Mare e Mare Nord crossing from Moriani to Piana with Europe Active

From the Costa Verde to the Calanche de Piana, discover an exceptional area with EUROPE ACTIVE.

Everyone knows the famous GR20 which crosses Corsica from North to South. But why not try a journey of Corsica from East to West? From the Costa Verde to the Calanche de Piana, discover an exceptional area where the mountains and the sea blend harmoniously. Here you will discover one of the most beautiful hiking trails, a true Corsican odyssey.

 

Your programme day by day

 

1 From Moriani to Santa Reparata (I Penti)

We will discover the famous Romanesque church of San Nicolao before reaching the hamlet of I Penti, our first stop. This is a 3h30min walk with an altitude difference of more than 840m.

 

2 Santa Reparata to Valle d'Alesani

The villages of Castagniccia are built from schist stone with has a gray/greenish color and is unique to the area. You won’t find the same kind of architecture anywhere else on the island. The many chapels that line the path are part of an exceptional cultural heritage which reminds us that once, Castagniccia was the most populated regions of the island. A 4h walk which features an altitude difference of more than 730m.

 

3 Valle d'Alesani to Pianellu

Following ancient mule tracks which cross large chestnut forests and connect the villages, this route leads to Pianellu. A 4h30 min walk with an altitude difference of more than 840m.

 

4 Pianellu to Sermano

Enter the micro region of Boziu. An exceptional panorama of the high peaks from the lofty granite barrier of mountains. The route crosses many villages with the characteristic architecture and green shale colors whose hues change according to the time of the day and the strength of the sun. A 5h walk with an altitude difference of more than 750m.

 

 5 From Sermano to Court

As you follow the paths of Boziu you’ll be able to visit many Romanesque chapels and see frescoes dating from the fifteenth century. The region has quintessential Corsican villages, diverse flora and fauna, chestnut tree groves and maquis, the aromatic shrubland of Corsica. A 5h walk with an altitude difference of more than 790m.

 

6 Scala di Santa Regina

A taxi transfer from your hotel will bring you to Scala di Santa Regina, where the day’s hike begins. Following an old mule track carved from granite, journey into the Niolu region and spend the night in Calacuccia.

A 4h15 minute walk with an altitude difference of more than 850m above sea level and 500m below.

 

7 From Calacuccia to the Vergio Pass

Cross the Niolu region to reach an old ski resort, the Vergio Pass. The surrounding forests and the panoramic view of the region make the climb worthwhile. About 6 hours of walking and a height difference of: +900m and -554m.

 

8 From the Vergio Pass to Ota

Change sides of the island to cross the great forest of Aïtone and admire the majestic laricio pines. The water mills and large chestnut grove bear witness to the importance of chestnuts in Corsica. Passing by Evisa, descend into the narrow gorges of Spelunca. A Genoese bridge and rivers line the route to Ota.

About 6h20 minute walk with a height difference of: +600m and -1500m.

 

9 From Ota to Piana

An old mule track connects the villages of Ota and Piana and passes at the foot of the Capu d'Ortu through the Calanches providing superb views of the Gulf of Porto.

A 5 hour walk and a +950 and -800m difference in altitude.

 

10 Piana

End of stay following a hearty breakfast.

 

Every day from May to the end of September.

 

Start

  • Moriani.

End

  • Piana.

Accommodation

  • 7 nights lodgings at mountain stages and dormitories with shared sanitary facilities. Two nights hotel (double rooms).

Number of participants

  • From two people.

Level

  • Hikes are generally from 4h to 5h of walking on good trails, but participants should be of a good fitness level.

Porterage

  • Only the personal belongings required on the day.

 

 

Further information

Options

  • Transfer from Bastia to Moriani (maximum 8 people): €110
  • Stay without luggage transfers: -€450
  • 3 extra nights in a room of two: €70

 

Benefits

The price includes

 

  • 10 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 1 picnic
  • Nights in lodgings (7) and hotels (2)
  • Luggage transfers
  • The guidebook and printed maps

 

 The price does not include

 

  • Drinks
  • Cancellation assistance insurance
  • Site visits
  • Unplanned transfers not in the programme
  • Meals not mentioned above
  • Transfers to and from Moriani

Locate

Our other offers and holiday ideas

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES