A Taste of the South

Explore this area of Corsica, starting in the capital, Ajaccio and heading south along the coast with spectacular views over the Golf of Ajaccio and Golf of Valinco and then onwards to Bonifacio which is the southernmost tip of Corsica.


Holiday Summary

  • Total distance: 69km / 43 miles or 74km / 46 miles
  • Nearest airport: Into Ajaccio and out of Figari
  • Duration: 7 nights, 7 walking days
  • Sunday - Sunday (any day departure supplement)
  • Please call 01202 703500 for a quote


Features

  • Ajaccio - Corsica's capital
  • Gulf of Valinco
  • Capu di Senetosa and the lighthouse
  • Madonetta lighthouse
  • Dates available: May - October


Included in the price

  • Return airport transfers
  • 7 nights in simple auberge style accommodation with mixed board basis
  • Evening meal on day 2
  • 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: Ajaccio (6km / 4 miles or 11km / 7 miles)

Ajaccio town has old narrow streeets to explore, the fisherman's cathedral, the market, Napoleon's house, or you can simply relax on the beach. The town has a backdrop of hills with a lovely trail called the 'Sentier des Cretes' a ridge walk that gives fantastic views of the bay and an aerial view of the town. The maquis at this altitude offers a host of plants, strawberry trees, wild myrtle, garlic, orchids, bright yellow broom and heather.


  • Duration: 2 hours / 4 hours
  • Altitude gain: +140m / +340m
  • Descent: -140m / -340m


Day 2: Coti Chiavari to Porto Pollo (10km / 6 miles)

After a small transfer the walk from Coti-Chiavari has some of the best views of the southern end of the Gulf of Ajaccio with its hidden coves and watchtowers. The view opens on the Gulf of Valinco and the mountains of the south east before dropping down to the beach at Cupabia. The trail runs along the beach made of fine sand and the water is pure and transparent so don’t forget your swimming gear. You then walk the coast to Capanelle tower, before arriving at the delightful seaside village at Porto Pollo.


  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Altitude gain: +260m
  • Descent: -750m


Day 3: Porto Pollo to Propriano (15km / 9 miles)

Today you leave the Tavaro valley, we give you a lift to the trailhead before you climb along the ridge to the perched village of Olmeto. The maquis cloaked hills rise high above the Golfe of Valinco, past shepherds huts, watchtowers and olive groves and the views are superb. Olmeto is a very atmospheric village, with a great view over the Valinco. After visiting the village, drop down to Barracci beach at Propriano.


  • Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Altitude gain: +500m
  • Descent: -521m


Day 4: Campomoro to Senetosa Lighthouse (14km / 9 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 short taxi ride takes you to the trailhead. You won’t see your luggage tonight and you will need to carry in provisions for meals. This is a real adventure, you are walking into the most remote lighthouse on Corsica, in an area of truly outstanding beauty. The walk in is over the ridge, with superb views over the coast, through the maquis to deserted coves at the Capu di Senetosa where you finally catch sight of the lighthouse, nestled in the rocks.


  • Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Altitude gain: +450m
  • Descent: -450m
  • NO ACCESS TO YOUR FULL LUGGAGE TONIGHT, BACKPACK ONLY


Day 5: Senetosa Lighthouse to Campomoro (14km / 8.5 miles)

Climb to the Genoese tower high above Senetosa lighthouse, with views over the southern Corsican mountains. Follow the ridge before dropping down to Cala di Conca bay, your coastal path takes you to all the bays on this remarkable coastline all the way to Campomoro. Rocks are shaped by the wind, and the sea very tempting for a quick dip. Arrive at Campomoro and the largest Genoese tower on the island After the adventure, a taxi takes you at the end of the day to Bonifacio.


  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Altitude gain: +245m
  • Descent: -245m


​Day 6: La Trinite to Bonifacio (10km / 6 miles)

Bonifacio has a choice of walking, along the clifftops and the coast of this southernmost tip of Corsica. For a longer walk, a coastal path takes you towards La Trinité and Paraguan beach, before heading onto the cliffs near the Iles Fazzio and along towards la Madonette lighthouse. For an alternative take the trail towards Pertusatu, and Corsica's lands end. A great finale to your walking holiday.


  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Altitude gain: +300m
  • Descent: -300m



Day 7: Bonifacio

After breakfast, transfer the airport.

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 14.6 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
  • Hat
  • High factor sun cream
  • Mobile phone
  • 2 walking poles