MARE A MARE SOUTH IN GITES	price from 560 €
Corsica - Independent walking - 7 days

The Mare a Mare South is one of the most renowned classical Corsican trekking paths taking you from one coast to another. You will feel the local vibrant atmosphere, cross villages charged with history, walk under forest aged over a hundred years… The Corsican scrub will invite you to discover its strawberry trees and fauna. You will have numerous bathing opportunities in the clear blue waters of the streams and rivers.

Program

Day 1 From Porto Vecchio to Cartalavonu Your route starts in Porto Vecchio. You will start walking towards the mountains, passing through Alzu di Gallina and the Ospedale villages before reaching Cartalavonu situated at 1020m altitude. The trail will take you through the Corsican scrub, under maritime pines to finally access the plateau of Cartalavonu. Night in Cartalavonu. Around 5H15 walking, +1104m,-102m.

Day 2 From Cartalavonu to Levie The path leads north, swiftly up and away from the hamlet of Cartalavonu to the high mountain pass of Foce Alta, from where there are magnificent views over the Lake of Ospedale. Upon arrival at the Bocca a Mela, you will see the small villages of the Alta Rocca and the famous pink granite pinnacles of Bavella. After crossing a river and walking through olive groves you will finally arrive at Levie. Night in Levie. Around 5H00 walking, +618m,-1011m.

Day 3 From Levie to Quenza The village church is the starting point for today's route. From the last of the houses in the village the path heads up through an oak forest full of huge blocks of granite. You will then arrive at St Laurent's chapel close to some well known archaeological sites. The most famous of which is Cucuruzzu dating back from the Bronze Age and which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking in the direction of Zonza you will finally reach the village of Quenza after crossing the Criviscia river. Night in Quenza. Around 5H30 walking.+636m,-581m.

Day 4 From Quenza to Serra di Scopamena Quenza is famous for its church that dates from the year 1000. You follow a track that will lead you to the hamlet of Jallicu (Ghjallicu), offering you swimming opportunities in the Codi river. You will descend through the Corsican scrub towards the shepherds huts at Lavu Donacu before arriving at Serra di Scopamena. You will have the opportunity to see an old chestnut mill near the river. Night in Serra di Scopamena. Around 3h00 walking.+448m,-411m.

Day 5 From Serra di Scopamena to Santa Lucia di Tallano Today, you will start walking through a chestnut forest and will notice the old mill that has been restored by the Corsican Natural Park. From the green oak grove, the path loops down to come out at a small country lane (D20), which is followed until arriving in Campu. You will walk up through the middle of oak and strawberry trees to the Col de Tavara. In the village of Ste Lucie there is a chance to see the XVth century convent and tower, a restored olive mill and an olive oil museum. Night in Santa Lucia di Tallano. Around 5H walking, +573m, -1021m.

Day 6 From Santa Lucia di Tallano to Burgo Passing the XIIth century Roman chapel of St-Jean-Baptiste, the path descends through a forest of oak trees to the Piombatu Bridge that crosses the Rizzanese. You will head towards Fozzano, a village famous for a story from Mérimée. From here the walk takes you towards Baraci, crossing the Capannajola and the Baraci river close to an old water mill. Night in Burgo. Around 6H10 walking, +876m,-1135m.

Day 7 Burgo Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast in Burgo. If you would like to extend your walk or enjoy some relaxation time next to the sea, feel free to contact us!