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Corsica walking holiday Mare e Monti Scandola

Corsica: Tra Mare e Monti Scandola (standard** packages 6 to 9 days)

Walks Mare e Monti "Scandola and Golfe de Porto" From Galeria to Porto or Cargese

Breathtaking views on the Gulfs of Galeria, Girolata and Porto

Corsica: Tra Mare e Monti Scandola walking

From Galeria Walks Mare e Monti "Scandola and Golfe de Porto"
Short standard** packages (5 to 9 days)

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

Experience stunning views of the Gulfs of Galeria, Girolata, and Porto every day

Coast to Mountains North, from Galeria 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 is perfect for active walkers and those in good physical shape. Over eleven days of easy to moderate walks, you’ll explore the rich beauty of Corsica and one of its most stunning regions.

Discover a world of wonders along the trail, from the stunning Scandola Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage site and a jewel of natural beauty.

Nestled in the Gulf of Girolata, the picturesque village of Girolata—accessible solely by boat or foot—offers a magical setting for an extended stay or the beginning of a scenic boat excursion.

To go to the start in Galeria you will have to go to Calvi first and take a bus or taxi ( 100) for the transfer to Galeria. These transfers to the start are not part of our packages. We can help you finding a taxi.

Small Group discount (pax 3 to 8 persons: 6 to 11%on basic rate p.p.)

For a Plus-version of H13b you click here.

More walks in Corsica

You can start this walk in Calvi if you want to do all of the Mare e Monti Nord.

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Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

Mare et Monti Scandola (from Galeria) Standard** H13b Galeria - Porto - Cargese	5 days 5 nights	6 days 6 nights	7 days 7 nights	8 days 8 nights	9 days 9 nights
Last possible start from Galeria	Oct 11th	Oct 10th	Oct 9th	Oct 8th	Oct 7th
Calvi (hotel BnB) option for an extra night	d0	d0	d0	d0	d0

Galeria (roundwalk Vallée du Fango if you arrive early)	d1	d1	d1	d1	d1
Girolata (Separate room in bungalow shared)	d2	d2	d2	d2	d2
Curzu	d3	d3	d3	d3	d3
Serriera		d4	d4	d4	d4
Ota			d5	d5	d5
Evisa				d6	d6
La Marine de Porto	d4	d5	d6	d7
Revinda E Case (Transfer naar Cargese)					d7
Cargese (Transfer to Revinda)					d8
End of package after breakfast.	d5	d6	d7	d8	d9
Not included: Bus (not on Sunday) from Porto back to Galeria or ahead to Ajaccio, extra nights in Calvi or Ajaccio. After arriving in the morning by bus in Ajaccio, you can go by train to Calvi, but we recommend strongly you enjoy an extra day in Ajaccio!
Price hotel ***BnB in Ajaccio: €60 to €70 per person in hotel double room sharing p.p..
H13b-stnd-2026	BnB	Dinners	Basic Rate MS	Suppl. HS	single room Supplement
H13b stnd 5 days	4	3	714	19	169
H13b stnd 6 days	5	4	853	20	220
H13b stnd 7 days	6	5	1008	22	263
H13b stnd 8 days	7	5	1151	25	302
H13b stnd 9 days	8	5	1374	28	370
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 taxi drivers and transporters on the spot. All transfers of pax up to 4 persons are included in the basic rates. For transfers of pax of 5 and more persons a supplement may be added. All prices are subject to availability

Currency Converter

Discount on basic rate p.p. for small groups and families. See terms and conditions for group discounts H13b stnd** packages 5 - 9 days
Discount on basic rate p.p. for small groups and families See terms and conditions of group discounts 5-8 days Parties of 3 persons : 7 % p.p. Parties of 4 persons : 10 % p.p. Parties of 5 persons : 12 % p.p. Parties of 6 persons : 11 % p.p. Parties of 7 persons : 10 % p.p. Parties of 8 persons : 11 % p.p.	Discount on basic rate p.p. for small groups and families See terms and conditions of group discounts 9 days Parties of 3 persons : 9 % p.p. Parties of 4 persons : 13 % p.p. Parties of 5 persons : 15 % p.p. Parties of 6 persons : 11 % p.p. Parties of 7 persons : 12 % p.p. Parties of 8 persons : 14 % p.p.

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

The following itinerary divides it into 7 daily stages:
From	To	Highest point	Up	Down	Distance
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

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

MARE ET MONTI CORSICA

PROGRAM 19 days walk

Day 1: Arrival in Galeria
Day 2: 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 Crête 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 3 : 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 4 : 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 /Chambre d'Hôtes in Serriera .
3h30 effective walking, +364m altitude, -604m.
Day 5 : 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.
6h30 effective walking, +880m altitude, -570m.
Day 6 : Serriera to Ota
The stage starts with a transfer back 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. 15,24 km
Day 7 : Ota to Evisa and Marignana
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.
In the afternoon, a series of winding steps cut down past the bars, bakers and post office, leading through the village of Evisa (after 7,5 km) 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 20mins walk from Marignana.
For the standard package: Night and evening meal at Gîte in Marignana (dormitory). .
(Plus option: ** 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 8 : Evisa or Marignana to Revinda (E Case) and a transfer to Cargese at the end.
If you start 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 dormitory of E Case.
If you started from Marignana:6h30 effective walking, +610m altitude, -720 m
It is possible to start with a taxi-transfer from Evisa to Marignana ( 25 supplement)
Day 9 : E Case to Cargese
After a transfer to Revibda you leave E Case via a path that will give you 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 10 (option) : Leave Cargese for Ajaccio by bus (not included in the package; not on Sunday!!)
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 Crêtes’, 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 Moderate 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 somertimes to Revinda which are two spots of wild, natural beauty.
Your main luggage - will be transported by vehicle between the different s. 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.

A mix of s, 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 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 Italy.
By Bus: Find all information at https://www.corsicabus.org/

Itineraries	Day stages	Pricing

More Corsica walking and hiking trips

Mare à Mare South H12 6 - 9 days

Mare e Monti Nord Calvi-Porto-Cargese H13 6 - 14 days

Mare a mare Nord Corte-Porto H17 7-8 days

About Us	Planning a trip	Contact

General information about Corsica

These walking tours have a variety of hotels, chambres d'Hôtes and Gîtes with dormitories. See the description of the different tours for the details.

In chambres d'hotes you'll have private rooms and bathroom en suite (standard package).

Weather
June and September are the best months to walk on Corsica.