The paths of the Alta Rocca is a distinct favourite, allowing you to enjoy all the contrasts and colours of the island. Starting from the gulf of Porto Vecchio on the east coast, the trail rises up through the mountains of the Alta Rocca before arriving in the hill top town of Levie.
This holiday would appeal to anyone that is used to walking regularly and is in good shape. With five days of moderate walking, you will discover the extreme south and all its treasures.
Level of Difficulty: 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.
Day 1: Arrival day
Arrive into Porto Vecchio, with time to settle into your central hotel before exploring. Porto Vecchio is the third largest town on Corsica, the beaches are some of the best in the Mediterranean. The ambiance is chic and distinctly Mediterranean and you will love the contrasts of this town. It is great to just sit in one of the cafés in the citadel or the harbour, and soak up the atmosphere. Visit the tourist shops, or simply just relax on the beach.
Day 2: Alzu - Ospedale (8km / 5 miles)
We transfer you up to the trailhead in the Ospedale forest where a steady climb takes you to the village of Ospedale, high above the coast. Ospedale is a hamlet on the edge of the forest, deriving its name from 'hospitum' due to Porto Vecchio's malaria victims taking refuge here in the hot summer months during the 18th century. The village has superb balcony views from its elevated postion.
Day 3: Ospedale - San Gavino (15km / 9 miles)
You join the trailhead in the Ospedale forset, providing you with a beautiful viewpoint over the Gulf of Porto Vecchio and the lake of Spedale. You take a short detour around the summit of Vacca Morta (which also rewards you with great panoramic views). After passing over the Col de Mela , you discover the needles of Bavella mountains and the charming little village of Carbini. Your last section takes you through Levie, where a short taxi takes you to San-Gavinu-di-Carbini.
Day 4: San Gavino - Quenza (11km / 7 miles)
A much easier day today, the path you follow leads you to Cucurruzzu archaelogical site, a magical place to visit, through shaded maquis through a jumble of rocks. The path runs alongside the stream of Pian di Santu. You will walk into the heart of the Alta Rocca villages, explore the mountain village of Zonza, a lively place full of mountain life, and then from Zonza to Quenza - an absolutely charming walk to a beautiful mountain village!
Day 5: Quenza - Serra di Scopamena (10km / 6 miles)
Quenza is famous for its church that dates back to the year 1000. You leave this village and hike up to the plateau of Cuscione and the hamlet of Hgjallicu, before descending through scrubland and pass by the shepherds huts of Lavu Donacu along the ridge a highlight of the tour before reaching your final destination for the evening the village of Serra de Scopamena. Serra is the highest village in the region, situated at 900m.
Day 6: Serra di Scopamena - Levie (12km / 7.5 miles)
At the village entrance is an old mill, the wheel is still intact. This 'moulin' would have been used to mill chestnut flour in past times and has been recently restored, there are still 150 hectares of chestnut trees here. Pass the village of Sorbollano, you head back towards the famous archeological site of Cucuruzzu and Capula, you have time to walk around.
Day 7: Serradu Plateau - Altagene (10.5km / 6.5 miles or 15km / 9 miles)
This walk is one of our all time favourites, you can adapt the walking in length and difficulty depending on the weather and your motivation! A well graded path zig zags swiftly up through the woods to a plateau area. A final gate gives access to a beautiful expanse of mountain top. You can make your way accross this meadow like open space to a raised orientation table. There is a 360° panoramic view that is wondorous, vast and remarkable. You may decide to picnic at a nearby shepherds cabin, bag the summit or do a circular village walk to Altagene with views over Sainte Lucie de Tallano.
Day 8: Departure day
Transfer from hotel to Figari airport.
FAQ's Walking|
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