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Self-Guided Walking Holidays in Corsica: Mountains to Coast

Corsica doesn’t just invite you in—it pulls you under its spell. Where else can you hike through rugged gorges in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by evening? Split between the mountain town of Corte and the coastal charm of Calvi, this self-guided journey links two worlds by a train ride that’s worth the trip alone. You’ll discover ancient citadels, pause in hidden coves, and follow trails winding through aromatic maquis. With welcoming hotels and local support on call, you can wander and take your time. Whatever pace you set, this island keeps up. Or slows down.

Adventure highlights

  • Peak to beach
    Explore dramatic mountain gorges and coastal coves within a week-long island adventure
  • A tale of two cities
    Base yourself in historic Corte and coastal Calvi, linked by a spectacular train journey
  • Freedom to roam
    Navigate Corsican trails independently with expertly crafted routes and phone support

Itinerary

Discover Corsica's two sides on these 7-day self-guided walking holidays! Begin in historic Corte, hiking through two dramatic gorges and swimming in natural pools. Then, take a scenic train journey to Calvi for coastal trails, lighthouse views, and hidden coves. Detailed route maps and local phone support let you explore at your own pace, while comfortable 3-star hotels welcome your tired legs each evening. Bring your hiking boots and focus on the path ahead—L'Île de Beauté is waiting!

  • Your holiday begins in Corte, a brooding university town at the foot of high mountains. You can catch a train or transfer to Corte from Bastia, Calvi, or Ajaccio. Settle into your hotel in the afternoon and maybe explore the town.

    Accommodation: Hotel Duc de Padoue, Corte

    View of Corte houses on a hilltop on the Corsica walking holidays
  • Today you’ll visit one of the most unspoiled sites in Corsica. Depart from the town center to reach the little chapel of Saint-Antoine. The path climbs up to reach the foot of the Punta di U Corbu. You’ll enjoy a magnificent view at a small pass before joining the Restonica Gorge and beginning the descent through the pines. The return journey is by road, along the river.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi), 4 hours
    Elevation: +500 m (+1,640 ft)
    Accommodation: Hotel Duc de Padoue, Corte

    Small waterfalls in Restonica Gorge in Corsica
  • After breakfast, make your way to the citadel of Corte for the start of a stunning day’s walk along the Tavignano Gorge. The walk takes you into the Tavignano Gorge, a shepherds’ route to the hills. Walking through a variety of landscapes, your destination today is the river near a bridge over the Tavignano, under which you can swim in the beautiful clear waters and enjoy your picnic. Return to Corte via the same route, with beautiful views down the valley.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi), 4 hours
    Elevation: +450 m (+1,475 ft), -450 m (-1,475 ft)
    Accommodation: Hotel Duc de Padoue, Corte

    A bridge in the Tavignano Gorge on Corsica
  • You can take the train in the morning or enjoy some more time in Corte—the choice is yours! The train will cross some fantastic scenery before reaching Calvi, your home for the second half of your holiday. Calvi is a charming small town with a lively center during the summer. Explore the Genoese citadel and a small port bordered with bars and restaurants, relax on Calvi’s beach, swim in the sea, or just chill by the hotel pool.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel Revellata, Calvi

    Train track in Corsica
  • After breakfast, you will begin your walk from the citadel and the monument to Christopher Columbus (who was apparently born in Calvi!). Your walk will take you south along the coast and onto a peninsula. You can take a dip in the various secluded little beaches on the peninsula before reaching the lighthouse called the Revellata. From here, return to Calvi along a path on the top of the peninsula.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 3.5 hours
    Elevation: +430 m (+1,410 ft), -430 m (-1,410 ft)
    Accommodation: Hotel Revellata, Calvi

    A sandy beach in Corsica
  • Today, you will leave the coast and head inland among the Corsican scrub (or maquis) until you reach the chapel of the Notre Dame de la Serra. From here, the view back toward the Gulf of Calvi, the citadel, and the Revellata is superb. From here, you can return back to Calvi. If you have more experience and stamina, you can continue on the path that takes you further up to the Capu di A Veta mountain peak.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Hiking: 5 km (3.1 mi), 2-4 hours
    Elevation: +180 m (+590 ft), -180 m (-590 ft)
    Capu di A Veta hike: 10.8 km (6.7 mi), 5 hours,
    Caou di A Veta elevation: +675 m (+2,215 ft), -665 m (-2,180 ft)
    Accommodation: Hotel Revellata, Calvi

    Hiker admiring a panoramic view of Calvi on the Corsica walking holidays
  • Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Safe travels!

    Meals: Breakfast

    The fortress of Calvi through greenery on the Corsica walking holidays
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Meet your guide

Europe Active
5.00
Europe Active
Europe Active started in Corsica in 2005—which is essentially the perfect place for an outdoor travel company. It's a family-run business, driven by a team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts eager to share their love for adventure. While they have deep knowledge of Corsica, they've also explored many other destinations around the world, testing out different types of active holidays. With strong partnerships across Europe and beyond, they offer high-quality, well-planned trips that bring the excitement of exploration to travelers.

Accommodation

5.00(2 reviews)
E
Edwige Chauvin

Great welcome, top organization! I highly recommend.

F
Fred B

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.

Show all reviews
5.00(2 reviews)
E
Edwige Chauvin

Great welcome, top organization! I highly recommend.

F
Fred B

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.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 7-day self-guided Corsica walking holidays
      • Accommodation for 6 nights in 3-star hotels (double occupancy)
      • All breakfasts
      • Travel pack with maps and topo-guide in a mobile app (smartphone required)
      • Train ticket from Corte to Calvi
      • Local phone assistance

    Add-ons:

      • Single supplement — available to add upon checkout at an additional cost

    Not included:

      • Airfare
      • Lunch, dinner, and picnics
      • Drinks
      • Local taxes
      • 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).

  • These Corsica walking holidays require good fitness levels and experience walking in the mountains. You’ll walk from 3 to 5 hours per day for multiple consecutive days, covering 5 to 14 km (3.1 to 8.7 miles) with 180-500 m (590-1,640 ft) elevation gain.

    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.

  • On these Corsica walking holidays, you’ll travel pretty light! You just need to carry your personal items for the day in a small daypack. The rest of your luggage will stay in your hotel room, and you’ll only move it once when transferring by train from Corte to Calvi. Please note that luggage transfers are not included for these Corsica walking holidays.

  • 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!

    Walking holidays 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 walking holidays is Corte. 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.
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