Mare a Mare North: Corte - Piana

Arrival into Corsica, and make your own way to Corte and your hotel for tonight. Corte is reachable on a delightful train journey from Bastia, Calvi or Ajaccio (payable locally).

Today starts with a short transfer from Corte, you will be driven to the heart of the Scala Santa Régina gorge. The walk climbs into the gorge and follows the cliffs high above the Golo river offering splendid views. You will take an old mule path, discovering chestnut woods and pastures before arriving at your night stop by the Calacuccia lake.

Night in a 3* hotel in Calacuccia on B&B basis.
About 13 km, 5h00, +850 m, -500 m.

A beautiful walking day to the Verghio forest. today offers a variety of landscapes, you reach the Radule waterfall and shepherds hut before taking the world famous GR20 path through the woods, before arriving at your hotel for the night. Numerous bathing possibilities in natural rock pools. A long hiking day but worth it!

Night in a mountain hotel at Col de Vergio, on Full Board basis
About 18 km, 6h00, +900 m, -554 m.

Passing the Col de Verghio you will walk under the shade of endemic Lariccio pine trees towards the chestnut woods of Corsica, Evisa. The path drops and climbs through the Aitone forest crossing the Aitone stream and its beautiful natural pools. You will see native pigs snuffling through the woods, before arriving at picturesque Evisa for the night.

Night in a 2 or 3* hotel in Evisa on Half Board basis.
About 11 km, 4h00, +400 m, -850 m.

From Evisa you drop down through the Spelunca gorge (temporarily closed on foot). The scenery cannot fail to blow your mind away - it truly is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The village of Ota will welcome you before an option of hiking a magnificent path with views over the Golfe, for those wanting to take it easier, drop down to the small harbour of Porto. All in all an excellent day's walk.

Night in a 3* hotel in Porto on B&B basis.
About 15 km, 5h30, +650 m, -1450 m.

During this rest day in Porto you can choose between various activities, take time to enjoy the beach, or take a boat around the coast to visit Girolata and Scandola or maybe take to the saddle and hire a bike. All means are good to explore the sumptuous Calanches of Piana (bright red rocks that plunge dramatically into the sea)and the Scandola natural reserve (we've often seen dolphins there). This is one of our favourite places to stay on the whole island.

A second night in your hotel in Porto on B&B basis.

During this last walking day, you will walk along the sea before climbing up inland toward the Capu d'Ortu summit. Enjoy the shade of the Palani forest with fantastic views over the Calanches of Piana. You will then carry on walking to the centre of the delightful sleepy village of Piana. The end of a magnificent hiking holiday.

Night in a 3* hotel in Piana on B&B basis.
About 11 km, 4h00, +869 m, -689 m.

End of your trip after breakfast. Contact us if for your onward journey to Calvi, Ajaccio, Corte or Bastia.