Mare e Monti North - piana to calvi

Sea and mountains meet in this stunning itinerary. From the village of Piana perched on the west coast, the hike starts in the UNESCO site of the Calanches de Piana, which plunge into the Gulf of Porto. You then follow the coast to reach the villages of Girolata, Galéria and finally Calvi. On the agenda, the jagged coastline and high mountains of the Corsican Regional Park, untrodden coastal and mountain paths, and the Scandola Nature Reserve. 


Level of Difficulty: Moderate
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is often rocky and rarely flat. You need to be used to walking all day and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. There are many uphill and downhill sections. We describe this walk as moderate with strenuous sections and encourage walkers to use two walking poles.


Holiday Summary

  • Total distance: 61km / 40 miles or 66km / 41 miles
  • Nearest Airport: Calvi
  • Duration: 7 nights, 6 walking days
  • Sunday - Sunday (any day departure supplement)
  • Please call 01202 703500 for a quote


Features

  • Calvi with the Genoese citadel
  • Gulf of Porto UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Charming accommodations
  • Dates available: April - September


Included in the price

  • Return airport transfers from Calvi airport
  • 7 nights in simple auberge style accommodation
  • Evening meal on day 3, 4 & 5
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Dossier containing your maps and route notes
  • All internal transfers
  • Baggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • Telephone assistance


Not Included in the price

  • Return flights
  • Admission to museums and archaeological sites
  • Local taxes (approx €2 per day)
  • Travel insurance
  • Unscheduled transfers
  • Drinks, picnics, personal expenses and souvenirs etc


Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival day - Piana (6km / 4 miles or 11km / 7 miles)

On arrival in the village of Piana with fantastic views of the sea and mountains, there is an optional hike on the trail of ridges overlooking the Gulf of Ajaccio.

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Altitude gain: + 140m / +340m
  • Descent: - 140m / -340m
  • Accommodation: Mare e Monti, B&B


Day 2: Piana - Porto (12km / 7.5 miles)

The trail enters the red rocks of the Golfe de Porto, you will discover an incredible site of granite needles and wind sculpted rocks, dotted with maritime pine trees. The walk above the coast road follows the old mule path or travels higher towards the Capo d’Ortu and offers some spectacular views of the indented rugged coastline and its many creeks below. Drop down to the sea (some road walking) and the port at Castagna.

  • Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Altitude gain: + 140m
  • Descent: - 540m
  • Accommodation: Capo d'Orto, B&B


Day 3: Porto - Serriera Bussaghia (10km / 6 miles)

You will leave Porto and cross the Vitrone ravine, with its red porhyry walls, before arriving at Capu San Petru, a superb rocky lookout point overlooking the Serriera and the surrounding area. Arrive at Serriera via the Lonca forest road.

  • Duration: 6 hours 
  • Altitude gain: +900m
  • Descent: -850m
  • Accommodation: Hotel Stella Marina, HB


Day 4: Serriera - Girolata (13km / 8 miles)

You will not have access to your full luggage tonight, so make sure you have all you need for the evening and the following day in your day pack.

A taxi drops you outside Partinello. The route leads through the fragrant scrubland down to the seafront, winding along the jagged coastline before climbing back up to Bocca Croce. There is an exceptional view if the Scandola nature reserve, one of Europe's major natural sites, offering an explosion of colours and landscapes. Follow the well trodden balcony path to Girolata, made famous by Guy the postman. Girolata ais a small fishing hamlet inaccessible by land.

  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Altitude gain: + 715m
  • Descent: - 890m
  • Accommodation: E Casarelle, HB
  • NO ACCESS TO YOUR FULL LUGGAGE TONIGHT, BACKPACK ONLY


Day 5: Girolata - Galeria (11km / 7 miles)

The path climbs to the ridge above Girolata, offering a unique view of the Gulf Scandola reserve and its red granite cliffs. Descend to the fishing village of Galéria along the Tavulaghju river.

  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Altitude gain: + 780m
  • Descent: - 750m
  • Accommodation: Le Filosorma


Day 6: Galeria - Tuarelli (9km / 5.5 miles)

The path climbs up through the scrubland past ancient sheepfolds where you can admire beautiful views over the Gulf of Galeria, the descends towards the Fangu to reach Ponte Vecchju. After arriving in Tuarelli you will tale a transfer to Calvi.

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Altitude gain: + 300m
  • Descent: - 300m
  • Accommodation: Revellata, B&B


Day 7: Calvi

Transfer to Calvi airport from your hotel.

FAQ Walking

Walking is environmentally friendly, good for fitness and enables you to get a real taste and feel of the island, meet the local people, stay in family run accommodation and get off the beaten track and experience the real Corsica...



1. Will I have a guide to assist me?

Not on the self-guided tours however they will only be a phone call away.


2. What happens if I get tired along the way?

On self-guided tours it's best to stop and take a rest but remember to always drink plenty of water.


3. What happens to my baggage?

Your baggage travels on the van, under the care of the guides. You will usually find your things waiting for you in your room at the hotel.


4. Do I need to train before the walk?

To get the most out of your holiday, all we suggest you do is get in some training, preferably a couple of weeks before the start of your holiday.


5. How far must I walk each day?

On average its 10.6 km a day which is about 9 miles per day


6. How do I get to the starting point of my tour?

Starting and finishing points of our tours have been planned so that they are close to the islands


7. I'm travelling alone - do I have to pay a single supplement?

For safety reasons we do not accept single person reservations. The prices quoted for our tours refer to accommodation in double rooms based on 2 sharing with bed and breakfast however a single room supplement is available. 


8. What should I bring with me?

We suggest that you bring your normal clothes that you would wear when walking in the UK, i.e. walking shorts, and tops, hiking boots/shoes plus your normal holiday luggage. Listed below are other items that we recommend:

 

  • Small torch
  • Small first aid kit including treatment for blisters
  • Hat
  • High factor sun cream
  • Waterproof coat
  • Camel pack or water bottle
  • Mobile phone
  • 2 walking poles