shall sit down to a delicious picnic in the fortress' shadow. In the afternoon we take some time to explore Corte, to uncover the resilient spirit of Pasquale Paoli and the golden era when this alpine town was the capital of a fledgling Corsican republic.
Hike: 13km / +500m
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8 - Bonifacio & the White Cliffs
Today we embark on the scenic journey back towards the sea, culminating at the cliffs and ramparts of Bonifacio's unparalleled citadel. Founded in the 9th century BC, this fortress town perched precariously atop Corsica’s southernmost cliffs, is the island’s most sought after destination. We shall lose ourselves in its labyrinth of narrow alleyways, and marvel at the network of hidden tunnels and staircases carved deep into the limestone bedrock revealing ingenious medieval military design. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to wander the modern and luxurious marina district, dip into boutiques, relax at an outdoor café, or head out along the white cliffs for views back at the citadel. This evening you will be free to dine at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 9 - Cucuruzzu & Sartène
Today we'll be transported back in time as we explore the primal forest of Cucuruzzu. Wandering among its prehistoric menhirs and caves carved with symbols from ages past, we'll follow in the footsteps of Corsica's first inhabitants. The natural magic permeating this forest is palpable, it is something which you can’t quite describe in words. After lunch we head to Sartène, a town which proudly boasts the title of "the most Corsican of Corsican towns”. It is a charming place to visit and gives us a glimpse into daily Corsican life. Our final stay is in Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace and Corsica's colourful capital.
Walk: 6km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10 - Ajaccio & Napoleon
We begin our final day retracing the footsteps of Napoleon, exploring Ajaccio and his birthplace in the old Genovese district. We then head down Rue Cardinal Fesch to the imposing palace named after the Cardinal, Napoleon’s uncle.
Today a museum, Palais Fesch is second only to the Louvre for the quality and quantity of masterpieces it houses. Inside its halls we will discover works of art by the likes of Botticelli, Tiziano and Veronese. After an afternoon to relax and explore Ajaccio at your own leisure, we will reunite for a farewell dinner at a beloved local institution.
Walk: City walk, 4km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11 - Departure day
Scheduled drop off at Ajaccio airport at 9.00am (or later as long as this accommodates everyone in the group).
If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements such as early taxis to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Piana - 1 night
Calvi - 2 nights
Erbalunga - 2 nights
Corte - 2 nights
Bonifacio 1 night
Ajaccio - 2 nights
What's included ?
" Items that are included in the tour price "
- 2 experienced tour leaders
- All meals as per itinerary
- Wine, water & coffee with meals
- Accommodation & tourist taxes
- Walking sticks (1 each on loan)
- Gratuities for hotel service and waiters
- Minibus transport from start to finish
- Local specialist guiding fees
- Entrance fees as listed on itinerary
What's not included ?
" Items that are not included in the tour price "
- Flights
- Transfer to the meeting point
- Travel insurance
- Visa and entry clearing fees
- Gratuities for your tour leaders
- Minibar & bar consumption
- Postage stamps :-)
Book your tour now
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Step 1: Check availability.
Step 2: Receive a payment link.
Step 3: Sign up using the link.
Pay a deposit of 25% or a commitment fee of
£/€250 if booking more than 9 months ahead.
Corsica Walking Tour
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