CORSICA’S BEAUTIFUL WEST COAST

Highlights

Wonderful varied walking along coastal slopes, through gorges and mountain ridges. Enjoying beautiful secluded beaches enclosed by spectacular cliffs with azure blue waters lapping at your feet.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

West Coast of Corsica . This self-guided French walking holiday explores the west coast of Corsica , setting off from the Calanques of Piano and finishing in Calvi. It follows the most beautiful stages of the Mare e Monti but also incorporates other interesting trails. The hike includes crossing the Gulf of Porto and the Scandola nature reserve, which is classed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Each day is varied providing a new source of amazement. The trail weaves its way between the sea and the mountains, meaning that the walk offers a wide variety of countryside. These include the famous sculpted rocks known as the calanches of Piana, paths zigzagging through the Corsican undergrowth and crossing former chestnut plantations, and the Chemin des Douaniers (literally the customs path), which follows the ragged coastline of Corsica. Furthermore, your evenings will be spent in charming historic Corsican villages such as Piana and Ota where the houses are made of vibrant red granite stones. On most days you’ll descend to secluded creeks and coves where there is the possibility to swim in the clear azure Mediterranean sea. One of the high points of the trip is arriving in Calvi and pottering around the cobbled streets of its imposing citadel. In spring, you will be delighted by the smells and the flowering of the Mediterranean vegetation, whilst in October, you will be treated to vibrant Autumn colours. Holiday Profile . 6 nights / 7 days: 5 days independent walking between accommodation. Extra days and nights are possible.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Welcome to Corsica

Day 1: Arrival - Welcome to Corsica

Arrive in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, and take the bus to the Piana, a pretty village perched at 450m. The bus trip passes via the gulfs of Sagone and Cargese said to be amongst the most beautiful gulfs in Europe. Piana is made up of pink granite houses that tower above the sea. The panoramic view from the village square is particularly splendid at sunset. Night in Piana in bed and breakfast. Dinner in a family restaurant that cooks traditional Corsican dishes from tasty local produce.. Overnight: Piana . .

Day 2: Walking tour from Piana

Day 2: Walking tour from Piana

A choice of two walks to start your walking holiday, either a challenging hike to the summit of Capu d'Orto or a linear walk to the Beach of Ficaghiola.. Capu d'Orto: Hike from the Calanques de Piana to the Capu d'Ortu with fantastic pink-red rocks formation to enjoy great views over Porto Bay. The path affords stunning views over a long stretch of the wild western coast of Corsica, and the vegetation, as usual, is unexpectedly abundant. There is an option to climb to the summit at 1293m. Even if you don't make it to the summit the views are wonderful throughout. At the end of the day, you'll receive a transfer to Porto or Ota.. Walk: moderate option: +/- 600 m , 4h30, 11 km; challenging option: +/- 1000 m, 7h, 15 km . Beach of Ficaghiola: Descend into the Mezzanu Valley and follow this to reach the beach of Ficaghiola. This secluded beach is surrounded by 100m cliffs and hills.. Walk

Day 4: Bussaglia - Gratelle

Day 4: Bussaglia - Gratelle

A superb stage that takes you along the coast via many beautiful, secluded creeks. The path meanders through forest and bushes, above the jagged coast to reach Caspiu beach in its natural setting before your short walk to Gratelle beach. . Walk: Moderate option +/-410, 4h, 9 km; Challenging option: +/-650 m, 5h30, 11 km. . Overnight: Gratelle . .

Day 7: Departure

Day 7: Departure

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Train to Ajaccio for your onward journey. Extra nights and activities possible in Ajaccio.. .

Prices

Price per person 2 pers 4 pers 6 pers 8 pers
Price per adult $250 $180 $160 $150
Price per kid $130 $90 $80 $80

Services

Included:

  • 6 nights half board accommodation (except last night in Calvi)
  • Walking guide and maps
  • Bag transfers except for one night
  • Transfer from Galeria to Calvi on day 6

Excluded:

  • Travel from Ajaccio to Piana and between Porto and Ota
  • lunches and evening meals in Calvi
  • Drinks
  • Other transfers not in the program
  • Any excursions or entrance fees
  • Travel Insurance

Optional:

  • Extra Nights
  • Tailor-Made Trips

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Pauline Mathieu

Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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