Western Corsica

From the Calanques of Piana to Calvi, between sea and mountains

4,5/5 (6 reviews)

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From the Calanques of Piana to Calvi, between sea and mountains

In summary

Sports

Hiking / Trekking
Duration
6 days
Level
Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking

Beginner

For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.

Intermediate

For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

Confirmed

For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.

Advanced

For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.

Expert

For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
Destination
Corsica / Western Corsica
Age
From the age of 18
CO₂-Emissions
66 kg CO2
Type of stay

This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.

Type of stay
Independent traveler

A minimum of 2 people (including at least 1 adult) are required to book this stay.

See our solo trips

In a few words

Sea and mountains meet on this iconic route! This hike offers a journey through the must-see sites of the Isle of Beauty. Discover the Gulf of Porto, on the west coast, an integral part of the Corsican Regional Natural Park: one of the most beautiful regions. From the Gulf of Ajaccio, you'll reach the village of Piana along the coast. The hike begins in the UNESCO-listed Calanques of Piana, which plunge into the Gulf of Porto, and follows the coastline, crossing passes and ridges to reach the villages of Girolata, Galéria, and finally Calvi. On the agenda: the rugged coastline of the Corsican Regional Natural Park, the rich flora and fauna of the Scandola Nature Reserve, the charm of villages with narrow streets, sheepfolds, coves... and local cuisine. An iconic route through this mountainous landscape rising from the sea.

The highlights

The calanches of Piana, the Scandola reserve and the Gulf of Girolata.
A magnificent self-guided trek through mountain passes, ridges and coves.
Hearty dinners featuring fine Corsican cuisine are included on the trek.

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Photos

Anne - verified review - may 2026

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

In figures

Hiking

Average duration/day: 5h30
Average daily elevation gain: 498 m
Average daily descent: 589 m

Management

The paper roadbook contains all the information directly in your bag.

Paper Roadbook

The roadbook includes: a day-by-day itinerary, copies of maps, and a list of accommodations. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you will receive: transfer vouchers, a luggage route sheet, luggage tags, and the IGN map(s).

Program

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Ajaccio - Piana
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 140 m
- Negative elevation 140 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will meet our local representative at the Ajaccio bus station. From there, you will take a bus to the village of Piana (not included). If you arrive in Ajaccio the day before, we suggest a hike on the ridge trail. Two options are available on the ridge trail, which overlooks the city and the Gulf of Ajaccio. The views of the sea and mountains are superb.
Day 1
Piana - Calanches de Piana - Porto
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 140 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The trail climbs through the maquis shrubland above the village, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Porto. It winds its way through the Calanques, revealing to hikers the magnificence of their natural engineering and a myriad of enchanting landscapes. Then, the trail gently descends towards the sea to reach the Porto marina. Here, the river forms a natural harbor, from which excursion boats depart for the Scandola Nature Reserve.
Day 2
Porto - Capu San Petru - Serriera
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from Porto, the balcony trail climbs to the heights above the village, crossing the Vitrone ravine with its imposing red porphyry walls. The trail then reaches Capu San Petru, a superb rocky viewpoint overlooking Serriera and the surrounding area. It passes near an old chestnut drying shed before descending into a remarkable pine forest. The route arrives in Serriera via the Lonca forest road.
Day 3
Partinello - Curzu - Girolata
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 7km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 890 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Early morning transfer to the village of Partinello. The route descends towards the rugged coastline and winds its way up to a viewpoint. The view is exceptional, overlooking the Scandola Nature Reserve, one of Europe's major natural sites, offering an explosion of colors and landscapes. A path along the hillside leads to Girolata, a small fishing hamlet inaccessible by road. In this idyllic setting, swimming is highly recommended! A few personal belongings will be carried for the night in Girolata; the rest of your luggage will be transferred to Galéria.
Day 4
Girolata - Lucciu Ridge - Galéria
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 785 m
- Negative elevation 870 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Through a forest of holm oaks, the route joins the Crête du Lucciu (697m) offering a unique view of the Gulf of Girolata and its red granite cliffs... Descent to Galéria, along the Tavulaghju stream, via a pleasant and shaded path.
Day 5
Galéria - Tuarelli - Calvi
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 35km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Negative elevation 240 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The route climbs through the maquis, passes near old sheepfolds, and offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Galéria. It descends towards the Fangu river to reach Ponte Vecchju from where you can see the great barrier and Paglia Orba which dominates at 2325 m. The old transhumance path which linked Calvi to Niolu is lined with juniper trees and myrtle bushes. After your arrival in Tuarelli, transfer to reach Calvi.
Day 6

Note

This route cannot be operated when the first day falls on a public holiday or Sunday (excluding July and August). Buses do not run on these days.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 2

During this trek, you will sleep in several establishments with breakfast included:

Day 1 Piana: in a double room - 2* hotel - hot showers
Day 2 Porto: in a double room - 3* hotel with swimming pool - hot showers
Day 3 Serriera (Bussaglia): in a double room - 2* hotel with swimming pool - hot showers
Day 4 Girolata: in a two-person chalet with shared shower and toilet
Day 5: Galéria: in a 3* hotel room - hot showers

🏠 Holiday rental - Days 3 to 5

During this trek, you will sleep in several establishments with breakfast included:

Day 1 Piana: in a double room - 2* hotel - hot showers
Day 2 Porto: in a double room - 3* hotel with swimming pool - hot showers
Day 3 Serriera (Bussaglia): in a double room - 2* hotel with swimming pool - hot showers
Day 4 Girolata: in a two-person chalet with shared shower and toilet
Day 5: Galéria: in a 3* hotel room - hot showers

Access

Departure

Gare maritime d'Ajaccio

Day 1 : 14h45

End of stay

Calvi

Day 6 - 15h00

After your arrival in Tuarelli, transfer to Calvi.

Go to the starting point

Access by plane

The nearest airport isAéroport d'Ajaccio

Shuttles are available year-round from the airport to Ajaccio city centre: https://ajaccio-aeroport.cci.corsica/navettes/

Price details

The price includes

Accommodation for 5 nights in a hotel
5 breakfasts
3 dinners from day 3 to day 5
Luggage transport except for Girolata on day 4
Tuarelli's transfer to Calvi on day 6
The travel kit includes IGN maps and a guidebook.

The price does not include

Transportation to the starting point of the hike.
The transfer to get to Piana on Day 1 from Ajaccio (allow €12)
Drinks
The evening meal on Day 1 and Day 2
Lunches / picnics
Insurance
Application fees

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

A pouch to wear around your neck or on your belt for your passport and/or identity card, your driving licence, your vaccination record, your European Health Insurance Card, your travel insurance leaflet, your currency, your credit card and your personal papers.
Medium-sized plastic container with plastic cutlery for transporting salads.
Plastic bags to ensure the watertightness of your belongings, cameras and clothes.
Dirty laundry bag
Earplugs, always useful!
Notepad and pen, book, deck of cards,
Walking sticks.
Pair of binoculars,
Camera,
Mobile phone,
A pair of jogging-style sneakers, or sandals for the evening
A sleeping bag sheet

Toiletry bag,
Bath towel,
Pair of sunglasses,
Sunscreen cream (face and lips),
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries,
A 1.5-liter minimum water bottle, lightweight and insulated. You can also bring a 2-liter hydration bladder. The latter has the advantage of allowing direct drinking thanks to its drinking tube. You therefore don't have to take off your backpack to grab the bottle. This way, you drink more regularly and in small amounts, which is recommended for proper hydration.

Tip: Having two containers allows you to consume one while the other is being processed.

A multi-purpose pocket knife is preferable (to be packed in checked baggage if you are flying).
Toilet paper and a lighter,
Hygienic gel

For the picnic

A 0.5L airtight plastic container for transporting any salads from picnics.
Cutlery (fork, folding knife)
Water bottle with a minimum capacity of one liter

Clothing to bring

The shoes

Your footwear will depend on the type of trip you're going on; it's one of the most important factors. Above all, they must be comfortable, waterproof, and breathable. Good ankle support is essential.

For mountain hikes of more than 4 hours, plan on wearing high-top shoes with a fairly rigid sole.

If you need to buy a new pair of shoes, we recommend trying them on before your trip. Don't choose a size too small, as your feet will tend to swell.

For specific trips such as cycling or multi-activities, bring sports shoes with notched soles (multi-sport type) which allow walking and mountain biking in good conditions.

The clothes

A waterproof windproof jacket
A thick sweater or a fleece jacket
Comfortable trousers for walking
Shorts, t-shirts... and breathable underwear
Change of clothes and personal linen
A swimsuit and a towel

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers

4,5/5

(6 reviews)

At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.

Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order

Anne - 55 ans

may 2026 In a couple

Translated from French

Excellent stay! Perfect choice of accommodations. Top-notch organization for transfers, paper maps, and the phone app. It was very hot, and I would have appreciated suggestions for shorter routes with less elevation gain on some days.

Published on 31/05/2026

Julien - 39 ans

july 2025 In a couple

Translated from French

A sublime multi-day hike between land and sea, discovering local heritage and the richness of the maquis!

Published on 29/07/2025

Seyivè

august 2024 In a couple

Published on 29/07/2024

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Peter team

4.4/5 (105 reviews) • 27 stays

Hiking, cycling, or multi-activity holidays: traveling with our local partner means experiencing an active vacation alongside expert guides. For years, they have continuously innovated to offer a wide range of activities and a unique approach to Corsica. Blending local traditions and heritage, their expertise guarantees an authentic immersion on the Isle of Beauty. Welcome to a unique discovery of Corsican landscapes and their secrets.

Discover their team and their trips

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