A unique hike on the west coast of Corsica
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCorsica / Western Corsica
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions70.54 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
An exceptional itinerary on the west coast of Corsica , between turquoise sea and wild mountains . From Ajaccio , your adventure begins in Cargèse , a picturesque village bathed in Mediterranean light, before reaching Piana and its famous pink granite calanques , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a captivating hike overlooking the Gulf of Porto.
The path continues towards Girolata , an isolated hamlet nestled between wild coves and secret beaches , accessible only on foot via the postman's path . Then, head inland: crystal-clear rivers , Genoese bridges , fragrant maquis , and pastoral encounters mark your progress.
In the second part, the adventure gains altitude with a foray onto the GR20 , in the Golo Valley , punctuated by waterfalls and traditional sheepfolds . The highlight is a panoramic climb to a ruined Romanesque chapel , suspended between sky and earth, offering a spectacular view of the Corsican landscape.
An intense stay, in the heart of unspoiled nature , between coastal treasures and mountain authenticity .
The highlights
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Start and finish in Ajaccio
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A combined sea and mountain holiday to discover many unmissable natural sites
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Minibus holiday for 5 to 8 people,
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 534 m
- Average daily descent: 534 m
Management
Your guide is a mountain leader, meaning a mountain professional with a state-recognized qualification. They will be with you throughout your stay to guide you, supervise you, encourage you, help you progress, and share their passion and knowledge of the island of Corsica.
He will also be the minibus driver for your daily transfers.
Program
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The Calanques of Piana
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide in Ajaccio early in the morning. You'll leave the Imperial City by minibus and follow the coastal road, passing through Sagone and Cargèse, before reaching Piana, one of the most beautiful villages in France. This will be the starting point for a walk that will take us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Calanques of Piana. This small mountain range, composed of red granite, culminates at Capu d'Ortu (1294m). It's a rich natural area, both in terms of its flora and fauna. This will be an excellent introduction to our exploration of the island and offer one of its most breathtaking panoramas.
Day 1 -
The Gulf of Porto, Girolata and Scandola
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 560 m
- Negative elevation 560 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the heart of the splendid Gulf of Porto, between the majestic Capu Senino to the south and the wild Punta Scandola to the north, lies the Gulf of Girolata, a true refuge for sailors braving Mediterranean storms since time immemorial. Long ago, a fortress was built here to protect this precious haven. Today, this timeless hamlet is reached on foot, via the legendary Postman Guy trail. This coastal path, sometimes hugging the cliffs, sometimes winding through the thick, fragrant maquis, offers a unique experience, blending history, nature, and breathtaking panoramas.
Day 2 -
The river and the Genoese bridges
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Just a stone's throw from the sea, the Porto River is still crossed today by ancient Genoese bridges. Built centuries ago, they have witnessed generations of men and women safely guiding their flocks. Our walk takes us in their footsteps, among the history-laden stones of the village of Ota, the vestiges of a former agro-pastoral economy, and the living witnesses of these enduring traditions.
Day 3 -
The high mountain domain
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 660 m
- Negative elevation 660 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head towards the Vergio Pass, the highest paved mountain pass in Corsica, perched at 1,477 meters. Here begins the realm of the high mountains, with the mythical and legendary GR20 trail in sight. Guided by the red and white markers, we make our way through a forest of birch and majestic Corsican pines, until we reach Radule. This unique site, dotted with centuries-old sheepfolds, opens onto the Golo Valley, home to the island's longest river, which leaps from rock to waterfall, carving out stunning natural pools. A wild and magnificent setting, far removed from typical maritime postcards, offering a glimpse of another side of Corsica.
Day 4 -
Medieval villages
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 70km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The road winds its way between imposing, centuries-old chestnut groves, where a few pigs and cows roam freely. The chestnut tree, a true "bread tree," was long the staple of the Corsican diet. The village of Marignana, one of the strongholds of this culture, also owes its wealth to agro-pastoralism and the copper mines that surround its lands. Its ancient origins are revealed in the San Degna chapel, proudly perched on a ridge, offering a breathtaking panorama. At the end of this beautiful immersion in nature and history, we return to Ajaccio, our heads and hearts filled with images.
Day 5
Accommodation
Access
Day 1: Meet at the Ajaccio maritime station opposite the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI)
Day 5: Drop-off at the same location. Your guide can drop you off at the airport (at least by 5 pm) or at your hotel if it is located in the city center.
Go to the starting point
Line 8 - is a shuttle that serves (every hour) the city centre in 15-20 minutes.
More information is available on the CCI website: https://ajaccio-aeroport.cci.corsica/navettes/
The ferries arrive in the morning between 7 and 8am - so it is possible to arrive directly in the morning to be present at the meeting at 9am.
For a crossing from the mainland (Marseille) to Corsica (Ajaccio), we recommend the Corsica Linea company. Their ferry is powered by natural gas, demonstrating an environmental and social commitment.
We can also recommend the Méridionale company and its ship Le Piana, which is equipped with a particle filter.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room with private bathroom
- Full board meals excluding drinks
- Transfers
- The support
The price does not include
- Lunch of day 1
- Drinks
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- During the hike, you carry your basic supplies, water, and your picnic.
- Backpack 30-40 litres. Bag weight between 4 and 6 kg maximum.
- Luggage: all types of luggage accepted (sports bag with wheels recommended), 15 kg max.
- Hiking poles (highly recommended) Rain cover for the backpack
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
- Hat/cap for sun protection
- Camelback-type water bladder (useful because you can drink while walking), or a classic water bottle or a plastic bottle (min. 1.5 litres)
- Lunch essentials (airtight plastic container 0.5 – 0.8 l, cup, fork, spoon) + Swiss Army knife Toiletry bag
- First aid kit (adhesive tape, bandages, blister plasters, Micropur tablets, your personal medications…)
- Tissues and toilet paper
- Trash bags (to put your belongings in so they don't get wet) Camera + spare batteries (if applicable)
- Identity papers, health insurance card, money (to be carried with you during hikes)
- Mobile phone
Clothing to bring
- Trekking socks
- Lightweight trousers
- Shorts
- Waterproof and breathable trousers
- Underwear
- Technical T-shirts, Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable jacket
- Swimsuit + Towel
- Bonnet (at the start of the season)
- Hiking boots (waterproof and breathable) – order 1 to 2 sizes larger than your normal shoe size – high-top boots recommended
- Flip-flops (or sandals) for the evening
