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Corte, the heart of Corsica

7 days / 6 nights
Corsica - Independent walking
Without guide

Last updated: 28/11/2023

price from 670 € per pers.

At the very heart of the island lies Corte, the historic capital of Corsica. As the original seat of Corsican Nationalism, Corte stands proud, with its foreboding citadel and an imposing view of granite mountains behind. Thanks to the university in Corte (the only one on the island), it is now a lively little town, with many restaurants and bars lining the main street. This is an excellent place for walkers with easy access to the region’s most stunning scenery.

This is a centre based holiday, allowing you to relax knowing that each night you will be returning to your hotel in Corte.

Your day by day program

1
Arrive into Corte, the historical capital of Corsica

Make your way to Corte in the heart of the island and settle into your town centre hotel. Depending upon your time of arrival you could visit the majestic citadel and the museum of Corsica or simply enjoy the centre of town with its numerous bars and restaurants. Corte is a brooding small town nestled in the mountains and home to the island's university.

Night in a 3* hotel in town on a B&B basis.

2
The Tavignano Gorge

Starting from Corte, today’s walk will take you to one of the most beautiful gorges in Corsica. You will walk into the Tavignano Gorge, on a path with great panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and the rapid river below. Once you have crossed the footbridge of the Tavignano, you will be able to enjoy swimming in natural pools with crystal-clear waters. You will then return to Corte and your room for tonight.

Night in a 3* hotel in town.

Walking: 4h00.
Height gain: +440m.

3
L' Arche of Corte

Today, you will discover a superb rock arch, 6m high and roughly 8m in width. This arch is often on the covers of books about Corsica. To reach it, you must climb up 1000m, but the spectacular views are definitely worth it. For those still feeling strong, it is possible to walk to the bergeries de Padule (allow an extra 2 hours or more). The descent follows the same route.

Night in a 3* hotel on B&B.

Walking: 5h15.
Height gain: +1000m.
Height loss: -1000m.

4
Villages in the Cortenais

Train transfer to one of the prettiest villages in the region. The village’s pretty stone houses are built on large slabs of rock and, from the church square, you will get a glimpse of the sea. From the village, you will follow part of the Mare a Mare which descends through the maquis (Corsica scrub) towards Corte. Goat farming abounds in this region and should lead you to some nice encounters! Your walk will then lead you to the beginning of the Restonica Gorge and to Corte, which is easily recognizable in the distance with its citadel perched high on the summit of a promontory rock.

Night in a hotel.

Walking: 4h20.
Height gain: +540m.
Height loss: -740m.

5
The Restonica Gorge

This magnificent Gorge is one of the most preserved sites in Corsica. Following storms in 2023, Melo and Capitello Lakes are not accessible, but there are new, once hidden paths that are bound to take your breath away. The views are marvelous and, the magnificent landscapes of the Restonica Valley will unravel before your very eyes.

Night in a 3* hotel in town.

Walking: about 4h00.
Height gain: +500m.

6
La Punta di Zurmulu

For this last day, you will make your way to Punta di Zurmulu whose highest point lies above the ancient capital of Corsica. You can start the walk from the citadel, from where you will continue to pass near to the Tavignano River, under the oak trees and through the maquis. From la Punta di Zurmulu, the view of Corte is magnificent. You will then return to Corte.

Night in a hotel.

Walking: about 4h00.
Height gain: +500m.

7
Your trip ends here

Your trip ends here, after breakfast. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to extend your holiday in Corsica.

Departure board

Every day from the beginning of April to the end of October.

Technical information

Fact sheet
Starting point
  • Corte.
End
  • Corte.
Accommodation
  • In two or three star hotels (double or twin bedrooms).
Number of people
  • From 2.
Level of difficulty
  • You will need to be in good physical condition and used to walking in the mountains. Walking: 3h30 to 5h30 a day with some steep climbs.
Carrying
  • You only need to take your day bag with you (for picnics, water, cameras etc.)
Options
  • July august departure : 35€
  • Single room sup : 230€
Included
  • Breakfasts
  • Nights in a double room
  • Assistance
  • Travel pack with maps and topo-guide on our app (a smartphone is required)
  • Return transfer for the hike to the lakes and the train for the hike on day 4
Not included
  • Dinners and picnics
  • The transport to the island Corsica

Map

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