Corsica – 10-Day Tour in the North-West

Day 1 – Beaches of Lotu and Saleccia

Difficulty of the hike: Easy to Hard
Duration: 2 h to 8 h 30 m

For this first day, there is only one destination but several options depending on the time you wish to spend there and your physical condition. Look at the detailed sheet to choose the formula that suits you best, from the easiest to the most difficult hike!

Whatever you choose, you will discover two paradises of white sand, the beaches of Lotu and Saleccia, located close to Saint-Florent. Saleccia beach, one kilometre long with turquoise waters, is renowned as one of the most beautiful on the island. These two beaches are only accessible by boat or on foot, which protects them from excessive crowds. The scenery along the way is sublime, with several coves inviting you to take a dip.

Day 2 – Pigna – Sant’Antonino

Journey by car: 1 h 10 m, 50 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h 15 m

This day is dedicated to the discovery of the authentic villages of Corsica. First, this hike will take you to the picturesque villages of Pigna and Sant’Antonino, as well as the convent of Saint-Dominique. These two villages of the Balagne are pedestrian only and have many small cobbled streets where it is pleasant to stroll. Perched on top of a hill, the village of Sant’Antonino offers magnificent panoramic views.

Ruins of Occi

Journey by car: 20 min, 11 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h

Then explore the vestiges of the past by visiting the abandoned 14th century village of Occi, which stands majestically above Lumio. This walk also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Calvi, the bay of Algajo and the marina of Sant’Ambrogio.

Day 3 – Girolata via punta di a Literniccia

Journey by car: 1 h, 55 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 6 h 30 m

Discover this wonderful circular route that takes you via Punta di a Literniccia to the charming fishing village of Girolata. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Scandola nature reserve and the Gulf of Girolata.

Alternatives: The Girolata via the postman’s path hike is a more accessible option and the most direct way to reach the village of Girolata. However, this route is much more popular and the scenery is less varied. Nearby, the hike to the summit of Monte Senino is a shorter but more technical alternative.

Day 4 – Capu d’Orto

Journey by car: 1 h 10 m, 42 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 5 h

The road leading to the starting point of this hike crosses the magnificent Calanques of Piana, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads on the island. The summit of Capu d’Orto also offers an exceptional panorama. The views are very open, with the impressive ‘e Tre Signore’ peaks in the foreground, while in the background are the Gulf of Porto on one side and the Cinto massif on the other.

Alternatives: Capo Rosso is an easier option with equally beautiful views. The neighbouring peak, Capu di u Vitullu, is just as difficult but much less crowded.

Day 5 – Spelunca gorges

Journey by car: 30 min, 18 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h

This day is dedicated to relaxation and the discovery of historical monuments. Start your exploration with the majestic Spelunca Gorge, where impressive cliffs rise to over 500 meters in height. You can admire the two magnificent Genoese bridges of Zaglia and Pianella and enjoy the many refreshing natural pools along the way.

Aitone waterfalls

Journey by car: 30 min, 20 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 1 h 15 m

Then take the road to the Aïtone waterfalls, near Évisa, along one of the most beautiful roads in Corsica, winding and meandering along the mountainside. The Aïtone waterfalls form a series of small waterfalls and natural pools in the heart of the magnificent Aïtone forest, where you will discover majestic black pines, chestnut trees and beech trees. It is an absolutely charming, refreshing and soothing place.

Day 6 – Capu a Cuccula

Journey by car: 11 min, 8 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 3 h 45 m

This less popular hike starts at the Vergio pass and offers breathtaking views of the emblematic peaks of Paglia Orba and Capu Tafunato to the north, as well as the Gulf of Porto to the west.

Alternatives: If the summit of Capu a Cuccula is not enough or you are looking for an easier option, the Radule waterfall is an easy walk with refreshing natural pools. For those looking for a much tougher challenge, consider the epic hike to the summit of Paglia Orba.

Day 7 – Lac de Nino

Journey by car: 15 m, 12 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 4 h 30 m

Lake Nino, surrounded by numerous pozzines where cows and horses live in freedom, is one of Corsica’s natural treasures. Located on the Camputile plateau, it is the source of the Tavignanu, the second longest river on the island.

Day 8 – Tavignano Gorge

Journey by car: 50 min, 40 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 4 h 30 m

Starting from the fortified town of Corte, explore the impressive Tavignano valley, which is much less crowded than the neighboring Restonica valley. In the summer, the gorges are pleasantly cool and you will discover superb natural pools near the Passerelle di u Russulinu.

Day 9 – Lakes of Melo and Capitello

Journey by car: 25 m, 16 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 3 h 30 m

This magnificent hike in the famous upper Restonica valley is one of the most popular in Corsica. The splendid lakes of Melo and Capitello, surrounded by impressive peaks and cliffs, are of glacial origin and remain frozen for 6 months of the year.

Alternatives: There are other less crowded options from the Restonica valley: of similar difficulty, the Lakes Rinoso or the Lac de l’Oriente. More difficult, the summit of A Maniccia, and finally the summit of Monte Rotondo, which should be reserved for the most experienced hikers.

Day 10 – Monte Cinto

Journey by car: 1 h 20 m, 70 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 8 h

As your stay draws to a close, you will be perfectly prepared to undertake the climb to Monte Cinto, the highest point in Corsica. This is a long and difficult hike, but your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views along the way and an exceptional panorama once you reach the summit. As a bonus, even the road leading to the village of Haut-Asco, the starting point of this route, is also very pleasant and offers magnificent views.

Alternative: the hike to the summit of A Muvrella, also from Haut-Asco, is much shorter but still relatively technical.