Mare e Monti North - Classical walking/hiking trail in Corsica

Here is all of Mare e Monti, from Calvi to Cargèse, 11 days through Corsican paths in the middle of splendid landscapes. One of the more renowned circuits of Corsica. With passages in forests and in the bush, occasions for swimming in crystalline waters of natural swimming pools formed by the course of the rivers, all here is met to bring you an unforgettable stay!

Program

Day 1 From Calvi to Bonifatu
Morning Rendezvous at Calvi. Calvi is serviced by the airport, the maritime harbour and by the Corsican rail corporation. A transfer at Calenzana, the land of the olive trees, is organized from which you will start your hike up to Bonifatu. This step will be marked by the crossing of several rivers as well as by magnificent viewpoints on the typical town of Balagne.
Hike of about 4H45.
+590M, -287M.

Day 2 From Bonifatu to Tuarelli
After the breakfast, you leave Bonifatu and penetrate into beautiful forests of green oaks and of maritime pines. The path passes a Pass then goes back down in forests while crossing some streams. The arrival at Tuarelli is the ideal moment to offer you a refreshing swim in the natural swimming pools.
Hike of about 6H00.
+664M, -1100M.

Day 3 From Tuarelli to Galeria
This beautiful day of hiking brings you close to the sea and Gulf of Galéria. You will cross-delimited cultures by small rock walls and will enter into the famous Corsican scrub. Surrounded by the junipers and the strawberry trees, you will follow the river before attaining old sheepfolds then Galéria, your stage for the evening where you will be able to bathe by the seashore.
Hike of about 4H45.
+221M, -271M.

Day 4 From Galeria to Girolata
This leg takes you to the heart of the natural reserve of Scandola, site classified by the UNESCO. The creeks, the colour of the waters, the variety of the rocks makes this a unique place. The fishing town of Girolata is accessible only by sea or on foot. This makes this a heavenly place for the hikers. You will be able to bathe in splendid creeks and evening time come take advantage of an excellent meal, based on freshly caught fish, your feet practically in the water. This is the only leg of your stay where you will not find your principal luggage.
Hike of about 6H00.
+754M, -784M.

Day 5 From Girolata to Curzu
Taking the path of the customs officers, you will follow the sea before climbing back up towards the interior of the land under the shade of the trees. You will pass several crests that will give you the occasion of fantastic panoramas on the surroundings. You will arrive finally at Curzu, your stage of the day.
Hike of about 6H30.
+852M, -562M.

Day 6 From Curzu to Serriera
The itinerary of the day dominates the blue waters of the Gulf of Porto. You will cross a river and will be able to discover the hamlet, today abandoned, of Pinetu. From your refuge, you will be able descend to the beach of Bussaglia considered as the most beautiful of the bay of Porto.
Hike of about 3H30.
+364M, -604M.

Day 7 From Serriera to Ota
You climb back up today in the interior of the lands. After the footbridge that allows you to leave Serriera, you will continue under the chestnut trees. The view is splendid. Soon, you will arrive at your stage of the evening, at Ota.
Hike of about 6H.
+880M, -570M.

Day 8 From Ota to Marignana
As early as the departure, a passage on a superb Genoese bridge to the heart of the Gorges of the Spelunca. The day announces itself well and continues via another Genoese bridge and some stops favourable to swimming. After the pretty village of Evisa, you will discover the famous forgotten hamlet of Tassu before arriving at Marignana.
Hike of about 5H.
+650M, -260M.

Day 9 From Marignana to E Case
You leave Marignana then enter into the undergrowth of chestnut trees. You will pass close to a drying shed in ruins, of a spring. You will have to cross a pretty stream and will pass to the sheepfolds of Casta. In the heart of the bush, you will rejoin E Case, your objective of the day.
Hike of about 6H30.
+610M, -720M.

Day 10 From E Case to Cargèse
You will be thrown into the strawberry trees that in seasons end will cover themselves with fruit going from yellow to scarlet red. The panorama at this point of the leg is magnificent on the Gulf of Chiuni. After the sheepfolds of Santa Lucia and the stream, you arrive at the town of Lozzi that precedes Cargèse, your last leg of the Mare e Monti.
Hike of about 5H.
+380M, -910M.

Day 11 Cargèse
After breakfast, take advantage of the beaches of Cargèse. Buses service Ajaccio and Porto (from Porto, it is possible to go towards Calvi or Corte).

Customers' feedback

"Dear Anthony,

With this e-mail we like to thank you for having perfectly arranged all

gites / accomodations of our Mare e Monti tour.

The tour has been been very impressive (and challenging!) and we enjoyed

it very much despite the fact that the first few days have been a little

bit rainy. However, later the sun fully compensated for those days en we

appreciated the nature, the villages, the food and the people of Corsica

very much (we have only met very kind people!).

Resuming: We wish you continued success with your company and we will

for sure recommend it to other potentially interested walkers!

Best regards,

on behalf of the group,

Fred van Let

The Netherlands" - 15th of May 2007

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Details

Starting point
Calvi.
End
Cargese.
How to get there
Possible access from Ajaccio, Calvi or Bastia. Feel free to contact us to get these information.
Accommodation
In gites. Do not forget your sleeping-bag.
Number of people
Minimum two.
Level of difficulty
This Classical Corsican trail uses very well marked paths. From 4 to 6 walking hours a day.
Carrying
Your main bag will be transferred by vehicle except in Girolata and E Case, you just have to carry your personal belongings and your picnic.
Options
- Reduction without luggage transfer : -291€
- 8 nights in double room : 70€
Included
All nights in gites, 10 evening meals, 10 breakfasts, luggages transfers except in Girolata and E Case, detailed route notes and maps.
Not included
Transfers to the meeting point and from the ending point, insurances, sites visits , luggage transfers to Girolata and E Case, optional transfers and activities, picnics (easy to find).