Coast and Mountains North of Corsica, walking. From Calvi to Cargese
The Mare e Monti North: the unforgettable mountains in the sea. One
of five classic walks in Corsica that snakes around
the foot of the massifs, which leads through some lovely forests and villages.
Setting off from the Balagne you will head inland towards the high summits,
enticing views of sweeping bays, rocky creeks and glistening waters are
forever present.
This holiday would appeal to anyone used to walking regularly and in
good shape. With eleven days of easy to moderate walking you will discover
the richness of Corsica and one of the most beautiful corners of the island.
Numerous pleasures are waiting to be discovered, from the high airy mountain
peaks of Bonifatu, the trail leads past the reserve of Scandola an area
protected by Unesco and classed as a site of world beauty.
In the Gulf of Girolata you stay in the unique little fishing village
of Girolata which is accessible only by boat or foot.Good place for and
extra night and start of a boat trip!
You can start this walk
from Calvi or
from Galeria (Bus
from Calvi to Galeria not on Sunday!, Taxi €100).
The whole of the Mare e Monti North trail can be done in 11 to 13 days
and starts in Calvi. On first walking day you will get a transfer to Calenzana
for the start of the walk to Tuarelli. Arrived at Tuarelli you will get
a transfer to Galeria or Montestremo.
We offer this trail in standard ** en **plus packages of 6 to 13 days.
Extra nights at arrival in Calvi or Galeria or at departure from Ajaccio
are not included and can be added.
Including if you wish an extra night in Calvi before the walk and/or
a night in Ajaccio (after the walk). Mail us for more details on these options.
Contact
The following itinerary divides it into 10 daily stages:
From
To
Highest point
Up
Down
Distance
Calenzana 190m
Bonifatu (718 m)
581 m
590 m
287 m
11 km
Bonifatu (718 m)
Montestremo (276 m)
1,200 m
620 m
1,050 m
15 km
Tuarelli (276 m)
Galeria (40 m)
180 m
221 m
271 m
10 km
Galeria (40 m)
Girolata (0 m)
874 m
754 m
784 m
12 km
Girolata (0 m)
Curzu (318 m)
852 m
675 m
1,135 m
13 km
Curzu (318 m)
Serriera (289 m)
360 m
364 m
604 m
8 km
Serriera (289 m)
Ota (675 m)
914 m
880 m
570 m
10 km
Ota (675 m)
Marignana (1,072 m)
830 m
636 m
260 m
11 km
Evisa (1,072 m)
Revinda (735 m)
1,102 m
610 m
720 m
20 km
Revinda (735 m)
Cargese (95 m)
650 m
380 m
910 m
11 km
Getting there and leaving Corsica:
Calenzana, the Northern starting point, is located close to Calvi that is
reachable by ferry
from France or by air to Calvi's
Sainte Catherine Aeroport .
Going from Bastia, you can get to Calvi either by bus (one connection a
day except Sundays, duration 2 hours), or by train (two or three connections
a day, duration 2h44). There is a bus route Calvi - Calenzana. Another bus
line connects Ajaccio with Cargese at the end of the trail.
Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary exactly
as detailed above, it may be necessary to make changes as a result of factors
beyond our control. As a consequence, the itinerary or night stops may be
modified and we reserve the right to make changes when/if necessary. Abnormal
conditions can prevail in any Moderate holiday; be prepared to be flexible
when necessary.
IMPORTANT PRECISIONS
LEVEL The walks are on good footpaths
and trails. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to
enjoy this holiday. There is between 5h00 and 6h00 effective walking each
day. The ascents and descents are constant. There will be between 400m and
900m ascension per day. The effective walking time is an indication of how
long it will take you, though walking speed varies enormously. The estimations
do not take into account time for route finding and stops along the way.
CARRYING you will have to carry a day sack only, with your water
bottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket. Our bag-moving service means
you can travel light. There are two night stops that are not accessible
by vehicle and you will have to carry a minimum of personal gear for the
night. This applies to Girolata and somertimes to Revinda which are two
spots of wild, natural beauty. Your main luggage - will be transported
by vehicle between the different hotels. We ask you to please limit your
main luggage to between 10-15kg to facilitate the transportation and carrying
for the taxis. It is also important to consider that it may be necessary
to carry your bags short distances around at the start or end of your holiday,
to and from the bus station for example.
LODGING: A mix of hotels,
chambres d'Hôtes and Gîtes MEALS: Continental breakfast (tea, coffee,
bread, butter and jam) ; Evening meals in the Gîte restaurants, often local
specialities consisting of a starter, main course, cheese or desert.
STARTING POINT and END The starting point is at your hotel in Calvi
at 12h00 onwards. It is also possible to start your holiday from Ajaccio,
please discuss with us at the time of your reservation. Consult with us
for left luggage facilities.
ORGANIZATION We propose a self
guided, independent walking formula. You choose your departure date (you
can start any day of the week) and we will take care of all the rest. We
transport your bags between the different night stops, provide the maps
and good walking route notes. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility,
you dictate the walking pace and rhythm of your holiday.
DATES
Departures every Sunday from the start of April to the end of October.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO CORSICA By Air Direct charter flights during
the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered by Air France, British Midland.
Contact Holiday Options or Sky Marketing. Scheduled services via Paris.
You can also change at Montpellier or Nice for connecting flights. By
Boat A high speed service BGV, overnight ferries and semi-fast ferries offer
a regular service to Ajaccio port. SNCM Ferries - 61 Boulevard des dames
- 13005 Marseille. Departs from Marseille, Nice or Toulon. Corsica Ferries,
Moby Lines, departs from Toulon, Nice and Italie. By Bus: Find all information
at https://www.corsicabus.org/
Corsica selfguided and independent walking holidays
For all details of our walking and hiking trips in Corsica surf
on the links below.
