Corsica on foot and by bike between the sea and the wild maquis
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCorsica / Western Corsica
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AgeFrom 14 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions73.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover a unique concept combining hiking and cycling for a complete immersion in the heart of Corsica . This 6-day loop starting from Ajaccio invites you to explore contrasting landscapes between sea and mountains , combining two iconic routes.
The first three days on foot follow the famous Mare e Mare trail , passing through authentic villages, panoramic ridges, and fragrant maquis shrubland. An accessible trek, paced by discovery and contemplation.
The next three days of cycling follow the spectacular West Coast , offering a succession of cliffs, wild coves, and turquoise waters . Each stage reveals exceptional panoramas, combining gentle exertion with the pleasure of riding.
This trip offers a balanced experience combining moderate physical activity and relaxation , ideal for nature lovers, those seeking freedom , and those who enjoy leisurely travel. Alternating activities allows for a variety of experiences while fully appreciating the island's many treasures.
An original adventure to recharge , explore differently and experience authentic Corsica , up close to its landscapes and unique atmosphere.
The highlights
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Hiking and cycling: a complete immersion between sea and mountains in Corsica
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A gentle hike on the Mare e Mare trail, between villages and panoramic ridges.
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Cycling on the West Coast, cliffs, wild coves and turquoise waters
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
The expert's opinion
Being a good walker allows you to finish by bike without much effort, so you can discover Corsica in a different way.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 540 m
- Average daily descent: 364 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average distance/day: 35 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 502 m
- Average daily descent: 507 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Corte and the Tavignanu gorges
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 02h - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h06
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your stay begins at Ajaccio train station with a transfer to Corte, offering glimpses of the beautiful Corsican landscape. Upon arrival, a taxi will take you to your accommodation where you can drop off your luggage and prepare for your day.
You then choose your own pace. You can set off on a hike along the Tavignanu River, a pleasant route dotted with pools perfect for swimming in the summer. If you prefer a more leisurely approach, you can stroll through Corte, discover its narrow streets, its citadel, and enjoy moments of relaxation.
At the end of the day, you will go to your accommodation for the night in Albertacce, Calacuccia or Corte, depending on the organization defined beforehand.
Day 1 -
On the transhumance routes to the Vergio pass
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h15
- Positive elevation gain 860 m
- Negative elevation 330 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
If you spent the night in Corte, a transfer is arranged to Vergio, the starting point of your hike. You will follow ancient transhumance routes, remnants of the region's pastoral past.
After a short stretch near the lake, the route quickly leaves the last houses behind and gradually climbs towards the Vergio pass at 1477m, the gateway to the Niolu region. Throughout the day, you'll be hiking in an open environment with the island's highest peaks as a backdrop.
You reach the pass at the end of the day and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Night at the Vergio pass.
Day 2 -
Exploring the GR20 between peaks and lakes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 760 m
- Negative elevation 760 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this day, you choose between two routes on the legendary GR20, according to your preferences.
Heading north, you'll venture into the heart of the Paglia Orba massif. The route leads you to the source of the Golu river, in a high mountain setting. You'll traverse rocky landscapes dotted with sheepfolds, with opportunities to pause and enjoy a swim at the Radule waterfalls.
Heading south, you'll reach Lake Ninu, nestled in a vast plateau of high-altitude grasslands. This peaceful spot offers an open atmosphere and makes for a beautiful hiking destination.
You then return to the Vergio pass for the night.
Day 3 -
From the Spelunca gorges to the villages of Niolu
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 29 km
- Positive elevation gain 315 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You begin the day with a descent into the heart of the Spelunca Gorge, following a narrow path bordered by rocks and vegetation. The atmosphere gradually changes as you cross the Aïtone Forest, recognizable by its tall Corsican pine trees.
As the stage progresses, openings offer views of the Gulf of Porto in the distance. You then leave the trails to take a small, more secluded, wild road that connects several villages.
You will then pass through Cristinacce and then Renno, two typical villages where time seems to slow down, before reaching your destination for the day.
Day 4 -
From the mountains to the Corsican coast
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 47 km
- Positive elevation gain 595 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You continue your journey on a stage with varied landscapes, gradually linking mountains and sea. You travel along a quiet road, ideal for fully enjoying the surroundings.
The route begins gently before following the course of a river, bringing coolness and contrast to the surrounding hills. Gradually, the panoramas open up and reveal the coastline.
This transition between the inland terrain and the seaside offers a diversity of landscapes throughout the day, between water, rock and vegetation.
You end your stage by the sea, in a more open and bright atmosphere.
Day 5 -
Return to Ajaccio along the coast
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Distance 27 km
- Positive elevation gain 595 m
- Negative elevation 720 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You begin this final day by following the coastline, with the sea as your constant companion. The route alternates between small roads and open panoramas of the coast, offering a pleasant journey to Ajaccio.
As the kilometers pass, you enjoy one last time this atmosphere between land and sea before reaching the city, the final point of your cycling trip.
Your adventure ends in Ajaccio, marking the end of this journey combining hiking and cycling, with varied landscapes discovered day after day.
Day 6
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
From the airport you can get to the train station via bus line 11
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 5 nights in a charming 2*/3* hotel
- Breakfast is included for all your hotel nights.
- Our routes with GPX tracks and possible variations at each stage
- Our comprehensive travel guides will help you make the most of your stay.
- Retrieving your hiking bags in Vergio
- The hiking route log + geolocation app
- Luggage transport between stages only, from day 1 to day 3
- Transfer Ajaccio - Corte by train then Corte - Niolu Valley by taxi
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to dinner on day 3
The price does not include
- Cancellation and repatriation assistance insurance
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Electric or traditional bicycle rentals at participating rates are available as an option.
- Transportation to Corsica and back
- Single room supplement option from €345
- Luggage transport option from day 4 to day 6
Options
- Bike rental : CHF214.98 / unit
- Luggage transfer : CHF91.48 / person
- Bike helmet : CHF4.57 / unit
- Bicycle panniers : CHF9.15 / unit
- 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
Clothing to bring
- Bring hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Windproof/thermal
- hiking bag
