CORSICA UNCOVERED - 7 Days

The walk starts in Calvi and finishes in Porto, on the island of Corsica. Calvi has its own small airport with regular connections from Paris, Nice, and Marseille. A ferry from Nice, Marseille, or La Ciotat is a scenic alternative. Those arriving via Bastia can reach Calvi by train in around 4 hours 15 minutes, or by bus in around 2 hours.

The walk ends in Porto. Two buses per day run from Porto to Ajaccio, taking around 2 hours; services do not operate daily, and the earlier departure is strongly recommended for those with onward connections. Note that if you are flying from Ajaccio on the same day, a private transfer is advisable to ensure timely arrival at the airport. From Ajaccio, flights connect to Paris, Nice, and Marseille, with ferry services also available to the mainland. Please discuss your departure arrangements with us in advance.

This walk is available from 1 April to 31 October, with no fixed start days. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons for walking. Spring brings mild temperatures of 15 to 22°C on the coast, with fresh greenery, wildflowers and the maquis in full scent. Snow can linger at altitude into April, particularly around Corte and the mountain lakes, so early season walkers should be prepared for variable conditions. In June, July and August, choose shaded, wooded paths and plan to walk early in the day, especially on the Calvi stages and in the Tavignano Gorge, where the heat builds quickly. Autumn stays warm, with temperatures around 20 to 28°C, cooler mornings and clear skies. September and October are many walkers' preferred months, with quieter trails and the chestnut forests beginning to turn. Please note that during June to September, taxi availability can be limited; if booking within seven weeks of your start date, we will advise on alternative options at the time of booking.

This walk is graded moderate. Daily walks average 13.7 kilometres with around 384 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 5 out of 10. The terrain is predominantly mountainous and rocky, and some trails are more technical than others. Progress can be slower on rougher sections, so sure-footedness is important. Sturdy walking boots with good grip and ankle support are essential.

Walking days average around five hours. There are opportunities to take on more demanding options for those with hiking experience and confidence on rocky, technical terrain. These sections may involve some scrambling, and solid map-reading and compass skills are required. A regular training routine of three to four times per week, with an emphasis on hill work and uneven terrain, is recommended in preparation. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

The walks start with a short transfer to Piana.

Option 1 - Moderate: Piana to the Calanches

4 hours | 10.5 km | Ascent: +500m | Descent: -475m

Kick things off in the village of Piana, a place that’s earned its spot among the most beautiful villages in France. Take a bit of time to wander the charming streets before hitting the trail. The walk follows an old mule track that hugs the cliffs high above the sea, offering jaw-dropping views of the Calanches de Piana. These blood-red granite spires soar straight out of the coastline, towering hundreds of metres into the sky – a surreal sight carved by centuries of wind and water. The trail weaves right through the heart of these rugged formations. You’ll finish the walk at a spot with a café or restaurant, perfect for a well-earned drink or bite to eat, before transferring back to Porto.

Option 2 - Challenging: Capu d’Orto Summit

6 hours | 15 km | Ascent: +900m | Descent: -875m

For those keen to tackle the summit of Capu d’Orto, this one’s a cracker. The trail leaves the forest behind pretty quickly and gives way to bare rock, where the views just get better with every step. It’s a tough, steep climb in the sun, but the payoff is next level – at 1,300m and just 3km from the coast, Capu d’Orto dishes up some of the best 360° views of Corsica’s west coast. If you’re not up for the full climb, no worries – the return trail sticks to a scenic ridge with stunning sea views before dropping into an ancient chestnut forest. Either way, you’ll finish at a café or restaurant, where you can kick back before transferring back to Porto.

Please speak to the office if you wish to take up this option.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this itinerary. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.