U Trinighellu: Hiking Corsica by train

Arrival into Bastia. Today is an opportunity to wander the lanes and alleys of Bastia's Citadel, to relax with a coffee on Place Saint Nicolas, or wander around the old harbour, famous for its restaurants and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Night in a 3-star hotel in Bastia on B&B basis.

From the heart of town, you board the train in Bastia (journey approx 3 hours). You head West to discover the Balagne area and its high mountains, olive and almond groves and hilltop villages, before reaching the coast. Mountains plunge dramatically into the azur blue sea and between l'Ile Rousse and Calvi, the train runs along the beautiful beaches until you arrive at our final destination of Calvi, an atmospheric town with a fine pine fringed sandy beach and a charming old port below the magnificent Genoese Citadelle. Walk to Notre Dame de la Serra at the end of the day.


Night in a 2-star hotel in Calvi on B&B basis.

After breakfast, you will begin your walk from Calvi's citadel. According to the locals, Christophe Columbus was born in Calvi. Your walk will lead you along the coast and onto the Revellata peninsula. There are a number of swimming spots at the various secluded little beaches, before reaching the lighthouse. From here, you will return to Calvi along a ridge path with views along the wild West Coast.

About 11 km, 3h30, +170 m, -170 m.
Night in a 2-star hotel in Calvi on B&B basis.

You leave from Calvi to reach the centre of the island (journey of around 2 hours). Corte is a town in the heart of the mountains, a brooding and moody place and the former capital of the Corsican nation (between 1755 and 1769). Here, in the mountains, you have the opportunity to explore a fascinating fortress and in the surrounding hills you will discover a generous and protected nature. If you wish, you can also visit the Musée de la Corse, and stoll through the narrow streets of the old town where you will not fail to notice the quaint oldest grocery store in Europe.

Night in a 3-star hotel in Corte on B&B basis.

After breakfast, you will make your way to the citadel of Corte and start a stunning day's walk along the Tavignano Gorge. The path climbs high into the Gorge on a trail used by shepherds, The bridge over the Tavignano makes a great picnic spot and you will be able to swim in beautiful crystal-clear waters. Finally, you will return to Corte via the same trail, with magnificent views down the valley as the day comes to a close.

About 12 km, 3h30, +350 m, -350 m.
Night in a 3-star hotel in Corte on B&B basis.

Today you take the train from Corte to Ajaccio (journey of around 2 hours), an experience that will live on in your memory as your eyes feast on an amazing array of landscapes. The train takes it slow and crosses the Vecchio Viaduct made by Gustave Eiffel. The train climbs through the mountains passing high summits before dropping down to the seaside city of Ajaccio and its beautiful Gulf. Take the opportunity to visit the Fesch Museum, the maison Bonaparte or simply stroll along the streets of the city centre.

Night in a 3-star hotel in Ajaccio on B&B basis.

Today you have the choice of two different walks: Option one takes you along LEs Cretes walk, a favourite up above Ajaccio, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It's a great way to discover the huge variety of plants that cover the island of Corsica. Your second option takes you to the Genoese tower of Parata that dominates the coastal landscape around "Les Iles Sanguinaires".

About 10 km, 4h00, +450 m, -450 m.
Night in a 3-star hotel in Ajaccio on B&B basis.

End of trip in Ajaccio after breakfast, train return to Bastia or Calvi possible, à bientôt !