Corsica – 14-day Tour from South to North

Day 1 – Capo Pertusato and visit of Bonifacio

Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration : 3 h 30 m

On this first day, set off on an unforgettable hike from the town of Bonifacio to the southernmost point of Corsica, Capo Pertusato. The route takes you along the coast of Accore, offering breathtaking views from the majestic limestone cliffs, with a stunning view of the walled town of Bonifacio.

On the way back, take time to explore the town of Bonifacio and soak up its unique charm. Discover its picturesque alleyways, bustling port and its rich historical heritage.

Day 2 – Monacia d’Aullène

Journey by car: 30 min, 26 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 3 h 15 m

In the morning, set off to explore the Monacia d’Aullène heritage trail, which will take you back through the centuries to the Mesolithic era. You will discover the fascinating orii, troglodytic shelters carved into the tafoni, cavities shaped by wind erosion in the rock. Used at different times as dwellings, storehouses or burial sites, these sites bear witness to a rich historical and cultural past.

Sentier des Bruzzi

Journey by car: 15 min, 12 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h

In the afternoon, this walk along the Bruzzi path will take you along the coast, from cove to cove. You will be amazed by the variety of tafoni with their evocative shapes. You will also have the opportunity to relax on fine sandy beaches, including the famous coral beach.

Alternatives: For an equally pleasant walk of similar difficulty, consider the Lion of Roccapina. For those looking for a greater challenge and mountainous landscapes, Uomo di Cagna is an option to consider.

Day 3 – Sperone beaches

Journey by car: 30 min, 28 km
Difficulty of the hike: Very easy
Duration: 1 h 15 m

This day promises to be more peaceful, with no real hiking on the programme, but focused on discovering the sublime beaches of south-west Corsica. To begin with, you will have the pleasure of discovering not one, but two magnificent beaches: those of Petit and Grand Sperone, bordered by the Piantarella lagoon.

Then, depending on your time and what you feel like doing, you can explore the Rondinara Bay and the beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia.

Day 4 – Aiguilles de bavella

Journey by car: 1 h 30 m, 80 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 5 h 30 m

For this first day in the Corsican mountains, head for the splendid Bavella pass, often described as the most beautiful on the island for the breadth and variety of its panorama. The Aiguilles de Bavella form an impressive massif of pinnacles carved out of the granite. This hike, which is quite technical in places, offers impressive views throughout the climb, making you feel tiny in the face of these majestic peaks.

Alternatives: The Trou de la bombe hike, also from the Bavella Pass, is less spectacular but suitable for hikers of all levels. The same goes for the hike to the charming Coscione plateau.

Day 5 – Purcaraccia Waterfalls

Journey by car: 20 min, 12 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 2 h 30 m

An absolutely fabulous place in the heart of the Aiguilles de Bavella massif. Here you will discover a breathtaking natural spectacle: numerous pools linked by waterfalls and slides, all in a grandiose and unspoilt setting. Given the popularity of the waterfalls, it is best to go early in the morning if you want to enjoy the tranquillity of the site.

Just a few kilometres away, on the road to the Bavella Pass, you can also discover the Polischellu waterfalls.

Day 6 – Monte Renoso

Journey by car: 1 h 50 m, 80 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 3 h 45 m

Thanks to its high starting point from the Capannelle-Ghisoni ski resort, Monte Renoso is one of the most accessible peaks over 2000m in Corsica. At the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view. Along the way, you will also be rewarded by the beauty of Lake Bastani and the peaceful pozzines of the Pizzolo stream.

Day 7 – Lakes of Melo and Capitello

Journey by car: 1 h 50 m, 75 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 8 – Lac de Nino

Journey by car: 1 h 20 m, 50 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 9 – Capu a Cuccula

Journey by car: 20 min, 12 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 and the Aitone waterfalls are two easy walks with refreshing natural pools. For those looking for a much tougher challenge, consider the epic hike to the summit of Paglia Orba.

Day 10 – Capu d’Orto

Journey by car: 1 h 10 m, 45 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 11 – Girolata via punta di a Literniccia

Journey by car: 1 h 10 m, 45 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 12 – Ruins of Occi

Journey by car: 45 min, 45 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h

This day is dedicated to discovering the authentic villages of Corsica. Start by exploring 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.

Pigna – Sant’Antonino

Journey by car: 20 min, 11 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h 15 m

Then, this hike will take you to discover the picturesque villages of Pigna and Sant’Antonino, as well as the convent of Saint-Dominique. These two villages of the Balagne are pedestrians 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.

Day 13 – Monte Cinto

Journey by car: 1 h 20 m, 75 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.

Day 14 – Beaches of Lotu and Saleccia

Journey by car: 1 h 40 m, 80 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy to Hard
Duration: 2 h to 8 h 30 m

For this last day, there is only one destination but several options depending on the time you wish to spend there and your physical condition at the end of your stay. 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.