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Explore Corsica by Train: A Self-Guided Hiking Adventure

Few Mediterranean islands pack such diverse landscapes into such a compact space as Corsica. On this self-guided journey, you’ll weave between sandy beaches, granite peaks, and historic coastal towns—all connected by a charming railway. You’ll explore three distinct regions over eight days: Calvi’s peninsula trails, Corte’s shepherd paths and mountain gorges, and Ajaccio’s coastal walks. The Trinichellu train links your bases, detailed route notes guide your daily adventures, and a hotel bed awaits at the end of each day. Your next great trail is always just a train ride away.

Adventure highlights

  • Corsica Express
    Wind through Corsica’s untamed gorges and coastal cliffs along the historic U Trinichellu railway
  • Island trilogy
    Trek from Mediterranean beaches to mountain trails to Napoleon’s hometown of Ajaccio
  • Freedom with backup
    Hike at your pace along detailed hiking routes with local support on call

Itinerary

Looking for a different take on Corsica? Hit the ground running with this 8-day hiking and train adventure through the island's three most striking regions. You'll tackle empty coastal trails near Calvi, then hop the historic Trinichellu up to Corte where shepherd paths lead to stunning mountain gorges. Finally, your route winds down to Ajaccio, mixing coastal walks with fascinating old town exploration. Being self-guided means total freedom—follow your daily trail using detailed route notes, jump on the train between regions, and know local expertise is just a phone call away. Your hotels, breakfast, and train passes are all sorted. Come discover the Mountain in the Sea!

  • Welcome to Bastia! Take the opportunity to wander the lanes and alleys of the Bastia Citadel, relax with a coffee on Place Saint Nicolas, or explore the old harbor, famous for its restaurants and Mediterranean atmosphere.

    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Bastia

    Harbor in Bastia, the first stop of this Corsica train tour self-guided hiking
  • After breakfast, you’ll take the train from Bastia, heading west through the stunning Balagne area. After a 3-hour train ride through olive and almond groves, hilltop villages, and dramatic landscapes, you’ll arrive in Calvi, a charming town with a sandy beach and a picturesque old port. In the afternoon, walk to Notre Dame de la Serra.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 6 km / 3.7 miles, 2 hours
    Elevation: +225 m / +738 ft, -225 m / -738 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Calvi

    Landscape of Calvi at the Corsica train tour
  • Today’s walk begins from the Citadel of Calvi, known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Follow the coast to the Revellata peninsula, passing secluded beaches and ending at the lighthouse. You’ll return along a ridge path with sweeping views of the wild West Coast.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 miles, 3.5 hours
    Elevation: +170 m / +558 ft, -170 m / -558 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Calvi

    Landscape on the Revellata peninsula on a Corsica train tour hiking stop
  • Today you’ll leave Calvi and take the 2-hour train to Corte, the former capital of Corsica nestled in the heart of the mountains. Here, you can discover the fascinating fortress and visit the Musée de la Corse, or simply enjoy the quaint streets of the old town.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 2 km / 1.2 miles, 1 hour
    Elevation: +70 m / +230 ft, -70 m / -230 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Corte

    Corte on a hilltop seen on the Corsica train tour
  • After breakfast, you’ll begin your hike from Corte’s citadel to the stunning Tavignano Gorge. Hike along a shepherd’s trail, cross a bridge over the gorge, and enjoy a picnic by the crystal-clear waters. You’ll follow the same trail back to Corte in the afternoon, with magnificent valley views along the way.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 12 km / 7.5 miles, 3.5 hours
    Elevation: +350 m / +1,148 ft, -350 m / -1,148 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Corte

    Tavignano Gorge hike on the Corsica train tour
  • Today you’ll take a 2-hour scenic train ride from Corte to Ajaccio, passing through beautiful landscapes. The train crosses the Vecchio Viaduct made by Gustave Eiffel before descending into the beautiful Gulf of Ajaccio. Once in Ajaccio, visit the Fesch Museum, Maison Bonaparte, or simply stroll through the city center.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 5 km / 3.1 miles, 2 hours
    Elevation: +50 m / +164 ft, -50 m / -164 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ajaccio

    Ajaccio fortification at sunset
  • Your seventh day on Corsica brings two hiking options to choose from:

    Option 1: Walk along Les Crêtes, a scenic trail above Ajaccio offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and a variety of island plants.

    Option 2: Visit the Genoese tower of Parata, with panoramic views of the coastal landscape and the Iles Sanguinaires.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 10 km / 6.2 miles, 4 hours
    Elevation: +450 m / +1,476 ft, -450 m / -1,476 ft
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ajaccio

    The Genoese tower of Parata seen from a hiking trail on the Corsica train tour
  • After breakfast, your trip ends in Ajaccio. If you want, you can take a train back to Bastia or Calvi. À bientôt!

    Meals: Breakfast

    Train track in Corsica
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Meet your guide

Europe Active
5.00
Europe Active
Europe Active was set up in Corsica in 2005. What a better place to run a business dedicated to outdoor travel? It is a family-run business, as well as a group of enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and want to share their experiences with others. As well as having an in-depth knowledge of Corsica, they also have a lot of experience exploring different places around the globe and trying out all kinds of active holidays. As a result, they have many partners working with them to produce good quality holidays across Europe and even globally!
5.00 (2 reviews)
Fred B (source: Google Reviews)

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.

Edwige Chauvin (source: Google Reviews)

Great welcome, top organization! I highly recommend.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 8-day Corsica train tour (self-guided hiking adventure)
      • Accommodation for 7 nights in 2-star and 3-star hotels*
      • 7 breakfasts
      • Train pass for the week
      • Route notes and maps for the hikes (smartphone required)
      • Local English speaking phone assistance

    Add-ons

      • Single supplement — available to add upon checkout at an additional cost
      • Luggage transfers — set price, $1,050 for up to 6 bags

    Not included:

      • Airfare
      • Transfers not included in the program
      • Lunches and dinners
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional

    *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 train & hiking tour requires a moderate level of fitness. You’ll walk from 2 to 4 hours per day for 6 consecutive days, covering 2 to 12 km (1.2 to 7.5 miles) with elevation gains of up to 450 m (1,476 ft).

    The terrain varies from gentle coastal paths to steeper, rocky trails. While no extreme endurance is needed, you should be comfortable with multiple days of walking on uneven ground. If you’re active and used to hiking, you’ll enjoy this adventure!

    For more hiking adventures in France, click here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Clothing:

      • Walking boots (with ankle support and non-slip soles)
      • Good quality walking socks
      • T-shirt and shorts
      • Light trekking trousers
      • Several light tops (for protection against cold, wind or sun)
      • Warm sweater (polar or fleece)
      • Beanie
      • Gloves
      • Waterproofs — anorak or poncho
      • Bathing suit
      • Towel
      • Sandals or flip flops for beaches
      • Hat or cap

    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:

      • A comfortable rucksack (either for all of your kit or as a daypack)
      • Plastic bags to keep your kit dry
      • 1 bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33 lbs)
      • Water bottle (2L capacity)
      • Picnic/lunch kit — plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
      • Swiss Army knife
      • Walking poles
      • Compass
      • Light torch

    Personal equipment:

      • Phone charger and power bank
      • Waterproof travel case or pouch
      • Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
      • Wash bag, including: toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, toilet paper
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
      • Money
      • First aid kit
  • 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. Your guide will provide a detailed route plan in a digital app. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as phone support, accommodation, and transportation.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

    Hiking in Corsica can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Corsica train & 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:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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