A wonderful walking tour that offers you both mountain and coastal scenery featuring splendid contrasts. You will be walking through rugged mountains, scented pine tree forests, deep gorges and the exceptional western coastline. The route starts at the Scala di Santa Regina, an old mule path that leads into the central valley of Niolu. This is the real heart of the island. You walk through beautiful forests with tumbling mountain torrents and waterfalls, clear natural rock pools with sun-baked rocks. Once on the west coast you can enjoy small mountain villages, bright bougainvillea, lemon and olive groves.
One of the most beautiful walks on the island
♦ Corte - the island's histprical capital;
♦ Spelunca Gorge - with spectacular views around;
♦ Scala di Santa Regina - an ancient trail used by shepherds.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Corte (optinal Hike Taviganu)
This walking holiday begins in the island’s historic capital, Corte. The rocky citadel dominates the town, and after dropping off your bags at the hotel, you can take a stroll through the old town to discover the sights of this atmospheric place. Corte is located between two magical gorges — the Tavignano and the Restonica. The Tavignano offers a walk along an old mule path, once used by shepherds to access the remote Niolu region, and it makes for a stunning hike. Steep cliffs rise above the rushing torrent, and numerous rock pools offer the perfect opportunity to cool off. Night in Corte
Walkig: 12 km; Duration 5h
Ascent / descent : +480 m / -480 m
Day 2. Corte - Calacuccia
In the morning, transfer to the entrance of Scala Santa Régina. This ancient transhumance path, carved into a granite canyon above the River Golu, once provided access to the Niolu region, where some of Corsica’s highest villages are located today. You then walk down toward the lake and the village of Calacuccia.Night in Calacuccia B/-/D/-/-
Walking: 10 km,;Duration: 4h30
Ascent / descent : +700 m / -340 m
Day 3. Calacuccia to Vergio
Climb to the Col de Vergio along an old transhumance trail. From sheepfold to sheepfold, you’ll discover what life was like for the shepherds. You will then join the legendary GR 20 to reach the Vergio Pass.Night at Col de Vergio B/-/D-/-/
Walking:17 km; Duration: 7h
Ascent / descent :+ 995 m /- 430 m
Day 4.Vergio to Evisa
You’ll descend the path from the Col de Vergio along the River Aïtone and its famous natural pools to the village of Evisa. This is a transitional stage between the high mountains and the Gulf of Porto.Overnight stay in Evisa..Night in Evisa. B/-/D/-/
Walking: 10 km; Duration:4h30
Ascent / descent :+320 m / -880 m
Day 5. Evisa to Porto
You’ll walk along the Mare e Monti trail through the Spelunca gorges and their ancient Genoese bridges to the picturesque village of Ota (340 m). Then, you’ll arrive in a unique setting overlooking the Gulf of Porto, with its magnificent pink cliffs plunging into the sea.
2024: Due to damage caused by severe storms in November 2023,the upper part of the Spelunca Valley is not accessible. A transfer will take you to the lower part in the morning, from where you will be able to hike to Porto via Ota.Night in Porto. B/-/-
Walking:13 km; Duration 5h30min
Ascent / descent: +200 m / -1000 m
Day 6. Porto to Piana
The route leaves Porto along its pebbled beach and gradually climbs above the deep blue gulf, offering superb views of the Scandola Reserve and Capu Ceninu. Night in Piana B/-/-
Walking: 12 km, Duration: 5 h, Ascent / Descent: + 520 m/ - 140 m.
Day 7. Piana
Your holiday ends after breakfast in Piana. Extra nights and transfers by bus or taxi to Ajaccio are available upon request—please ask for details. End in Piana
Public bus to return in Ajaccio (ticket to be pay on spot)- No bus on Sunday and Bank Holiday except July and August
Price Includes: Accommodation on HB (days 2,3,and 4) and BB at (days 1,5 and 6)
Local internal transfers from Corte
Luggage transfers
Travel dossier including A4 copies of IGN maps,walking notes and access to our guidance application.
Not Included: Flight tickets
Insurance
Transfer from/to the airport
Beverages and meals not mentioned in the description
Personal expenses
Entrance fees
Extra Services: During this walk,you will carry only a small day sack with a water bottle,camera,picnic,trail food and sun and wet weather gear.
Your luggage will be transported by vehicle from point to point.
