Everyday from the end of April to the beginning of October.
CENTRE BASED WALKING IN THE HEART OF CORSICA
price from 499 €
Corsica - Independent walking - 7 days
At the very heart of the island lies Corte, the historic capital of Corsica. As the original seat of Corsican Nationalism, Corte stands proud, with its foreboding citadel and an imposing view of granite mountains behind. Thanks to the university in Corte (the only one on the island), it is now a lively little town, with many restaurants and bars lining the main street. This is an excellent place for walkers with easy access to the region’s most stunning scenery.
This is a centre based holiday, allowing you to relax knowing that each night you will be returning to your hotel in Corte.
Day 1 Arrival in Corte, the historic capital of Corsica Make your way to Corte (please feel free to ask us for advice on how to get there) and settle into your hotel. Depending upon your time of arrival you could visit the citadel and the museum of Corsica or simply enjoy the centre of town with its numerous bars and restaurants. Night in a hotel.
Day 2 The lakes of Melo and Capitello The lakes of Melo and Capitello are two prime destinations in the Corte region and we advise you to depart early in the morning. Depending upon the season, you can take the bus or a taxi to the bergeries de Grotelle. From there, you will climb to the lake of Melo where you can continue to climb to the superb lake of Capitello. The views from the lakes are splendid. From Melo, the Restonica valley offers itself to you in all its grandeur.... Night in a hotel. Average walking time for 4h00. +500m.
Day 3 Punta di Zurmulu For this last day you will make your way to Punta di Zurmulu whose highest point lies above the ancient capital of Corsica. You can start the walk from the citadel, from where you will continue to pass near to the Tavignano river, under the oak trees and through the maquis. From la Punta di Zurmulu, the view of Corte is magnificent. Return to Corte.
Night in a hotel.
Average walking time 4h00. +500m.
Day 4 The arch of Corte Today you will discover a superb rock arch, 6m high and roughly 8m in width. This arch is often on the covers of books about Corsica. To reach it, you must climb up 1000m, but the spectacle is worth it. For those still feeling strong it is possible to walk to the bergeries de Padule (allow an extra 2h00 or more). The descent follows the same route. Night in a hotel.
Average walking time of 5h15. +1000m, -1000m.
Day 5 The Tavignano Gorge For your first day of walking you will leave Corte for one of the most beautiful gorges in the whole of Corsica. You will walk alongside the Tavignano river, on a path which overhangs the river and offers a splendid panorama of this mountainous environment. When you arrive at the footbridge over the Tavignano river, you can spend some time bathing in the natural pools with their crystal clear water. Afterwards return to Corte. Night in a hotel.
Average walking time of 4h00.+450m.
Day 6 Villages in the Cortenais Today you will take the train to join one of the prettiest villages in the region. The stone-built houses are built on large slabs of rock. From the church square it is possible to see the sea. From the village you will follow part of the Mare a Mare which descends through the maquis (Corsica scrub) towards Corte. Goat farming abounds in this region and should lead you to some nice encounters! Your walk will lead you to the beginning of the Restonica gorge and to Corte, which is easily recognisable with the citadel perched high on the summit of a promontory rock. Night in a hotel.
Average walking time of 4h20. +540m, -740m.
Day 7 End of your holiday After breakfast your holiday is over. Please feel free to contact us to help you with you onward journey or to extend your holiday in Corsica.
Starting point In Corte, on day 1.
End In Corte, on day 7.
How to get there Feel free to contact us to get information on how to reach Corte or Corsica.
Accommodation You will stay in a two star hotel in the heart of Corte. Price based upon two sharing a double/twin room.
Number of people From 2 persons
Level of difficulty You will need to be used to walking and in good physical condition. From between 3h30 to 5h30 hours of walking per day with some steep climbs.
Carrying You will only have to carry a day sack (picnic, camera, water etc)
Included Breakfasts, 6 nights in a double room in a two star hotel, local assistance, the maps and route notes, the transfers (there and back) for the day walk to the lakes and the train journey for the walk on day four.
Not included Transfers to Corte on day 1 and from Corte on day 7, transfers not already mentioned in this program, entrance fees to sites, optional activities, drinks, lunches and evening meals, holiday insurance.
