Language
Currency
The fame of Corsica's beautiful beaches, historic towns and glitzy marinas is well-earned. Anybody wishing to bask in the simple pleasures of the Mediterranean island need not travel far from the coast to enjoy Corsica's vaunted offering. However, for the restless souls looking to spend their holiday in Corsica exploring everything the island has to offer, a walk along the paths, inclines and rocky descents that make up the island's countless hiking trails is the way to discover the very soul of the island.
While other island paradises, the likes of Sardinia or Mauritius, for example, possess a delicate, almost dreamlike beauty, where idyllic stretches of white sand meet soft turquoise waters and boats bob happily atop the gentle waves, Corsica offers something different: an almost primordial celebration of Mother Nature's wild and unpredictable side. A side which challenges those who dare to venture outside of their comfort zone and truly test themselves. For those in Corsica who accept the challenge, the rewards are immensely satisfying: awe-inspiring vistas across jagged mountain landscapes hewn in a more violent period of the Earth's development, secret gorges and wild swimming spots, woods of chestnut and pine through which slip busy streams and rugged trails, carving a way through the wilderness to reach the majestic granite cliffs and the mercy of the Eden-like bays and secluded creeks which guild the coasts with an almost lysergic beauty.
Peppered among the mountainous terrain that dominates much of the island you can also find delightful oasis-like villages and surrounding meadows, where the island's ruggedness melts away to reveal a mellow, almost pastoral splendour. Here, the simple pleasures of the hardy Corsican traditions and cuisine persist, undisturbed and undiminished by the ages and the noise of the outside world.
A hike along any one of the countless trails that criss-cross the Isle of Beauty is an opportunity to leave the trifling concerns of the modern world behind and to escape, one step at a time, into the timeless soul and beating heart of Mother Nature.
We take a look at some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Corsica...
It is of course essential to begin with the emblematic GR20, which crosses the island from North to South covering nearly 180 kilometres from Calenzana to Conca. This long-distance hiking trail is probably the best known and most challenging on the island: it takes about 15 days to complete and requires a certain physical and mental preparation. The GR20 is considered one of the most gruelling treks in Europe. The altitude varies about 11,000 metres with climbs reaching an altitude of more than 2,600 metres.
Nevertheless, the unforgettable panoramas more than justify the effort: the path crosses the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, where you can take in much of the celebrated local fauna and flora. The most fortunate among you may even catch a glimpse of the magnificent golden eagles which patrol the skies over the unspoilt lands harbouring mouflons and foxes, among other creatures.
Given the vast length of the GR20, you are not expected to undertake it in one go. There are different stages which hikers may choose to tackle one at a time, stopping off in refuges along the way. For those travelling north to south, setting off from near Calvi and ending in Conca, just north of Porto-Vecchio, the route is toughest at the beginning, with steep inclines and rocky paths which make up much of the northern part of Corsica particularly gruelling. However, the rewards are considered greater, with some truly incredible views of mountain lakes and hidden valleys to be enjoyed, not to mention the promise of wild horses. As you move further south, the terrain takes on an almost alpine character, with green slopes and pine forests a common feature.
Those who decide to embark on the GR20 would be advised to plan ahead and to avoid the summer months, when exposed paths at higher altitudes offer little refuge from the baking temperatures. As with many of the hikes suggested here, the spring or autumn, when the temperatures are more forgiving and the sun is still your friend, are usually the best times - as well as the most colourful - for hikers to explore the trails of Corsica.
Moving onto far gentler terrain, the Cascades des Anglais offers one of the more straightforward hiking trails on Corsica, lending you the chance to admire one of the Mediterranean island's many beautiful waterfalls. This hike is ideal for families with children who are not too young (around 10 years old).
It takes about 1h30 to complete, with a difference in altitude of about 200m. Upon reaching the waterfalls you can even take a dip in the crystalline waters, a wonderful way to cool off in the high summer temperatures - although those visiting outside of the summer months might find the waters a little too cooling for their tastes.
Be aware that this hike is among the most touristic on the island. It is therefore recommended to set off early if you want to avoid the influx of visitors and find yourself a quiet spot to dip your feet in the water.
Another very pleasant hike and a great place to head with children. The path crosses the scrubland, along the coast and then leads to the Genoese tower of Parata, from which you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the surrounding waters. The tower was built in the 16th century to protect the island from pirate and barbarian invasions, and offers an insight into the Genoese towers that populated the Corsican coast. An intriguing destination for kids to enjoy the rich history of the island, the path is accessible from Ajaccio by car and has a car park at the beginning.
This loop takes about 1 hour (or less if you walk at a good pace) and the difference in altitude is less than 50m - easily manageable for even the most inexperienced hikers.
The best of both worlds, one the one hand offering beautiful hiking opportunities and on the other a cultural stroll, the Corte trail invites you to discover the secrets of this stunning town steeped in fascinating history. Even more so than the cities of Calvi and Bonifacio, Corte is very much considered the historical and cultural capital of Corsica, even becoming the capital of independent Corsica in the 18th century.
Therefore, a trip to this cascading hilltop town of Corte is a must-see for all those interested in the history of Corsica, as well as those wishing to take in the natural beauty that abounds on this fantastic Mediterranean island.
The swift 2km long path (no need for overnight stays in refuges here) will take you alongside the Tavignanu river on which the city is built, before presenting you with the town's belvedere and citadel. The altitude variance is less than 70m and the trail is deemed suitable for all levels.
Nearby in the Restonica Valley sits Lake Melo, perhaps the most famous lake in Corsica, with a hike equal in beauty. Nearby Lake Capitello also provides hikers with an opportunity to experience the almost unparalleled wonder of this inland terrain. What's more, should both lakes in one day be deemed a little excessive, it is possible to do only one of the two lakes, since the path leading to Lake Capitello is actually a loop that follows the path leading to Lake Melo. This route is therefore very flexible according to your level of fitness or the time you have available.
Upon setting off, you have the choice between the left path, which is more suitable for families, and the right path, which ascends and then crosses a rocky bar. The difficulty is mainly present in the second part of the route, especially if you choose the left path from the outset.
Allow between a half-day and a day to complete the hike, depending on your pace and level: we count between 3h30 and 5h walking for both lakes. The difference in altitude shouldn't be taken for granted, amounting to 730m, but the hike remains relatively manageable. The difficulty is mainly present in the second part of the route but it is worth it, as it’s a great place to enjoy an aerial view of Lake Melo en route to Lake Capitello.
The options open to hikers in Corsica are innumerable. We've barely skimmed the surface with our list. Other hikes worth exploring include anything near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Gulf of Porto in the west of the island, the beautiful beach of which offers a view genuinely fitting of the phrase paradisiacal. The 5-to-10-day Mare e Monti walk, setting off from close to Calvi and taking in the Bonifatu forest, The Gorges of Spelunca and many splendid vistas over the sea and countryside along the way, before finishing in the south-west of the island. Finally, the popular Aiguilles de Bavella hike not far from the city of Porto Vecchio provides breath-taking views of jagged mountain ridges alongside verdant slopes and enchanting woodlands.
While hiking is a leisure activity, it remains a sport that can be dangerous if it is poorly practiced or practiced in poor conditions. Here are some tips to make sure you have a good time and avoid coming unstuck:
8
4
3
6
3
3
