The most beautiful hikes in Corsica
Take astep up to observe the island from a different vantage point, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, valleys and mountains, that's what we propose. With hiking boots on and backpacks in place, follow the guide!
Hiking in all its forms (sporting, recreational, cultural, on horseback...) is France's No. 1 outdoor sporting activity. The Isle of Beauty, a popular destination for hikers of all levels, is a walking tour: whether you're on the coast or in the mountains, you're sure to find what you're looking for. Here we reveal the most beautiful hikes in Corsica, from the easiest to the most difficult, (with indication of distance and duration) that will leave you with unforgettable memories!
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Top easy hikes from north to south
- Lake Creno near Soccia 3h, 6.5 km. The first part of the hike is a little steep, but then it becomes quite easy. Up here, you'll discover the legend of Devil's Lake, after a picnic in the shade of conifers overlooking majestic water lilies.
- Le sentier des Châtaigniers et la forêt d'Aïtone: 2 hrs, 7 km. Starting out from Évisa, you'll cross an ancient chestnut grove where you'll learn about the role of chestnuts by reading the fun and educational panels. After an hour's walk through the pine forest and along magnificent stone walls, accompanied by pigs and cows, you'll reach the waterfalls and natural pools of Aïtone. An invigorating bath awaits you in the pools formed between the rocks.
- Les Gorges de la Spelunca : 3 hrs, 8 km. This hike links Ota to Evisa (5 h round trip), but you can enjoy the gorges for the first 4 km. From the Pianella Genoese bridge (15th century), walk in a haven of peace to the Zaglia bridge, often crossed by goats, and enjoy the pure water of the waterfalls in an extraordinary landscape.
- Capu di Muru 3.3 h, 10 km. This hike offers a beautiful panorama of the coastline and a magnificent view of the Gulf of Ajaccio from this Genoese tower, and is the ideal place to take a break at the Chapelle A Madonuccia at the end of the point.
- The coastal path near Tizzano 5h, 16 km. This coastal path is not recommended during hot weather, as shade is scarce. Starting from Barcaju, you'll reach the Senetosa lighthouse, which welcomes hikers for a night or two, then continue to the beach of Cala di Conca. The coast is wild and beautiful!
- The Transhumance Trail crosses Corsica from Calenzana to Scala Santa Regina, a themed trail, recognized and marked in orange and mauve. We suggest you do the stage from Albertacce to Lozzi in the magnificent Niolu valley at the foot of Monte Cinto! The hike generally takes 4 hours, but the memories will stay with you forever.
Medium-sized hiking trails
- Punta di a Vacca Morta (pointe de la vache morte) 2h, 7.7 km. En route to the Ospedale dam near Porto-Vecchio, at the Col de Mela parking lot. It's a fairly easy climb for a summit, which offers you the whole of southern Corsica on one plateau: the Aiguilles de Bavella to the north, the Gulf of Propriano to the west, Bonifacio to the south and the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
- Capo Rosso 3h, 10 km, on the west coast near Piana, to reach the Genoese tower of Turghiu, With an easy start, the hike becomes more difficult on the steep, vertiginous path approaching the tower, which offers spectacular coastal views over the majestic Gulf of Porto. Take this hike early in the morning, with plenty of water, as there's no shade!
- Girolata par le sentier du facteur 4h, 10.5 km. This hike begins at the Bocca a Croce parking lot. Girolata is an old fishing village accessible only by boat or on foot. Guy Ceccaldi, the letter carrier, used to walk this path every day to bring the mail to the villagers. Today, mail is delivered by boat. Until 2006, this letter carrier worked in a wonderful open space!
- La Randonnée des Pozzines from Val d'Ese 4.30 h, 12 km. Our favorite! Go to the Val d'Ese resort near the mountain village of Bastelicaand climb up to the grandiose Pozzines: imagine a giant lawn with waterholes and streams. Walk barefoot and watch the wild horses run - you'll be amazed!
- From Saint Florent to Saleccia along the coastal path 5.30 hrs, 18 km, no return to starting point. From the Hotel La Roya, reach the Fornali lighthouse to reach Corsica's most beautiful beaches: the spectacle will be at its best at the Lotu and Saleccia beaches! Seeing the Agriate desert at sunrise while swimming in dreamy coves will be an unforgettable experience!
The difficult hikes tour
- Lac de Nino, 5 hrs, 8.5 km, departure in the early morning from the Maison Forestière de Popaghja, on the road between Col de Vergio and Albertacce. This mountain lake at 1743m altitude, the second largest in Corsica, offers magnificent views ofthe Gulf of Porto, the Paglia Orba and the Cintu massif. You'll then reach the pozzi (wells) of the Rotondo massif: on the several-thousand-year-old lawns that surround some of Corsica's lakes, you'll find water wells of glacial origin, characteristic of the region. As the glaciers melted, lakes formed and then disappeared, making way for the Pozzines. The"water clover" and wild pigs will be part of your photo album.
- GR20 escapade: if you're not ready to do the GR20, choose a stage for a day hike. We suggest a beautiful descent from Asinau to Paliri via an alpine variant(7.30 hrs.) Watch out for your knees!
- Monte Alcudina (or Incudine), the highest in southern Corsica at 2133 m, from Coscione 8 h (long version) 19 km. From Quenza in the Alta Rocca, head for the Coscione plateau, where you'll come across hikers on the GR 20. A rejuvenating hike offering 360° panoramic views of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
- Le Monte CInto 7.5 h, 12 km, park in the parking lot near the Asco-Stagnu resort. A great challenge awaits you, known as the summit of Corsica (2706m altitude)! Ifthe clouds aren't in the sky, the summit of the Cinto will give you exceptional views! For the safety of hikers and to facilitate their ascent, several passages are equipped with chains, sowatch out for scree!
- On to Corte, the Restonica Valley, Lac de Melo and Capitello, for a magical 4.5-hour round trip - but you won't want to come back down again, that's for sure! Plan a stay in central Corsica to satisfy your need for walking and swimming!
- If you're short of ideas for a gentle trek of between 7 and 21 km per day, or between 3h and 8h, we recommend the Mare a mare, the Mare e Monti and the transhumance and heritage trails. For experienced hikers, the GR20 is the obvious choice, in 8 or 15 days, at your own pace!
Interested in hiking in Corsica? Corsicatours offers you a tour "between land and sea" , where the famous GR20 trails are finally accessible to non-experienced hikers, and an "adventure" tour to discover Corsica in an original way in the heart of nature. Travelling with Corsicatours means above all the well-kept secrets of our local experts and the desire to offer more responsible experiences.
Walking with a map in hand
Whether it's easy or difficult, you need to prepare your hike ! Before setting off, check the weather forecast and your rucksack, which should always contain: a knife, lighter, survival blanket (320g), sufficient water, first-aid kit, sun cream, cap, glasses, warm and/or waterproof clothing. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink, and plan to stop every hour to take in some calories. Don't forget a map or GPS, plan your route and calculate distances.
