Corsican Villages - Late spring and late summer itinerary
Corsica - the Scented Isle - has somehow escaped the Mediterranean tourist fever. Much of its rugged coastline and interior remains uninhabited, or is dotted with unspoilt pastoral villages. We have two contrasting itineraries in the northwest of the island, enjoying the lower altitudes in late spring and late summer (ref CVC) and the cooler mountain areas in high summer (CVM). Staying in small hotels, gites and mountain refuges along our way, we trek from village to village through wild gorges, forests and hill trails, enjoying striking views of some of Corsica's finest peaks.
From Calenzana we follow the famous GR20 along an old mule trail, climbing progressively up to the Ortiventi fountain. Traditional villages cluster our route as we take in some of the islands most spectacular scenery. We'll walk in the mountainous gorges and valleys to high lakes and take time to soak up Corsica's unique atmosphere. A free day midway through the week allows for a rest of stiff limbs and time to explore the historic centre of Corte or for further explorations on foot. Our next included walk sees us head southwest along the stunning Restonica Gorge with time to bathe in the 'Giant's Pools'.
Following the 'chemin de ronde' we walk through forests of maritime pines and green oak, pausing at some of the refreshing rock pools and rivers en-route to Crote du Lucciu. From Girolata's beach, we follow the coast, admiring exceptional views over Scandola's natural reserve. Before reaching Serriera we have the chance to overlook the village of Partinellu and the bay of Porto, the only French natural site to appear on UNESCO's world heritage list.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-6220-P) |
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Flights ( London - Ajaccio - London ) |
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Accomodation |
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7 Breakfasts |
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5 lunches |
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6 dinners |
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Price Excludes |
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Local Tour Payment 150 Euros (payable to tour leader on arrival) |
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Suitability / Level |
Demanding |
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Theme |
Activity Days
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
SPECTACULAR SCENERY
Walking through Corsica’s unspoilt north-west regions.
CALVI
Picturesque coastal town and magnificent citadel.
VILLAGE LIFE
Experience rural life that has remained unchanged for millennia.
TRA MARE AND MONTI
Trail which visits the best coastal and mountain viewpoints.
ITINERARY
Day 1. SUNDAY. Join tour Calvi
Flying into Calvi this morning we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to
explore something of this beautiful coastal city. Nestling beneath the towering peak of
Monte Cinto, on the shores of the Golfe de Calvi, the city is overlooked by the magnificent
bastions of the 15th century Citadelle. From its humble beginnings Calvi rose to
prominence during the occupation of the Genoese and remained a loyal servant to its
mainland masters for some years.
During the latter part of the 18th century Calvi refused to become a part of the new independent Corsica, for which it suffered a merciless bombardment by none other than Nelson himself. Indeed it was during the siege of Calvi that Nelson lost his eye, causing him to utter the hope that he would never see the place again!
DAY 2. WALK FROM CALENZANA TO BONIFATU
Leaving Calvi this morning we transfer to Calenzana, once the scene of a fierce battle
between the Genoese and Corsican partisans during the 1732 uprising, and famous today
for its wine and honey. The village also marks the start of the northern GR20 and the
beginning of our walk. Leaving Calenzana we follow the GR20 along an old mule trail,
climbing progressively until we reach the Ortiventi fountain, from where we are
afforded some spectacular views back to Calenzana and the villages of the Balagne.
Dropping down on to an old path, known locally by the rather interesting title of the
‘postman’s route’, we cut through the forest of Sambuccu. Passing a small col we then
follow a gentle track down to the Figarella bridge, which we cross and follow the stream
up to the ‘Auberge de la Foret’, our destination for the night. Total walking approx 4 hours.
DAY 3. WALK TO TUARELLI
Departing the auberge after breakfast, we continue along our route. At a nearby bridge
we follow a forest track, known as the ‘chemin de ronde’, as it gently climbs
towards the southwest, passing the ruins of the house belonging to Prince Pierre. We
then progress into a forest of maritime pines and green oak trees, before climbing again,
to the Bocca di Bonassa (1200m). Continuing through this gentle landscape for
some 3 hours or so, marvelling at the breathtaking beauty of the vistas laid out
before us, we arrive at Tuarelli rock pools, the perfect place for a laze on the sun baked
rocks and a swim. Total walking approx 7 hours.
DAY 4. WALK TO GALERIA
Setting off this morning, we walk along the old transhumance path that links Calvi to the
Niolu. A pleasant route, lined with junipers and myrtle bushes, this path also follows the
course of the river Fangu. Arriving at the Ponte Vechju we can clearly see the
magnificent peak of Paglia Orba (2325m) in the distance, dominating the surrounding
landscape as it towers above the surrounding valleys. From here we cross the Fangu bridge
and head on to the hamlet of Fangu, before climbing up into the maquis. Passing several
old shepherds cabins we end our day descending into the village of Galeria, where
we are rewarded with some stunning views over Fangu.
This charming coastal resort, originally settled by the Phoenicians, was once a major port in Roman times and its setting on the isolated north-west tip of the island makes it an ideal place to stop for the night. Total walking approx 4 hours.
DAY 5. WALK TO GIROLATA
Today’s hike takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery on Corsica, over
the Capu Licchia ridge, with views of the volcanic peaks of Scandola and the
shimmering waters of the Gulf of Porto. We start by following a beautiful shaded path
that leads us up to a natural pool and an uphill section alongside the riverbank.
Following the river up through the Tavulaghu ravine we meander through lush vegetation,
emerging into a forest of oaks before reaching the Crête du Lucciu (697m). From
here we have remarkable views over the Gulf of Girolta, the Genoese tower and the red
granite cliffs. We continue west along the ridge path, descending through the Bocca di
Fuata pass, to reach the coast. This is a beautiful spot to swim and cool off after our
day’s walking.
Reaching the village of Girolata later this afternoon we can relax and reflect on what has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of our week. Girolata is one of the most remote of Corsica’s tiny settlements, effectively cut off from the rest of the island for generations and its location, on the eastern edge of the Scandola nature reserve, makes it an ideal spot to break our journey. Note: There is no road access to Girolata; therefore it will be necessary to carry what you need for tonight, during your walk today and for tomorrow. Total walking approx 6 hours.
DAY 6. WALK TO CURZU
From Girolata we follow the path for about four hours, to the foot of Punta di u
Tartavellu, from where we turn west, towards Bocca Ascencu (742m). From here we
continue along the ridge, heading southwest, taking in the magnificent views of Scandola
nature reserve as we go. This is one of the largest natural sites in Europe, an explosion
of colour and fabulous landscapes, where granite pinnacles and hidden grottoes clash
with the lush vegetation and the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Established in 1975 the park is also home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including peregrine falcons and ospreys and rare plants such as sea daffodils. The waters
surrounding the reserve abound with dolphins and seals and colonies of seabirds.
Once we arrive at the Capu di Curzu (852m) we begin to descend rapidly, as the path
snakes through a series of loops before reaching Curzu, our destination for today.
Total walking approx 7-8 hours.
DAY 7. WALK TO SERRIERA
Our final day’s walking begins with a climb through the village, from where we take a
south-westerly route, along a path that takes us above the village of Partinellu and the bay
of Porto. The stunning landscape of the Golfe of Porto is actually the only natural French
site to appear on the UNESCO World Heritage list and it is every inch the epitome of
Corsica’s natural beauty. Our journey continues down, towards the Vetricella River,
before ascending again towards the ‘Chemin de Serriera a Pinetu’. From here it is a short
distance to the Bocca di u Furcatu and the final leg of our journey to Serriera. Total
walking approx 3.5 hours.
DAY 8. SUNDAY. Tour ends Calvi
We depart Serriera this morning and transfer back to Calvi airport, where our tour ends. |
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Accommodation
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2 nights hotel
5 nights auberge/gites |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
