The most beautiful stages of the Mare e Monti with Corsica Aventure

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mare e Monti Nord, in its most spectacular part, with its wild ridges and breathtaking views over the Gulf of Porto. Accompanied touring holiday, with a choice of dormitory or room accommodation.

Discover one of the most beautiful itineraries in Corsica. Between sea and mountains, this emblematic trail links hilltop villages, deep valleys and turquoise gulfs.
Your journey begins in Cristinacce, where you'll follow ancient paths through the mountain villages of Evisa and Ota. You'll then explore the superb Spelunca gorges, with their Genoese bridges and natural pools.
The hike then takes you to the village of Curzu, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over the gulfs of Girolata and Porto.
Finally, the last part of your journey will take you from Girolata to the ridges overlooking Galéria and Capu Senino, before descending to the fishing village of Galéria. The route ends in Calvi.

YOUR PROGRAMME

DAY 1 Cristinacce to Ota
At 9am, meet your mountain leader in Ajaccio. You will then take the bus which, after a 1h30 drive, will take you to the village of Cristinacce, the starting point of your hike. The path leads first to the river Tavulella and the abandoned village of Tassu. You will then continue on to the picturesque village of Evisa, birthplace of the poet Ziu Minicale, whose oratorical jousts marked several generations. The walk continues through chestnut groves, following in the footsteps of Théodore Poli, founder of the "Republic of Bandits", to the Genoese bridge at Zaglia, which gives access to the Spelunca gorges. This paved passage winds its way between high cliffs, before emerging at the bottom of the gorge on the River Porto, ideal for a refreshing swim. The river will then take you to the village of Ota, where you will spend the night.

Distance 12 km Time 5h00 Ascent +350 m / -780 m
Overnight in Ota

DAY 2 Ota to Serriera
The route leaves the charming village of Ota following the orange Mare e Monti markings. It rises above the valley and its tumultuous river, offering superb views of the Gulf of Porto and its Genoese tower, guarding the entrance. Gradually, the walls narrow to form a ravine, which you cross before discovering, in amazement, a splendid panorama of the southern shore of the gulf, with the village of Piana and the tower of Turghju. It's here that you'll reach the highest point of the day, at almost 1,000 m altitude, an ideal spot to take a break from the breathtaking scenery. Invigorated, you will then plunge into the thick forest to reach the village of Serriera, where a warm and friendly evening awaits you.

Distance 11 km Time 5h30 Ascent +700 m / -950 m
Overnight in Serriera

DAY 3 Serriera to Girolata
A long, splendid day awaits you. From the village of Serriera, take the alternative route to Partinello, before continuing along the ridges overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Porto. The path then leads to the village of Curzu, set in an imposing landscape. Every step of the way takes in spectacular views, culminating in the red rocks of Capu Senino and the Scandola reserve plunging into the sea. After reaching the Col de la Croix, take the sentier du facteur (postman's path) to the beach at Tuara, then continue on to the hamlet of Girolata, accessible only on foot or by boat. You'll spend the night there. On this stage, you'll only need to carry your personal belongings for the night.

Distance 17 km Duration 6h30 Difference in altitude +950 m / -1090 m
Overnight in Girolata

DAY 4 Serriera to Girolata
A long, splendid day awaits you. From the village of Serriera, take the alternative route to Partinello, before continuing along the ridges overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Porto. The path then leads to the village of Curzu, set in an imposing landscape. Every step of the way takes in spectacular views, culminating in the red rocks of Capu Senino and the Scandola reserve plunging into the sea. After reaching the Col de la Croix, take the sentier du facteur (postman's path) to the beach at Tuara, then continue on to the hamlet of Girolata, accessible only on foot or by boat. You'll spend the night there. On this stage, you'll only need to carry your personal belongings for the night.

Distance 17 km Duration 6h30 Difference in altitude +950 m / -1090 m
Overnight in Girolata

DAY 5 Galéria to Tuarelli
The last stage of the Mare e Monti Nord will take you to the hamlet of Tuarelli, on the banks of the River Fango, reputed to be the hottest in Corsica. This river rises in the heart of the Paglia Orba massif (2,525 m), under the watchful eye of Capu Tafunatu (2,335 m), famous for its great natural arch. Before enjoying the clear, warm waters of the river, you'll need to climb above the village, gain some height and take in the view of the Gulf of Galéria and the immense valley it has shaped. These paths were once trodden by generations of shepherds, as evidenced by the Genoese bridge over the Vecchiu, which for centuries has withstood the floods that punctuate the life of the river. At the end of this last walk, you can relax by the water and relive the film of this magnificent crossing, before a bus takes you back to Calvi.

Distance 11.5 km Duration 4h00 Ascent +320 m / -240 m

Start
Sunday at 9am in front of the Ajaccio ferry terminal.

Ends
Thursday around 5 p.m. at Calvi station (or 4.30 p.m. at Calvi airport). Return by train to Ajaccio or Bastia possible, please contact us.

Access
Ajacccio ferry terminal or airport. If you are arriving via Bastia or Calvi, plan to arrive the day before so that you can catch a train to Ajaccio.

Level
Moderate to sporty, the path is not technically difficult but can be rocky with some fairly steep climbs.

Supervision
State-certified mountain leader.

Accommodation
In stage gîtes, in small shared dormitories with shower and toilet on the landing.
Room optional with supplement.
Single room on request, subject to availability.

Meals
Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam).
Evening meal including starter, main course and dessert.
Picnic lunch in the field.
Provided food (cereal bars, dried fruit, canistrelli, etc.) during the hike.

Carrying
You carry only your gear for the day and your picnic, except for Girolata, where you will have to carry your overnight gear (toiletries, change of clothes, meat bag, etc.). Luggage is transported by vehicle. We ask you to limit your baggage to 15 kg per person.


Double or twin room supplement for 4 nights: €100/person (2 people required).
A discount is available for groups of 3 or more. Please contact us for details.

Benefits

Half-board accommodation, picnics and provisions, local transfers, accompaniment.

Prestations non comprises

Drinks, administration fees, insurance, site visits and transfers not included in the programme.

Points forts

The west coast and the Gulf of Porto
Access to following luggage
Itinerant tour - 5 days walking
Stopover gîte, room option
Starts in Ajaccio and ends in Calvi

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