Dear internet users, here are some hiking trails that you can do with your family or friends during your stay in Corsica.
We have by no means listed them all. There are, of course, other hikes in Corsica that you can go on with your family or friends during your stay.
Have some good hikes on our Corsican trails!
THE CAP CORSE REGION
I – THE CHIAPELLA WALK
Duration : 2h30min both ways.
Easy hike.
On leaving Macinaggio, after a left curve, take the first road to the right (sign: Tamarone, Sta Maria).
400 m farther on, turn right and follow the signs indicating the Camping U Stazzu.
Here the road turns into a track, suitable for vehicles, which leads to the beach of Tamarone.
Beach restaurant and parking lot.
Walk across the sand beach.
At the other end there is a wooden sign indicating Sta Maria either via the hinterland or the “Sentier des Douanniers” (customs officers trail).
The track goes uphill along the fence, there is a small house to the left.
At the top of the hill, you can take either trail, because they will come together shortly.
Walk down to the second beach (a pebble beach), facing the Finocchjarola Islands, cross it ignoring the trail on the left.
Take the coastal trail that begins in the flat part (a sandy track) and then turns left.
Go back uphill again to reach the top of a cliff, from where you will have a beautiful view of the three Genovese towers of Chiapella, Agnello and Giraglia, before descending again through a wonderful macchia towards the small Roman chapel of Santa Maria.
In front of the chapel, you must take the large path on the right, which will get you to the Genovese tower right by the sea in 5 minutes.
Take the same path to return.
II-A WALK TO THE TOUR DE SÉNÈQUE (TOWER OF SENECA).
Duration : 1 h 30.
Hike of medium difficulty.
At the Marina of Sta-Severa, take the D180 as far as the Col de Sta-Lucia (St. Lucia Pass).
On the pass take the narrow road to the left by the church and go uphill for 1.5 km until you come to a former holiday camp. Go to the end of the parking lot.
You can see the tower on a steep rocky headland.
Take the large path at the end of the parking lot.
After 5 min, it gets narrower and after a few curves you will reach the foot of the tower. Here several trails come together.
Take the one to the right: a nice path through the undergrowth, partially covered, makes a huge loop so that you don’t have to climb up the last rocks.
It will take you about 15 min to climb up to the tower.
From there you have a view of the Luri and Centuri valleys and, on a clear day, also of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
THE BALAGNE REGION (CALVI & ILE ROUSSE)
I-WALK TO THE VILLAGE OF OCCI
Duration : 1 hour both ways.
Easy hike.
In the village of Lumio, park on the parking lot in front of the restaurant La Table Di Mà.
Behind the restaurant there is a sign indicating «Village d’Occi».
Walk up a small and quite steep paved road for about 150m until you come to the sign «Corsica Pays Côtier Balagne» indicating the two-hour loop hike “Occi-Notre-Dame de la Stella”.
The road becomes a track: go to the right after the house to get to the start of the mule track trail that goes uphill between two small walls (orange signs, then blue arrows on rocks mark the way).
The trail is quite steep at times, but very pleasant in the middle of tafoni formation.
It is a pleasant, 15-minute climb up some steps and over a broken fence.
The view gets better and better: you have now reached the hillside with an excellent trail to reach the small plateau (25 min), where you will discover the ruins of the village, at the foot of the rocks of Capu d’Occi.
Take the same path to return.
II-CAPU DI A VETA HIKE
Duration : 4 hours both ways.
Hike of medium difficulty.
From Calvi, go in the direction of Pietra Maggiore.
When you get to the gate of the Pietra Maggiore property, turn right and 400m farther on you will see: C.Veta (written on a small wall and arrows on the left).
There is a small parking lot 200m farther on at the end of the road.
The trail begins on the left in front of the houses (orange arrow).
It goes quickly uphill through a high and thick macchia before it reaches a huge rock (15 min) at the bottom of which you have to turn right (double arrow on the rock).
Walk on the now flat terrain, climb over a small wall, passing a large, hut-like tafone on your left (20 min), then cross a stone plateau (red dots mark the way).
Once you get to the stream, walk over the stone plateaus and after a short climb cross to the other side.
When you get to the top of the slope (35 min), you will reach a good trail that goes uphill on the left bank of the small Vivariu creek.
Groundwater development with catchment area.
A bit higher up you will come to a fork: follow the red and white sign and turn to the left.
Soon the trail crosses an area of flat stones (1h15min) and then goes back into the macchia.
After quite a steep ascent, you will reach the Bocca di a Veta (1h40min).
On the pass follow the arrows on the ground (Veta indicated on the right): the trail, marked in red and white, ascends to the peak (2h10min), with an area of flat stones, a bird’s eye view and large wooden cross.
Take the same path to return.
Our advice : Be careful with children, avoid this hike in the height of summer.
THE PIANA & PORTO REGION
I-THE CAPU ROSSU HIKE
Duration : 3h30min both ways.
Hike of medium difficulty.
The tower of Turghio dominates the headland, which juts out into the sea between the Gulf of Porto and the Gulf of Sagone.
Go in the direction of the beach of Arone.
Drive for 7 km along a road that goes through wonderful, unspoilt landscapes.
The trail begins right by the refreshment stall.
The stony trail slowly descends through the macchia.
After about 20 min you will see a small sheep pen on your left.
Shortly after, you will have a splendid view of the cove and the beach of Arone.
After walking around the southern side of the rocky bluff with the Tower of Turghio on top, you will come to another, renovated sheep pen.
The granite rocks glisten grey and pink.
Walk up towards the tower taking the trail to the right.
It’s about a half-hour walk with absolutely no shade.
Below you the cliff seems to tumble vertically into the sea.
You can set up a bivouac shelter by the tower.
II-A TOUR FROM PONTE VECCHJU TO PONTE ZAGLIA
Duration : 1h30min both ways.
Easy hike.
A wonderful walk through the Spelunca Gorge that will bring you to a remarkably well-preserved Genovese bridge, between Porto and Ota (2 km outside Ota).
You can park your car on the pavement, after the two neighbouring bridges.
The trail begins right at the far end of the two bridges, to the left when coming from Ota.
An old mule track connecting Ota and Evisa, it follows the gorge of the Spelunca river and briefly also the Porto river.
It is section of the «Mare e Monti North» hike that goes from Calenzana to Cargèse.
The first Genovese bridge, Ponte Vecchju, which is about 300m downstream at the beginning of the trail, can be seen when coming from the D124.
The stony trail steadily climbs upward through the valley on the left bank and is partially in the shade.
After half an hour you will reach the bridge of Zaglia, a wonderful Genovese bridge surrounded by lush vegetation.
There are numerous ponds where you can cool down a bit.
Take the same trail to return.
THE CARGESE REGION
I-A WALK TO THE TOWER OF OMIGNA
Duration : 90 min both ways.
Easy hike.
Take the Plage du Péro road, go past the Residence TaKladia to the left, walk uphill until you reach a dead-end.
Open the gate and, above all, close it again behind you.
The watchtower can be seen on the headland of Omigna.
The dirt road gets narrower in some places and winds itself through mastic, blueberry and cistus shrubs.
Our advice : It’s the Sunday walk of the Cargesians. Sunny from sunrise to sunset, this is a pleasant walk regardless of the time of day, even in winter
THE AJACCIO REGION
I-THE CHEMIN DES CRÊTES.
Duration : 3 to 4 hours one-way.
Easy hike.
This trail overlooks the town and the Gulf of Ajaccio.
15 minutes from the centre of Ajaccio, through the Bois des Anglais.
Follow the Cours Grandval and the Avenue Général Leclerc, as far as the grotto of Napoleon, bypass it on the right taking the Avenue Nicolas-Pietri.
The walk begins right at the bus stop «Bois des Anglais» and ends on the Route des Sanguinaires, on the north shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio, at a place called: «La Terre Sacrée», opposite the restaurant Le Week-end.
A regular bus service can bring you back to the centre of Ajaccio.
Our advice : this walk is more pleasant in the morning.
II-A WALK TO THE GENOVESE WATCHTOWER OF CAPU DI MURO.
Duration : 3 hours both ways.
Easy hike.
After the village of Coti-Chiavari, walk in the direction of “la Baie de Cala d’Orzu”.
The small path to the left goes down to the beach of Cala d’Orzu, it is the path on the right that will take you to the starting point of the small hike, which, on a dirt road between “macchia and sea”, overlooks the sea. Climb to the top of the Genovese watchtower, from where you will have a breathtaking view.
Our advice : leave early in the afternoon.
THE VALINCO REGION
I-A WALK TO THE TOWER OF CAMPUMORU.
Duration : 2 hours both ways.
Hike of medium difficulty.
Take the N196 in the direction of Sartène.
After the bridge of Rizzanèse, turn right on to the D121 in the direction of Belvédère de Campumoru.
In Campumoru, after the sign for the “Conservatoire du Littoral Tour de Campumoru”go on for 1 more km.
Parking at the beginning of the path, access prohibited to vehicles except for local residents.
Follow this trail for 400 metres until you come to the starting point of the walk to the tower (sign).
After 20 metres follow the wooden sign «Sentier accès mer» (path to the sea).
This hike will take you around the headland before you climb on the tower.
After crossing a patch of grass, you come to the coast: magnificent rocks smoothed and polished by erosion.
15 minutes later you come to a cove.
The trail splits into smaller paths.
A few green signs mark the way. After the headland, the trail is better marked.
You walk under enormous rocks. The trail now winds itself through a higher macchia.
A bit away from the trail, small coves or peaceful spots for a picnic.
After a short climb, you will cross the high macchia before regaining the trail of the hike.
Not many trail signs.
II-THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF CUCURUZZU
Duration : 1 hour.
Easy hike.
Follow the D268 going towards Levie. 5 km after Ste-Lucie de Tallano, turn to the left and follow the road for 4 km until you get to the site.
You must park your car before gaining access to the site.
During high season there is an entry fee.
At the entrance of the site follow the path along a low wall in the direction of Cucuruzzu.
After about 15 min it descends towards the prehistoric site of Castellu.
At the end of the wall, leave the “Sentier de Capula” and turn to the left.
Go across the small stream and walk back up to a field.
Go left via a medieval ramp to reach a blockfield.
THE SARTÈNE REGION
I-THE PREHISTORIC SITES OF SARTÈNE
Duration : 2 hours.
From Sartène drive 2 km in the direction of Bonifacio, then take the D48 on your right towards Tizzano, after 10 km, turn to the left on the D48A towards the plateau de Cauria.
Drive another 4.5 km before turning right (the sign indicating Historical Monuments is almost illegible, dolmens and menhirs).
After 8 km the site of Cauria is indicated on the left.
You have to drive another 4.5 km on a bad road until you reach the sign indicating the dolmens and menhirs, turn right and at the end of a dirt road, suitable for vehicles, in the midst of the macchia, you will see the alignments of Stantari.
300m farther on you will come to the alignment of Rinaghiu and the dolmen of Funtanaccia.
In order to get from Caurie to the alignment of Paddaghiu, (consisting of 260 upright or reclining menhirs), proceed at the height of the wine-tasting building of the Mosconi vineyard.
Park your car in the parking lot and follow the path (marked) for 1 km.
Access is free.
Between the macchia and the vines you will discover the most significant gathering of megalithic statues of the Mediterranean region.
THE BONIFACIO REGION
I-FROM THE CLIFFS OF BONIFACIO TO THE LIGHT TOWER OF PERTUSATO
Duration : 3 hours both ways.
Hike of medium difficulty.
In Bonifacio take the small road on the left in the curve that leads to the Upper Town.
This coastal hike goes along the cliffs to the east of the town.
From the curve, a stony slope quickly ascends to the top of the cliff. Follow the trail that goes along the cliff towards the southeast.
To your left the low shrubs of the macchia, to your right the cliff dropping vertically into the sea.
After 30 min, you come to the D260, which goes to the semaphore tower and the light tower.
Take this small road, which deviates from the cliff for a short time.
After passing a farm, the road goes around a large downhill curve, then up again towards the semaphore.
After passing some former military bunkers, you will reach the semaphore tower in about 45 min.
After the semaphore tower, the road descends around a hairpin curve, then climbs up again towards the light tower of Pertusato.
50 metres before you get to the light tower, a path goes down to a cove with white sand and to the small island of St Antoine.
On your way there, you can enjoy the view of the limestone cliffs, and on your way back the view of the old town of Bonifacio on the headland.
And to the south you can see the Sardinian coastline.
Our advice : Careful with children. Avoid the hot hours of the day, as there is no shade and no water.
II-THE ILOT DE FAZZIO HIKE
Duration : 3 hours both ways.
Easy hike.
Departure from the refreshment stall “Snack U Veni”: when you get to Bonifacio, go towards the marina, and it is just after the Camping L’Araguina, a few metres before the Esso petrol station on the right.
The partially paved trail follows a wall and leads steeply upwards through a narrow and wooded combe.
After 300m at the end of the climb there is a branch-off: continue straight ahead.
The trail slowly descends along a lovely small wall of dried stones.
Once you are at the bottom (20 min), you will see the Upper Town of Bonifacio (a pretty small, sandy cove 100m farther on).
Continue to the right on the now flat terrain, then there is another steep climb with two curves before you once again reach the top of the plateau.
The land is now flat with low white walls along the way.
At the next branch-off you can turn to the right to get to the lovely beach of Cala di Paraguano 700m farther on (20 min both ways).
Otherwise, turn to the left.
After 100m turn to the right by the small hut.
The trail goes down into the small valley, past a low wall, zigzags along under the trees before reaching the spectacular and highly protected cove of Fazzio.
Take the same trail to return.
THE CORTE & NIOLU REGION
I-CORTE & THE LAKE OF MELU
Duration : 3 hours both ways.
Hike of medium difficulty.
Start in Corte. Take the road back up through the valley of Restonica, until you reach the end with the sheep pens of Grotelle.
Parking fee.
From the parking lot take the marked trail that begins just above the snack-bar.
It goes down into the valley along the left bank at the source of the Restonica river.
The trail reaches the riverbed, then climbs steeply and after a few curves you will be at the bottom of a rock wall.
Be careful because the sloping surface of the flat stones is slippery. Hold on to the cable that has been installed to help you walk across.
You will come to the lake of Melu at an altitude of 1711m.
II-LE NIOLU & THE WATERFALL OF RADULE
Duration : 2 hours both ways.
Hike of medium difficulty.
The trail begins 2.5 km from Corte, just before the Vergio Pass.
You must park your vehicle in the parking lot in the hairpin curve.
From the road you will see the white and red marks of the GR20, later replaced by yellow ones.
At the sign ONF, take the trail (marked Bergeries) to the left going uphill.
Shortly after there is another branch-off: go to the right (marked «Bergeries de Radule»).
You will quickly reach the top of the long slope from where you have a view of the small valley on the other side.
The trail enters a young beech grove with some tall Laricios pines here and there.
You could already hear the waterfall before and now you will see it at the same time as the walls of the sheep pens.
On leaving the forest, you will come to a rocky area, and as you pass the upper sheep pen you will see a sign indicating «Bocca di Verghju».
You then cross a paved ford to return to the main cluster of sheep pens on the other side of the stream.
Continue for 5 min on the GR20 (red and white marks) until you come to a large area of flat stones.
Descend along one of the minor trails (all marked and overgrown with ferns), down to the river.
A nice spot for picnics or a swim.
THE ALTA ROCCA REGION
I-LES AIGUILLES DE BAVELLA (THE BAVELLA NEEDLES)
Duration : 2 hours.
Hike of medium difficulty.
On leaving Zonza, go up towards the Bocca di Bavella (Bavella Pass).
Parking lot on the pass.
To the left, going slightly downhill at the beginning, follow the GR20 (red and white marks) for 200m, then leave it when you see the sign «variante alpine» (alpine route).
To the right, the trail is marked with a yellow double line as well as a series of cairns, which are especially useful when it snows.
After crossing a small flat terrain, you will reach the first, quite steep stone gully, which will bring you to a very small ledge.
The rocky landscape is steeper : you will cross an area of flat stones before reaching another very narrow glen, which is steeper than the first one.
The trail turns to the right followed by a series of short curves. You will see to your left a strange grotto, shaped by the enormous rocks that have fallen down.
At the end of this strenuous climb under the huge pines, you will reach the small pass “Col de l’Oiseau” (Bocca di l’Accellu), and all of a sudden you will have a view of the famous Bavella Needles.
When you continue to the left right after the pass, you will reach the foot of the impressive rock face “la Tour” (a 140-meter high cliff) called the “Punta di l’Accellu”.
Take the same trail to return.
II-HIKE TO THE PISCIA DU GALLO WATERFALL
Duration : 2 hours.
Hike medium to difficult.
About 25 km from Porto-Vecchio, 1 km after the dam of Ospedale.
Park your car on the parking lot near the two refreshment stalls on the D368. There is a sign indicating the start of the trail.
The first past of the hike goes through a magnificent maritime pine forest on a trail that goes gently downhill.
You will then wade across two streams before climbing uphill again to reach a barren plateau. You can see the coastline in the west.
The trail continues along a ridge overhanging a steep canyon on the right. A mountain stream cascades down in frothy gushes.
You will cross a small pass with a view of the coastline and the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
The trail descends towards the macchia, strawberry trees and heather winding its way through huge rock formations.
You will now clearly hear the sound of the waterfall.
A sign tells you that there are no further markings and warns you of the risks and dangers.
If you want to view the waterfall, walk down a steep gully using your hands and holding on to branches until you reach a small ledge.
From this alcove you can admire the spectacle of the water pounding in two separate sprays onto a protruding, rocky ledge.
CAREFUL: THIS LAST PART CAN BE DANGEROUS WITH CHILDREN AND WHEN IT IS RAINING (risk of slipping).
As one cannot bathe at the bottom of the waterfall, you can walk back up again to a little plateau with a pine tree and take a track that goes down to the left.
It brings you to a stream with small pools, where you can take a dip.
Take the same trail to return.
