Self guided tour in West Coast +Added to my favoriteItem already present

This hike sets off from the calanques of Piano near Calvi, the coastal side of the regional park of Corsica. It follows the most beautiful stages of the Mare e Monti but also incorporates other interesting paths. The hike includes crossing the gulf of Porto and the Scandola nature reserve, which is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Each day provides a new source of amazement. As the route is between the sea and mountains, this hike offers a wide variety of countryside: the famous sculptured rocks known as the calanches of Piana, paths zigzagging through the Corsican maquis and crossing former chestnut plantations, the chemin des douaniers (literally the customs path), which follows the ragged coastline of Corsica. Furthermore, your evenings will be spent in charming Corsican villages such as Piana and Ota where the houses made of red granite create an exceptional sight. The highpoint of the trip is arriving in Calvi; pottering around the cobbled streets of the citadel is a must.

In spring, you will be delighted by the smells and the flowering of the maquis. In autumn, you will be dazzled by the lights: and for those seeking pleasure, there is the possibility to swim in the sea every day.

Program

Day1

Take the coach from Ajaccio via the gulfs of Sagone and Cargese known to be amongst the most beautiful gulfs in Europe, to the village of Piana. This listed village is made up of pink granite houses that tower above the sea. The panoramic view from the square is particularly splendid at sunset.

Night in Piana in bed and breakfast. Dinner in a family restaurant which cook Corsican dishes made with local food.

Day 2

Hike from the Calanques de Piana to the Capu d’Ortu : fantastic pink-red rocks forms with views over Porto bay.

The path affords stunning views over a long stretch of the wild western coast of Corsica, and the vegetation, as usual, is unexpectedly abundant.

Little transfer by bus at the village of Ota.

 Intermediate path : + 600 m et – 600 m, 4h30, 11 km.

 Sporty path : + 1000 m et – 1000 m, 7h, 15 km.

Day 3

A path between the mountain tops and Porto gulf, the smells of the maquis are brought alive by the sea breeze.

 After crossing the Vitrone ravine with its imposing red porphyry rock face, the path then rejoins the Capu San Petru, a splendid rocky belvedere that dominates Porto gulf, and its region.

Night spent in Serriera.

Intermediate path : + 350 m et – 650 m, 4h, 7 km.

Sporty path : + 780 m et – 1080 m, 12 km, 7h.

Day 4

A superb stage that will involve many creeks.

A forest and maquis path, above the jagged coast to Gratelle beach.

In summer, the tour change and the night is spend in Curzu.

Intermediate path : + et - 410, 4h, 9 km.

 Sporty path : + et - 650 m, 5h30, 11 km.

Day 5

This new day takes a path that towers above the jagged coastline to join a picturesque isolated hamlet of hardy fishing folk, Girolata, accessible exclusively by boat or on foot.

Protected by a providential promontory and set on a romantic cove, it feels like it’s miles from anywhere.

Intermediate path : + 400 m et – 400, 3h30, 8km

Sporty path : + 650 m et – 650m, 6h, 14 km.

Day 6

The path rises above the natural reserve of Scandola, the kingdom of cormorants, royal eagles, osprey and wild goats.

Always 2 possible routes, one traditional by the ridges, the other wild by the bay of Focolara.

Taxi transfer to Calvi, a town with a Genovese citadel dominating the bay.

Calvi's beach is a sweeping bay of powdered white sand fringed by tall umbrella pine and is lapped by clear water.

Crests path : + 780 m et – 750 m, 6h, 12km.

Sheepfolds path : + 680 m et – 650 m, 5h30, 10,5 km.

Day 7

Lovely breakfast at Calvi which draws the trip to an end. Possibility of returning to Ajaccio or Bastia by « U Trinighellu», the railway that goes through the interior of the island.

Trips 2022

DeparturesFrom April to October : Every day from Monday till Thursday, except bank holidays (18 April, 26 May, 6 June) For Friday and the day before bank holidays, plan a supply of 29€/pers. July and August* : every day

Starting point and end

Day 1 : Departure from the bus station in Ajaccio at 15.30

 Day 7 : the morning at Calvi. Speak to us about the possibility of returning to Ajaccio or Bastia.

* Tip This circuit is not suitable for the summer heat of Corsica : during the height of summer we advise our other walks « transhumance » and « objective 2000 ».

775 € per person, booking from 2 people minimum.

Booking from 4 to 5 persons : 695 €/pers.

Booking from 6 to 7 pers. : 665€

Booking from 8 to 12 pers. : 640€

 Supply of 70€/pers. for departure from 1/7 to 25/8*

Supply for a private room in Girolata : +40€/pers.

Price Includes

Half Board

Accommodation : 3 nights in hotel ** or ***, 2 nights in a B&B, 1 night in a gîte d'étape (communal dormitories, shared toilets and showers).

 Meals : Breakfast and evening meals prepared by your host. The last evening meal in Calvi is not included

Transportation

 Day 6 : from Galeria to Calvi

 Luggage transfer

You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket.

The main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations except Girolata (no vehicle access, it will be taken to Galeria). It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances at the start or end of your holiday. You will need the appropriate luggage.

Travel notebook

You will receive this as soon as the payment is received. It consists of a day by day itinerary, the route marked on a 25 000° map and practical information

Price does not include

Midday picnics (can be bought en route or at the accommodation)

Evening meal on the last day in Calvi

Travel between Ajaccio-Piana and Piana-Ota (Plan 16€)

Unscheduled transfers

Drinks, including wine and other personal expenses

 Cancellation and health insurance are not included unless you have chosen the option

 Please note, you will be charged for any modifications you make to the program