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Best of Corsica walking holidays: Calvi-Corte-Porto
    • France - Corsica
    • 9 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Trip code : C1130
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About the Best of Corsica walking holidays: Calvi-Corte-Porto trip

About the trip in Corsica

On this self guided walking holiday you explore Corsica , the Island of Beauty, from Calvi to Porto, via Corte : a wonderful hike across Corsica with the best walking paths of northern Corsica. 
From the citadel of Calvi, walk up the first hills and mountains that offer incredible vantage points of the surrounding area and the sea. Walk up to the heart of Corsica to the remote city of Corte, the historic and cultural capital city of the Independent Republic of Corsica and of the Anglo-Corsican kingdom.
Finally, walk down from the heart of Corsica and its mountainous landscape and get to Porto, a relaxed and slow-paced coastal city. The incredible Calanches of Piana are close by and you can take the time to explore one of the most majestic and iconic areas of Corsica.
Between thrilling walks, authentic experiences and stunning landscapes, Corsica might well be the perfect walking holiday !

Please note : This hiking trip is a Moderate + walking level. If you suffer from severe fear of heights, make sure to contact us to get more information about the tour.

Highlights of the trip

  • The best places in Corsica: the sandy beaches of Calvi, the wild mountain of Corte, the must see calanches of Piana
  • Coastal walks along the turquoise sea, with great swimming opportunities
  • Experience the best of both sea & mountain walks, with the best hiking spots 
  • Strolling through Corte, one of the "must" historic places to stay in Corsica
  • Piana one of the most beautiful villages of Corsica, and the famous Piana Calanches
  • Girolata small fishermen’s village accessible only by foot or boat
  • 1 picnic included

    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

From the blog

Best of Corsica walking holidays, Calvi-Corte-Porto: Day by Day

Day 1 - Calvi and its beautiful citadel

cycling portugal coast

  • Arrival on your own in Calvi where you can enjoy the great views along the coast and the beaches nearby. A great combination of culture, traditions and beaches ! 
  • Night in Calvi

  • We recommend : have an extra night in Calvi and explore its beautiful citadel perched on a rocky spur with its pretty cobbled streets. 

  • ACCESS to Calvi  
    . Airport  : regular flights to Corsica and also low-cost airlines sometimes from Paris , Nice or Marseille  
    . Corsica ferry : regular ferry from Nice and Marseille
    . Train : trains from Bastia and Ajaccio: schedules here. 

Day 2 - Revellata lighthouse walking day

  • Walk - Calvi > Revelata lighthouse > Calvi 
    4 to 5 hours  - 15km / 9.3 miles - Ascent: +220 m / Descent: -220 m
  • The walk : Moderate loop walk to the Revellata lighthouse. There are some rocky sections and you may need to use a carefully placed hand or two as you negotiate the jagged coastline path. 
  • Today’s walk takes you along the "Sentier du Littoral", the path set along the bar rock and follows the jagged coastline.  You discover the peninsula and its secluded little beaches perfect for a swim. You return to this same spot after completing the loop around the Revellata. From the Revellata Lighthouse you will be able to enjoy the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. Return to Calvi along a path on the top of the peninsula.
  • Night in Calvi
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Market on the 1st and 3rd Thurday of the month

Day 3 - Notre Dame de Serra loop hiking day

  • Walk - Calvi > Notre Dame de Serra chapel > Calvi
    3 hours - 9km / 5.6 miles - Ascent: +250 m / Descent: -250 m
  • The walk : Moderate loop. The path is mostly easy underfoot with some rocky sections.
  • You leave Calvi centre on foot and follow a sandy and rocky path with views behind you of the bay of Calvi and climb up to "Notre Dame de Serra" chapel.  There, you enjoy the stunning views of the bay of Calvi before taking a long and winding sandy track back down to the plains and into the heart of Calvi.
  • Night in Calvi
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Market in Calvi on the 1st and 3rd Thurday of the month 

Day 4 - Free day in Calvi and Corte

  • Calvi > Corte
  • Today is a free day in Calvi and Corte. You can enjoy Calvi and the beaches and even have an extra relaxing night in Calvi!
    Please note: Your transfer from Calvi to Corte by train (not included) is on your own.
  • Corte is the historic capital of Corsica and the cultural and political centre, set against a backdrop of incredible mountain scenery. Once you arrive in Corte there is a 10-15 mins walk to your hotel right in the town centre. Take the time to meander through the town’s authentic streets. 
  • Night in Corte
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Transfer options:
    . Train Calvi > Corte-Corti : 2h30 ride, around 20€ pp, 1 direct train ( with 1 train change on the way) - Line Calvi - Ajaccio (tickets can be bought directly at the train station)
    . Taxi Calvi > Corte : Taxi ride is around 1h30, fare from 200€ to 300€. Contact us

Day 5 - Beautiful walk on the heights of Corte

wild beautiful walk above corte in corsica

  • Walk - Corte > Punti di I corbu > Corte
    3 hours 30 - 10 km - Ascent: +530 m / Descent: -530 m
  • A circular hike dedicated to Saint Teoflu, the only saint born in Corsica who saw the light of day in Corte on 30 October 1740. You hike up to the Punti di u Corbu pass from where you have a great view of Corte, the Restonica valley and the sea to the east.
  • Night in Corte
  • MEALS included: Breakfast & Picnic

- Have an extra walk in Corte ( Not possible in July & August )

  • Have an extra night walk in Corte and go for an extra walk towards the emerald coloured waters of the Tavignano gorges - Contact us 
  • Walk - Corte > Tavignano gorges > Corte
    4 to 5 hours - 13km / 8 miles - Ascent: +350 m / Descent: -350 m
  • You leave Corte on foot and head out on your hike. You’re in the heart of the wilderness as soon as you leave the centre of Corte. The path is always easy underfoot, easy to follow and cobbled most of the way. There are no steep climbs or descents and the route follows the "Mare a Mare" path above the left bank of the Tavignano river before entering the high mountains the further you penetrate into the gorge and the scenery becomes more dramatic. At the end of the hike the path descends to a footbridge that crosses the river. There is a natural pool for a refreshing swim. Return back on the same path.

Day 6 - Transfer from Corte to Porto

  • Today you have to arrange your transfer from Corte to Porto (not included)  You have two options: 
  • Option 1 -  Direct transfer with no hike (not included) 
    To get to Porto you can either : 
    . take the train from Corte to Ajaccio and take a bus from Ajaccio to Porto. Schedule here.
    . Or take a taxi : 2-hour-ride to get to Porto. Price: from 210 to 290 €uros
    . and enjoy Porto and the seaside ! 
  • Option 2 -  Moderate walk (start La Chatagneraie) on the way down to Porto (not included) along the Spelunca gorge
    .     Transfer from Corte to La Chataigneraie (1h45) that is located on the road to Porto
    . Moderate walk La Chataigneraie (chestnut) > Ota  ( 9km - 3h30, +50m/-600m)
    . The walk begins in the chestnut forest: a 15-minute walk into Evisa. From Evisa you plunge down 600m in altitude on a winding, cobbled path to the spectacular Spelunca gorge, where natural pools and centuries-old Genoese bridges await your visit. Take the time to rest by the waters and restore some energy before climbing under the shade of olive trees and into the village of Ota. 
    . Transfer from Ota to Porto. Contact us if you are interested. 
  • Night in Porto
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 7 - The Calanche di Piana: a world heritage site

  • Piana > Calanche de Piana > Piana 
  • The walk: The walk takes you inland on a rugged track though the forested valley climbing steadily and steeply. 
  • Option 1 - Moderate  
    . 4 hours - 10.5 km / 6.2 miles - Ascent: +500 m / Descent: -475 m
    . Starting in the village of Piana, take the time to explore the village before setting off on your hike: Piana is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. You walk along an ancient mule path that hovers high above the sea with fantastic views of the granite pinnacles of the Calanches de Piana where the coastline is at its most spectacular: blood-red stone pinnacles jutting out of the sea and soaring hundreds of metres into the skies, creating a chaos of giant granite structures carved by water and  wind. Your hike goes through the heart of these structures known as the Calanches de Piana. 

  • Option 2 -  Challenging - Capu d'Orto 
    . 6 hours - 15km / 9.3 miles - Ascent: +900 m / Descent: -875 m.
    . For those who would like to reach the summit Capu d’Orto, the forest quickly gives way to bare rock and it isn’t long before spectacular sea vistas open up. A steep and sun-exposed climb to the summit is rewarded by awe-inspiring 360° views taking in much of Corsica’s west coast. At an altitude of 1300m and only 3km from the coastline, Capu d’Orto is one of the best vantage spots on the entire island. Not all is lost if you choose not to complete the return trip to Capu d’Orto: our return journey remains on a scenic crest with sea views and then enters a centuries-old chestnut forest.

  • Transfer from the end of your walk - restaurant/café there - back to Porto.
  • Night in Porto.
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Girolata walk: a hike along the coastline

  • Walk to Girolata
  • The walk: From the Col de la Croix pass, at just over 200m, you descend gradually on a partially shaded path that follows the coastline. This is the "Sentier du Facteur", the path that Guy, the mailman, used every day to deliver the mail to Girolata, a village only accessible by foot or by boat.
  • Transfer to the start of your walk.
  • Option 1 - Moderate - Col de la Croix > Girolata 
    . 4 hours - 9 km / 5.5 miles - Ascent: +50 m / Descent: -600 m
    . The walk takes you on the famed "sentier du facteur" – literally the “mailman’s path” – the path Guy the mailman took every day to deliver the mail to the village of Girolata, lost in time, only accessible by foot or by boat. At the remote Tuara beach you can take a secluded dip before taking a path etched into the rocky coastline to Girolata. Plenty of restaurants there and a second great swim in the Med sea ! You return to Tuara beach in a loop via the "Mare e Monti" trail (another dip!) and then retrace your steps up to the Col de la Croix, start of your walk

  • Option 2 - Challenging - Curzo > Col de la Croix > Girolata
    . 6 hours - 17 km / 10.5 miles - Ascent: +150 m / Descent: -1300 m
    . The full walk from the village of Curzo takes you on a steep climb up to a stunning ridgeline from where much of Corsica’s western coastline is at your feet. You descend the ridgeline in question to the Col de la Croix road pass where the "Moderate level" walk begins. The initial climb from the village of Curzo up to the crest is steep and sun-exposed.   

  • Transfer back to Porto
  • Night in Porto
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 9 - End of your corsica holidays !

  • End of your trip after breakfast in Porto. Bye Bye Corsica ...
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Have an extra night in Porto !
    . Your hotel is nearby the seaside. You will enjoy having a relaxing day by the Med sea between your hikes.
    . Explore the Unique Scandola nature reserve and the Calanches of Piana by boat
    . Explore the Unique Scandola nature reserve and the Calanches of Piana by canoe-kayak

  • RETURN from Porto:
    . Train : Corte > Calvi or Corte > Bastia or Corte > Ajaccio  - Schedules here.
    . Bus Porto > Ajaccio (2 hours 10) - Schedules 
    . Airport  : regular flights and low-cost airlines from Calvi, Ajaccio, Bastia to Paris, Nice or Marseille  
    . Corsica ferry : regular ferry to Nice and Marseille

- Info on the walks in Corsica

  • Please note : Corsica walking itineraries are Moderate + level,  due to rocky terrain.
    . Some trails can be more rocky than others, and therefore may take more time to walk if you are not used to this type of terrain.
    . We do our best to calculate a fair estimation of the walk ( The indicated walking time is based on no rest, no stop, no picnic)
    . We appreciate that this time can vary according to walking abilities.
  • On some walks around Corte, we highly recommend you getting a private local guide for the day. 
    If you are not an experienced mountain hiker and haven't been used chains and ladders to climb : he will be able to assist you, encourage you and share his knowledge and experience with you. Learn the lay of the land from those who know it best ...

  • CHALLENGING walking option 
    On some walks, we give you the possibility to choose a more challenging walk
    . Walking level: It is is suitable only for those with hiking experience on mountainous and jagged rockyterrain. 
    Please be aware that this option is for experienced hikers and the level of difficulty of the itineraries can be strenuous: more distance, more elevation gain, chains and ladders to climb and some stages during which certain skills may be required. 
    . If you are interested, please contact us

More Corsica walking tours

Corsica walking holiday : Calvi, short & sweet
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  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
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    • Highlights of the tour -- a re-travailler

    • Coastal walk to the Revellata lighthouse, admiring the turquoise sea
    • Swimming opportunities on sandy secluded beaches
    • The best places and the best hikes in Corsica from the sandy beaches of Calvi to the wild mountain lakes of Corte



      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

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    Corsica walking holiday : Porto, short & sweet
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    • The village of Piana by the Med Sea
    • The famous Calanches of Piana : superb granite walls chiselled by erosion
    • The Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola nature reserve : a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Swimming & relaxing on sandy secluded beaches

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    Corsica walking holiday : From the sea in Calvi to the Mountains in Corte
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    • Highlight of the tour

    • Coastal walk to the Revellata lighthouse, admiring the turquoise sea
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    • Hiking trails through chestnut forests
    • 1 picnic included
    • The best places and the best hikes in Corsica from the sandy beaches of Calvi to the wild mountain lakes of Corte
    • Diverse landscapes with the best hiking spots in Corsica, a moderate walking grade
    • Strolling through Corte, one of the "must" historic places to stay in Corsica
    • Follow trails to blue mountain lakes, glittering natural pools and shepherds’ huts
    • Emerald waters of the Restonica gorge


      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

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    • Highlights of your trip

    • Strolling through Corte, the historic capital surrounded by mountain peaks   
    • Follow trails to blue mountain lakes, glittering natural pools
    • Girolata small fishermen’s village accessible only by foot or boat
    • Piana one of the most beautiful villages of France ands its famous Calanches
    • The emerald colored waters of of the Restonica gorge and the Spelunca Gorge 
    • Hiking through chestnut forest
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    • Girolata small fishermen’s village accessible only by foot or boat
    • Hiking through chestnut forests
    • The famous Piana Calanches and its spooky pink granite rock 
    • Beautiful coastal walk to the Revellata lighthouse, admiring the turquoise sea
    • Swimming opportunities on sandy secluded beaches
    • Piana one of the most beautiful villages of Corsica
    • Walk on an ancient mule path high above the sea with fantastic views
    • Enjoy discovering the Corsican culture

      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 870 € / pers
    Trip details
    Best of Corsica walking holidays: Calvi-Corte-Porto
        • France - Corsica
        • 2 adults (2x1280€)
        • 0 children (0x1280€)
      • 9 days
      • Simple
    Total 2560€
    Deposit 860€
    Book now !