Corsica, Corte to Piana

You will arrive in the historic town of Corte. The best way to get there is by train from either Ajaccio, Calvi or Bastia. The train journey itself is an experience as it passes through a very beautiful landscape.
After checking in at the hotel, we recommend you to take a walk around the historic citadel (fortress).

The day starts with a short transfer to Scala di Santa Regina, where the hike begins. You will hike along a historic trail that was once used by shepherds to bring their cattle out of the Niolo Valley. You will hike among granite rocks and an old bridge over a small river that is a suitable place to take a break. From here you continue downhill through chestnut forest, to a lake down in the valley where you reach Calacuccia.
13 km, +700 m, -340 m

Also included today is a short transfer to the start of the hike. This takes you to the mountain pass ‘Col de Vergio’ surrounded by pine forest. The views from here are majestic with views of high peaks and lush green valleys. You hike through the pine forest with its characteristic Laricio trees on your way down to Evisa. Along the way, you’ll also come across a natural swimming pool embedded in granite, where you might take the opportunity to cool off. Evisa, at 830 metres above sea level, is a pleasant mountain village and the rustic hotel you’re staying in has beautiful views over the valley.
11.5 km, +80 m, -720 m

Today you have the opportunity to just relax, or you can take a hike following a section of the trail called ‘Mare e Monti’. The hike goes through chestnut forests, and the characteristic Mediterranean bushes called ‘Maquis’ in Corsica. You will reach the abandoned mountain village of Tassu, then the village of Marignana, which is a good place for a coffee break, before returning to Evisa.
9 km, +300 m, -300 m

An old path zigzags through the Spelunca gorge and leads to the village of Ota, over a beautiful old arched bridge. In this small mountain village, donkeys, dogs and villagers work together in their gardens with lovely Mediterranean vegetation such as bougainvillea, lemon and fig trees. A lunch at the local restaurant in the village is recommended. From here you hike downhill towards Porto and enjoy views of its beautiful red cliffs and the blue sea.
14 km, +320 m, -1170 m

The total walking time today is estimated at about 4.5 hours, so if you wish, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful town of Porto in the morning. For example, you can take an excursion boat to the Scandola Nature Reserve. If you instead want to start the hike towards Piana directly after breakfast, you can instead visit the Ficaghiola beach, located below Piana. The hike between Porto and Piana starts at the beach with its eucalyptus trees, further along the coast into the famous ‘Les Calaques’ which are very beautiful, red, dramatic rock formations.
12 km, +520 m, -70 m

The tour ends after breakfast and check-out. If you didn’t manage to visit the small beach of Ficaghiola yesterday, you might do it today. The beach is located about 5 km from Piana.