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Mare e Monti North: Calvi - Cargese

9 days / 8 nights
Corsica - Independent walking
Without guide - Luggage transfer

Last updated: 01/12/2023

price from 1390 € per pers.

Walk the one of the most famous trails in Corsica, the full Mare e Monti, from Calvi to Cargèse. Spend 10 days on Corsican paths and in the middle of splendid landscapes.

Starting from the coastline, you will walk inland and discover the heart of the Isle of Beauty.




Picnic lunches: You will be able to get it on the gîtes (around 10€) or on the village's groceries. Always take it before walking.

Your day by day program

1
From Calvi to Bonifatu

Meet in Calvi in the morning. Transport options to get to Calvi: the airport, the port and the train.
Transfer to Calenzana, otherwise known as the land of olive trees. You will start your walking tour from Bonifatu.
During this first stage, you will cross beautiful rivers and get magnificent views over the traditional Balagne region.

Duration: approximately 4h05.
Height gain: 800m.
Height loss: 540m.

2
From Bonifatu to Tuarelli

From the Bonifatu forest, we cross the Bocca Bonassa pass to descend into the Fango valley. From a mountainous environment, we gradually move into the Mediterranean zone. Transfer after the hike and overnight in Galeria.

Walking time approx. 7h30
Difference in altitude: +1100 m; -1400 m

3
From Galeria to Girolata

Today’s stage will take you to the heart of the Scandola Natural Reserve, a site which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The beautiful coves, turquoise waters and the differently shaped rock formations will offer you truly unique landscapes.
As for Girolata, it is an enchanting little fishing village only accessible on foot or by boat, and a heavenly place for hikers. There, you will be able to go for a swim in majestic coves and enjoy eating freshly caught fish for dinner, in a restaurant next to the beach.

Walking: 5 hours.
Height gain: 900m.
Height loss: 900m.

4
From Girolata to Curzu

As you walk along a coastline path called the ‘sentier des douaniers’, you will come across several crests, which will offer you great panoramic views over the rest of the island. You will finally arrive in Curzu, where you will spend the night.

Walking: 6h30.
Height gain: 1300m.
Height loss: 1200m.

An alternative and easier walk is also available for this particular stage. Duration: approximately 5 hours.

5
From Curzu to Serriera

Your journey will take you to the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto. You will cross a river and discover the now desolate village of Pinetu. You will also be able to discover the beach of Bussaglia, which has often been described as the most beautiful beach in the Gulf of Porto. Finally, you will end today’s walk by stopping in Porto's famous port for the night.

Walking: 4h40.
Height gain: 565m.
Height loss: 878m.

6
From Serriera to Ota

Walk to inland territories and leave Serriera by crossing a footbridge that will lead you to walk in the direction of a chestnut tree forest.
You will soon reach Ota, your destination point for today's stage.

Duration: 6h45.
Height gain: 990m.
Height loss: 650m.

7
From Ota to Marignana

Start today's journey by crossing a superb Genovese bridge that will lead you to walk into the heart of the Spelunca Gorge. Continue your walk by crossing another Genovese bridge and by enjoying a swim in the gorge's crystal-clear waters. After walking through the enchanting little village of Evisa, you will get to discover the forgotten hamlet of Tassu before reaching Marignana.

Duration: 5 hours.
Height gain: 650m.
Height loss: 260m.

8
From Marignana to Cargèse

After leaving Marignana, walk through the undergrowth and enter a forest of majestic chestnut trees. You will then come close to the ruins of an ancient smokehouse, before crossing a little stream and reaching the shepherds' huts of Casta. While you make your way through maquis-shrouded hills, the village of E Case will quickly come into sight.
After a transfer to Cargèse, you can enjoy your last evening on the island of beauty.

Duration: 6h30.
Height gain: 610m.
Height loss: 720m.

9
Cargèse

After breakfast, enjoy swimming at the beach in Cargèse.
Buses from Cargèse go to Ajaccio and Porto.

Departure board

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

Technical information

Fact sheet
Starting point
  • Calvi
End
  • Cargèse
Accommodation
  • 3 nights in hotels in double/twin rooms.
    5 nights in stopover gîtes (shared dormitories).
Number of people
  • From 2.
Level of difficulty
  • This Classical Corsican trail uses very well marked paths. From 4 to 6 walking hours a day.
Carrying
  • Your main bag will be transferred by vehicle except in Girolata, you just have to carry your personal belongings and your picnic.
Options
  • 7 nights in double room : 170€
  • Trip without luggage transfers : -355€
Included
  • Accommodation in hotels and gîtes
  • Breakfasts
  • Dinners (7), except in Cargese
  • Private transfers from Calvi to Calenzana, from Tuarelli to Galeria and from E Case to Cargese
  • Luggage transfer (except for the stage at Girolata)
  • Topographical guide, maps on our application (a smartphone is required)
  • Local hotline
Not included
  • Transport to the meeting point and from the dispersal point
  • Transfers not included in the programme
  • Insurance
  • Luggage transfer in Girolata
  • Drinks, picnics, evening meal in Cargèse
  • Everything not included in the price

Map

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