The Corsican Customs Trail
Discover Cap Corse on Corsica's customs trail! A superb 26km trail at the tip of Cap Corse, where you can discover the beauty and richness of Corsica's natural and cultural heritage.
From the customs path in Haute Corse
It starts from the little port of Macinaggio on the east coast, and after an 8-hour walk, you'll arrive on the west coast at Centuri. You'll notice Genoese-era towers, ovens, archaeological sites, windmills and a Romanesque chapel, all of which bear witness to Corsican history. Right from the start, you'll be under the spell of the Finochiarola Islands! Follow the path to the superb Tamarone beach. Then enjoy the scenery: impressive cliffs on a path marked out with cairns. You'll need to stop for a picnic on the Barcaggio dunes, but you'll need to get going again quickly, as you're only halfway along the trail, or you can decide to turn back! Without any particular difficulty, you'll have time to observe numerous bird species and the raw maquis in a veritable explosion of color, especially in spring. Every year, this peaceful region attracts a variety of bird species that come to find refuge here. In the skies, it's possible to observe Audouin's gulls or grey herons in full flight. And it's not uncommon to see dolphins swimming not far from the ancient Genoese towers. Once in Centuri, enjoy the sunset and sample the specialties of this charming, unspoilt fishing port: lobsters and spiders on your plate!
Practical tips for hiking the cape between Macinaggio and Centuri
For a peaceful round trip along the coastal customs path, it's best to avoid coming in summer, when you may encounter crowds in certain places. The ideal time to come is in the off-season (spring or autumn) to really enjoy the beauty of Cap Corse, with its fine sandy coves, all types of heather and the peace and quiet to recharge your batteries.
It's best to bring two cars, one on arrival and one on departure, as there's no transport between the 2 towns. (Park in Macinaggio's north parking lot).
Precautions for the crossing
Open to all levels, the route is easy but long, so remember to keep well hydrated and don't forget your hat, as the circuit offers no shady passages. Good physical condition and excellent walking shoes are also essential. Check the weather forecast, as it's here at the northern end that the risk of fire is greatest on windy days.
To find out how to prepare for your hike, read our article.
Do the loop: outward journey on foot, return by boat
Doing the loop with the outward journey on foot and the return by boat is an excellent idea if you want to get the most out of the experience without having to retrace your steps. Rather than retracing your steps, a small boat will take you back by sea from Barcaggio to the starting point. This option is not only practical but also highly enjoyable, offering a great opportunity to discover the wild Cap Corse from another angle. Find out about the times and availability of this service to plan your day.
Where to go in Cap Corse?
Cap Corse offers many possibilities for discovery and activities for young and old alike:
- Excursion to the Genoese tower of Miomo and swimming at the pebble beach- Visit the beautiful village of Erbalunga and its ruined Genoese tower- Swimming and lounging at Pietracorbara beach, a beautiful white sandy beach overlooked by the Castellare tower at the top of the nearby hill.
Numerous marinas such as Cagnano, Luri, Meria and its beach, and Rogliano are also well worth a visit!
By air or sea, Bastia is the ideal starting point for exploring Cap Corse. With its international airport and port, Bastia or La Bastiglia is also a city of Art and History, worth visiting for its cultural richness, magnificent beaches and numerous activities. From Bastia, you can start your tour by heading for Macinaggio (36.9 km, 50 min drive).
You can also disembark at Calvi Sainte Catherine international airport or at the port of Calvi. A beautiful route along the customs path to Saint Florent awaits you!
Examples of hikes on the customs trail
Tour 1:
Arrival in Calvi*/Ile Rousse** (France)
- What to see: Citadel, Chapelle de Notre-Dame de la Serra, Cathédrale Sainte Marie Majeure...
- Whatto do: Laze and swim at Calvi beach, horseback riding, canyoning, abseiling, boat trips...
**Ile Rousse
- What to see: Pietra lighthouse, covered market, Saint-Dominique convent...
- Whatto do: Boat trips, scuba diving, water sports
Calvi/Ile Rousse - Ostriconi beach - Saint-Florent :
- Sightseeing: coastline, Santa Maria tower
- Whatto do : swim at La Roya, Lozari, Ostriconi, Saleccia and Lotu beaches.
Return by car through the hinterland:
Saint-Florent - Île Rousse: 45.4 km, duration 1h03mn
Saint-Florent - Calvi: 68.6 km, duration 1h34
Route 2:
Arrival in Bastia
- What to see: The old port, the citadel, the Sainte Croix church, the Governors' Palace and the Corsican Ethnographic Museum.
- Whatto do: Visit the market (except Mondays), stroll around Place Saint Nicolas, excursion to L'étang de Biguglia and its nature reserve.
Bastia - Macinaggio: 36.9 km (59mn)
- To do: stroll to the marina, swim at Tamarone beach
Macinaggio - Barcaggio - Tollare - Centuri (8h): can be done in one or two stages (in both directions):
- stage 1: Macinaggio - Barcaggio (3h)
- stage 2 : Barcaggio - Tollare - Centuri (5h)
Return:
- Centuri - Bastia by road: 51.3km (1h20)
- Centuri - Macinaggio cruise : beautiful sea cruise and visit to the Finocchiarola Islands, then continue by road to Bastia (recommended).
- Sights: ruined Santa Maria tower, A Cala dunes, Agnellu tower, Punta di Coscia archaeological site (ancient lime kilns).
- Things to do: swimming at Barcaggio beach, Tamarone beach, excursions to the Finocchiarola Islands.
This tour offers a variety of landscapes: dunes, beaches and low scrubland on the eastern side, and a wilder landscape (numerous peaks and green schist rocks) on the western side. Regulations must be respected (camping, bivouacs, motor vehicle traffic, fires and garbage dumping are prohibited), and a sworn guard is present on the trail. In summer, it's possible to return to the starting point by boat; otherwise, you'll need to bring your own means of transport if you want to retrace the route by road.
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Our local advisors can guide you!
How do I get around Cap Corse?
Start your journey in Bastia and follow the coastal road that winds around the cape. This route takes you through picturesque villages, stunning coastal scenery and breathtaking vistas. Plan a meal at the U Paradiso restaurant, ideally located on the seafront. It's the perfect place to savor local specialties while admiring the view of the Mediterranean. Stop off at iconic natural and cultural sites along the way. Don't miss the Giraglia semaphore, Genoese towers and small churches scattered along the coast. Enjoy panoramic views of the sky and sea, especially at sunrise or sunset, for particularly magical moments.
Why visit the customs trail?
The Cap Corse customs trail offers much more than just a hike; it's a real immersion in an exceptional natural and historical heritage. Along the way, hikers enjoy beautiful views of the Cap Corse coastline, and can even step into the water when passing close to secret beaches.
Along the way, you'll discover the island of Giraglia, famous for its lighthouse, and the Cap Corse semaphore, considered one of the region's highest points. The route is dotted with historical treasures, including ancient lime kilns, archaeological sites, windmills, a Romanesque chapel, and some Genoese-era coastal towers. Each stage of the trail reveals fragments of Corsican history, offering an enriching experience both culturally and naturally.