There’s Corsica, and then there’s Cap Corse—the wilder, remoter, and arguably cooler cousin to the rest of the island. Here, the hiking trails follow in the footsteps of customs officers, smugglers, and shepherds, winding through a landscape of high cliffs, forgotten coves, and ridge-top villages where time moves a little slower. Each day on this self-guided hiking trip, you’ll tackle a new stretch of the rugged coastline, rewarded with amazing views and the kind of solitude that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret level of adventure. Spend one week here, and your future hikes might just feel like dress rehearsals.
Cap Corse is Corsica’s untamed north—a place where mountains dive into the sea and time-honored trails lead through wild maquis, dramatic cliffs, and centuries-old villages. This self-guided hiking tour follows customs officers’ paths, high ridgelines, and remote beaches, revealing a side of Corsica few get to experience. Each day brings new landscapes, from secret coves to panoramic peaks, with handpicked accommodations waiting at day’s end. With luggage transfers and detailed maps, the logistics are sorted—you just hike, soak in the scenery, and let Cap Corse work its magic.
Upon arriving in Bastia, you’ll be transferred to the harbor at Macinaggio, located at the northeastern tip of Cap Corse. Macinaggio offers a pleasant setting with restaurants, a renowned ice cream parlor near the harbor, and a long white sandy beach ideal for a refreshing swim before commencing your hiking adventure.
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Libecciu in Macinaggio
Embark on a scenic coastal walk along the “customs officers path” around the top of Cap Corse. The trail features small secluded coves, turquoise waters, and the fragrant wild maquis. Highlights include numerous swimming opportunities and a visit to the impressive Genoese tower of Santa Maria. The day concludes in the quaint port of Barcaggio, situated opposite the island of Giraglia.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13 km (8 mi), 4.5 hours
Elevation: +220 m (+722 ft), -220 m (-722 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Barcaggio
Continue your journey accompanied by turquoise waters and Genoese towers en route to Centuri, renowned as one of the most picturesque ports in the region. The hike traverses more challenging rocky sections of the coast on less-traveled paths, leading into the limestone landscapes of the west coast. Centuri is famous for its lobsters, offering an excellent opportunity to savor freshly caught seafood while overlooking the charming port.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi), 4.5 hours
Elevation: +500 m (+1,640 ft), -500 m (-1,640 ft)
Accommodation: 2-star Hotel la Jetée in Centuri
Today’s hike shifts to a more demanding terrain as you traverse the ridge path of the Serra massif, which rises to an elevation of 1,322 meters (4,337 feet). The route passes ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into the past and providing exceptional views. The day concludes at the foot of the Tour de Sénèque, where you’ll settle into a charming chambre d’hôtes in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 14.5 km (9 mi), 6.5 hours
Elevation: +900 m (+2,953 ft), -500 m (-1,640 ft)
Accommodation: B&B Gîte de Sénèque
Starting from the Tour de Sénèque, enjoy a unique panorama encompassing both sides of the island. The ridge walk ascends to the menhir at Pinzu a Vergine, then descends past the Petricaghjola bergeries, leading towards the charming village of Canari. The day concludes with a panoramic sunset viewed from the bell tower square.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 6.5 hours
Elevation: +750 m (+2,461 ft), -730 m (-2,395 ft)
Accommodation: 2-star Hôtel le Bon Clocher in Canari
The final stage descends from the ridge trail via old mule tracks. A panoramic path leads to the village of Ogliastro, followed by a shaded walk to the medieval village of Nonza, perched on a vertical cliff over 100 meters (328 feet) high, overlooking the sea and a black pebble beach. At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred to the seaside town of Saint-Florent.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 6 hours
Elevation: +700 m (+2,297 ft), -900 m (-2,953 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Bellevue in Saint Florent
After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer back to Bastia. Additional nights in Saint Florent or Bastia can be arranged upon request.
Meals: Breakfast
Great welcome, top organization! I highly recommend.
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Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
This Corsica hiking tour is rated moderate, which means that a good level of fitness is required to participate. The adventure is suitable for those who can walk between 4 and 6.5 hours daily on well-marked paths. Expect to walk up to 15 km (9.3 mi) per day, while gaining up to 900 m (2,953 ft) in elevation.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Clothing:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Hiking equipment:
Personal equipment:
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps and digital apps (smartphone required). Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as support, accommodation, and transportation.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Corsica can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements
The starting point of your Corsica hiking tour is Bastia. To get there, most people fly into Bastia–Poretta Airport (BIA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Bastia.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information,let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
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Everything was perfect.
We toured Corsica without any problems and without any unpleasant surprises.
They even helped us with something we forgot in a hotel that we recovered at the end of the trip.
So thank you and see you soon.