Home - Walking in France - Corsica Walking - Mare e Monti North - H13-plus Plus/* packages 7, 9, 12 or 13 days (May-October last start from Calvi September 28th) Chambre d'Hôtes and hotels

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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.

map-mem-nord

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).

(For thestnd*** version H13-stnd you click here)

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Packages	Day stages	Pricing

Mare et Monti North From Calvi - H13-plus* 2022 Calvi - Galeria - Porto - Cargese	7 days 6 nights	9 days 8 nights	12 days 11 nights	13 days 12 nights
Calvi (hotel BnB Casa Bianca ***)	d1	d1	d1	d1
Bonifatu (start with a transfer to Calenzana)	d2	d2	d2	d2
Galeria (transfer at arrival in Tuarelli to Galeria)		d3	d3	d3
Galeria. (roundwalk Vallée du Fango)	d3	d4	d4	d4
Girolata E Casarelle Bungalow park	d4	d5	d5	d5
Curzu	d5	d6	d6	d6
Serriera l'Alivu /*		d7	d7	d7
Porto Hotel Subrini***	d6	d8		d8
Ota			d8	d9
Evisa			d9	d10
Revinda Night after transfer in Cargese			d10	d11
Cargese Hotel Bel Mare *** Walk from Revinda after transfer.			d11	d12
End of package after breakfast	d7	d9	d12	d13
End of package after breakfast. Bus to Ajaccio Not included. Bus not on Sunday.
Lunches take away not included (To order from the hotelkeeper at arrival for the next morning). All bags transfers (2 pieces per person and a maximum of 10 pieces of each max 15kg) included in the basic rates. For more than 10 bags and bags more than 15kg you'll have to negotiate by yourself with the taxidrivers and transporters on the spot. All transfers of persons up to 4 persons are included in the basic rates. For transfers of persons of pax of 5 and more persons a supplement may be added. Extra nights in Ajaccio or Calvi, at the start or at the end of the walk in Hôtel BnB. Price €80 to €100 per person in hotel double room p.p.

Price per person 2p sharing room PLUS: /*	7 days € 970	9 days € 1174	12 days € 1631	13 days € 1771
Overnights and breakfasts	6	8	11	12
Dinners included	3	5	9	9
Supplement July - August	€ 17	€ 33	€ 33	€ 33
Supplement single room	€ 361	€ 450	€ 583	€ 665
Bags transfer included. Lunches take away not included. To order from the hotelkeeper at arrival for the next morning.

Currency Converter

Discount on basic rate p.p. for small groups and families.
See terms and conditions for group discounts
H13 plus packages 7 - 13 days

Parties of 3 persons : 8 % p.p.
Parties of 4 persons : 12 % p.p.
Parties of 5 persons : 14 % p.p.
Parties of 6 persons : 11 % p.p.
Parties of 7 persons : 13 % p.p.
Parties of 8 persons : 15 % p.p.

For booking this walk Click Here.

Packages	Day stages	Pricing

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 7 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

For booking this walk Click Here.

Packages	Day stages	Pricing

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.

Packages	Day stages	Pricing

MARE ET MONTI CORSICA

PROGRAM 13 days walk

Day 1 : Calvi
If you fly in to Ajaccio you can take the train to Calvi (€25,- not included).
Your holiday starts at your hotel in Calvi, after checking in, you have the opportunity to explore the town. If you would like to start your holiday in Ajaccio consult us at the moment of reservation.
Night at your hotel in Calvi. Evening meal not included.
Day 2: Calenzana to Bonifatu
At 8am transfer by taxi to Calenzana (included).
Leaving Calenzana your route follows the famous GR20 along an old mule trail, you climb progressively up to the Ortiventi fountain, from where you can look back at Calenzana and the villages of the Balagne. You then drop down on to an old path known as the postman’s route, which cuts through the forest of Sambuccu. You pass a small Col before going gently down hill to reach the Figarella bridge. Once across the bridge you follow the left bank, and then a slight climb up to the ‘Auberge de la foret’.
Night and evening meal at the auberge in Bonifatu
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes .
5h00 effective walking, +590m altitude, -287m
Day 3: Bonifatu to Tuarelli
At a nearby bridge you follow a forestry track that is known as the ‘chemin de ronde’, that gently climbs towards the south-west, passing the ruins of the house belonging to Prince Pierre. You then progress into a forest of maritime pines and green oak trees. At an altitude of 1200m you arrive at the Bocca di Bocassa. After approximately 3 hours of a very rewarding and relaxing section you arrive at Tuarelli rock pools, the perfect place for a laze on the sun baked rocks and a swim.
Night and evening meal at hotel in Montestremo or Galeria. You will get a transfer from Tuarelli to either Montestremo or Galeria
Standard package: Gite (dormitory in Montestremo) or Hotel ** or *** in Galeria.
7h00 effective walking, +620m altitude, -1050m.
Day 4: Roundwalk Vallée du Fango at Galeria or walk from Montestremo to Galeria
You walk from the the beach at Galeria village to the beach at the Fangu river. If you feel more like walking instead of swimming you ga make a round walk by the Pont des Cinq Arcades and reach the Tra Mare et Monti to come back in Galeria. Your route then climbs into the maquis and passes several old shepherds cabins. Your day’s walk finishes with a short down hill stretch in to the village of Galeria where you are rewarded with stunning views over Fangu.
Night and evening meal at hotel in Galeria.
If you start in Montestremo you will walk in the Valley of the Fangu to Ponte Veechiu. At le Fango your route then climbs into the maquis and passes several old shepherds cabins. Your day’s walk finishes with a short down hill stretch in to the village of Galeria where you are rewarded with stunning views over Fangu.
Night and evening meal at hotel in Galeria.
Standard package: Hotel ** or ***.
2h00 effective walking, +221m altitude, -271m
Day 5: Galeria to Girolata
Today you start by following a beautiful path shaded from the sun. Your path leads you to a natural pool, and an uphill section alongside the river bank. You will shortly come across an area of vegetation, after this you will emerge in to a forest of oaks before reaching the Crète du Lucciu (697m). From here you will have remarkable views over the gulf of Girolta, the Genoese tower and the red granite cliffs. You continue west along the ridge path, to reach the River Cavone and the coast. This is also a beautiful spot to swim, to cool off after your days walk.
Night and evening meal at Gîte in Girolata. Girolata can only be reached by boat or on foot. So you will have to take whatever you need for one night. The other luggage will be brought directly to Curzu.
Standard package: dormitory.
6h00 effective walking, +754m altitude, -784m.
Day 6 : Girolata to Curzu From Girolata’s beach, you follow the ridge path that runs alongside the coast, after around 3 hours you will arrive at the foot of Punta di u Tartavellu, from here continue around to the West to arrive at Bocca Ascencu (742m). Continuing along the ridge path in a south-westerly direction you can admire exceptional views over Scandola’s natural reserve, one of the largest natural sites in Europe, which displays an explosion of colors and fantastic landscapes. Once at Capu di Curzu (852m) you rapidly loose altitude as your path progresses into a series of loops before reaching Curzu.
Night and evening meal at Gîte in Curzu.
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes.
6h00 effective walking, +675m altitude, -1135m.
Day 7 : Curzu to Serriera
From the Gîtes, you climb through the village and head in a south-westerly direction along a path that overlooks the village of Partinellu and the bay of Porto, the only French natural site to appear on UNESCO’s world heritage list. You then start down hill towards the River Vetricella, and after walking alongside the river for around 50 metres, your path climbs, you will soon arrive at the ‘Chemin de Serriera Pinetu’. Once passing this you will shortly arrive at the Bocca di u Furcatu, the last stretch before Serriera.
Night and evening meal at your hotel/Chambre d'Hôtes in Serriera .
3h30 effective walking, +364m altitude, -604m.
Day 8 : Serriera to Porto
Light stage. Leaving Serriera head to the bridge Pont de Serriera over the Santa Maria stream you head to the beach at Bussaglia. After enjoying some swim climb up to the Bocca Lenzana before going down to Porto. A very pleasant touristy but authentic village at the beautiful Golfe de Porto with subtropical vegetation with woods of Eucalyptus trees. If you want to you can rent here a car to visit the Calanches of Piana.
Night and evening meal at Hotel in Porto.
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes.
6h30 effective walking, +880m altitude, -570m.
Day 9 : Serriera to Ota
The stage starts with a transfer bacj to Serriera. Leaving Serriera head to the bridge over the Santa Maria stream, to climb up to the Lonca forestry track and emerging into the forest. You will soon arrive at the rocky belvedere a beautiful viewpoint over Serriera. Crossing through the pine and chestnut forest, you can notice a ‘sechoir chataignes’ a small stone structure used by the villagers to stock their chestnuts while they dried. On the way down into the Vitrone ravine, the granite rock faces have a lot of distinctive red porphyry.
Night and evening meal at Gîte in Ota.
Standard package: chambre d'Hôtes.
6h30 effective walking, +880m altitude, -570m.
Day 10 : Ota to Evisa
From Ota you walk past the Ceccaldi village restaurant, past braying donkeys, noisy hunting dogs and colourful gardens, to pick up the path. Following the direction of the river the path is down hill and in the shade of the olive trees. You cross over the narrow, high arched Genoise bridge ‘Ponte Vechju’ and shortly arrive at the entrance of the Spelunca Gorge, a great rest and swim spot. The first part of the gorge is fairly flat but once across the second small Genoise bridge it starts to zig zag up hill, it is well graded but there is a lot of altitude to gain to arrive in Evisa with bars, bakers and post office in the village of Evisa (after 7,5 km)
** hotel in Evisa. After Evisa you are not going to Marignana but you can do a round-walk by the Mare a Mare Nord (Sentier de découverte) to the Piscine a Madre (natural pools in the Aitone stream) and back to Evisa the same way (14,1 km). Next day however a longer walk from Evisa via Marignana. Evisa is the pearl of the mountains, a vibrant mountain village, that has wonderful sunsets over the nearby sea. It is known for it's chestnut forests, a lot of the recipes are still chestnut based. A trail will lead you through the chestnut trees to the Aitone pine forest, here you will find a natural beauty spot, the emerald green rock pools and chutes of water that make up the piscines naturels.)
12,5 km, 5h00 effective walking, +650m altitude, -260m.
Day 11 : Evisa to Marignana and Revinda (E Case)
Transfer for the night in Cargese.
Starting from Evisa you will reach Marignana after 5 km and 2 hours walking.
After 6,2 km you reach the Bocca a u Mamucciu at 824m alt. By the Mare a Mare Nord and the Mare e Monti Nord combined you reach after 22km and 8,5 hrs walking (if you started from Evisa) the end in Revinda.
It is possible to start with a taxi-transfer from Evisa to Marignana ( € 25 supplement). If you book a transfer to Marignana and start from Marignana:6h30 effective walking, +610m altitude, -720 m
Past the bars, bakers and post office you go through the village of Evisa and onto the lowest road. Walking away from the centre you soon come to a track that heads off into the old chestnut tree woods. The path is easy under foot and was once a well trodden link to the neighbouring villages. You will find all the typical plants that make up the Corsican maquis as you make your way towards the Tavulella river. Once across the river you will shortly arrive at the mystical hamlet of Tassu, a peaceful little haven of houses, church and abandoned terracing. Now just a short 20 mins walk from Marignana.

You'll get your luggage the next day at Cargese
6h30 effective walking, +610m altitude, -720 m
Day 12 : Revinda to Cargese. Start with a transfer to Revinda.
You leave Revinda by a path that will give some splendid views on the Golfe de Chiuni. You then begin to edge your way down hill, passing the Santa Lucia shepherds cabins and the village of Lozzi, situated just before your day’s destination Cargese, a beautiful historical town boasting two churches: ‘l’Eglise Latine’ and ‘l’Eglise Grecque’.
Night and evening meal at your hotel in Cargese.
5h00 effective walking, +380m altitude, -910m.
Day 13 : Leave Cargese for Ajaccio by bus.
Transfer to Ajaccio is not included in the package. Bus Not possible on Sundays!!)
You leave Cargese by bus in the morning (not included), once back in Ajaccio you have the choice of 2 walks along the ‘Sentier des Crètes’, a trail that overlooks the gulf of Ajaccio with magnificent views out to sea, over the town and the surrounding mountains. There is also the possibility of visiting the Iles Sanguinaires by boat’.
From 2h30 to 4h00 effective walking, from +140m altitude to +340m, from 6km to 11km depending on your chosen option.
Your holiday comes to end in Ajaccio.
Option of returning to Calvi, by taking the ‘Trinichellu’, Corsica’s rail service, which runs from north to south via the centre of the island (Not included : € 25).

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 holiday; be prepared to be flexible when necessary.

IMPORTANT PRECISIONS

LEVEL
You walk on walking trails with good footpaths and tracks. 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 sometimes 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.
Mare à Mare Sud H12 Porto Vecchio - Propiano stnd**	6 - 8 days
Mare e Monti Nor th H13-plus The Whole trail from Calvi to Cargese Plus/*	7, 9, 12, 13 days
Mare e Monti Nor th Scandola H13b-plus From Galeria, Scandola and Golfe de Porto plus*	6 - 10 days
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Coast and Mountains North of Corsica, walking. From Calvi to Cargese

Corsica selfguided and independent walking holidays