Looking for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation? The Mare a Mare North route has you covered! This 8-day self-guided trek lets you experience the best of Corsica—scenic trails, pristine beaches, rich history, and incredible food. Hike through the island’s most stunning spots, from Evisa’s famous chestnut forests to the wild gorges of Scala Santa Regina and the charming coastal town of Porto. Dubbed ‘tropical France,’ Corsica is a place where culture, nature, and adventure collide. Lace up your boots and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Mare a Mare North tour is definitely one of Corsica’s finest. Nature will captivate you—whether you’re walking along breathtaking coastlines, exploring gorges, taking in mountain views, wandering through forests, or discovering historic towns. It’s a journey that will rejuvenate your entire spirit. What makes this adventure unique is that it’s self-guided—you’ll be free to go at your own pace! And no need to worry—if you have any questions along the way, your guides are just a call away through a hotline. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready for a journey that blends exciting hikes, rich history, comfy hotels and delicious local cuisine.
Your hiking adventure starts in Corte. You can get there by train from Bastia or Ajaccio (not included). Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel, where you’ll check in and get settled for the night. Rest up, as tomorrow marks the beginning of your hike!
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Corte
Your day begins with a short transfer from Corte (included), taking you to Scala Santa Régina gorge. Following an old mule track, you’ll pass through chestnut forests and open pastures, all while enjoying views as you climb along the cliffs high above the Golo River. Finally, you’ll reach your overnight stop by the Calacuccia Lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13 km / 8 mi
Elevation: +850 m (+2,789 ft), -500 m (-1,640 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Calacuccia
You’ll hike through a variety of landscapes today and you’ll cross through picturesque Verghio forest. You’ll also visit the Radule waterfall and a traditional shepherd’s hut before joining the famous GR20 trail. Along the way, you’ll find numerous natural rock pools perfect for a refreshing dip. It’s a long day of hiking, but the breathtaking views and experiences make it all worthwhile as you reach your hotel in Verghio for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 18 km / 11 mi
Elevation: +900 m (+2,953 ft), -554 m (-1,817 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star mountain hotel at Col de Vergio
Starting at Col de Verghio, you’ll walk beneath the shade of the endemic Lariccio pines, making your way toward the chestnut forests of Evisa. The trail winds through the Aitone forest, with plenty of ups and downs as you cross the Aitone stream and pass by its stunning natural pools. Along the way, you might spot native pigs rooting around in the woods before reaching the charming village of Evisa for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 mi
Elevation: +400 m (+1,312 ft), -850 m (-2,789 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Evisa
From Evisa, descend into the Spelunca Gorge (currently closed to foot traffic), surrounded by striking landscapes. After crossing the gorge, you’ll reach the village of Ota. For those seeking a challenge, there’s a steep trail offering spectacular views over the Golfe. Alternatively, you can head down to Porto’s small harbor for a more relaxed route. Either way, it’s a day filled with great hiking and memorable scenery.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Elevation: +650 m (+2,132 ft), -1,450 m (-4,757 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Porto
Today is a rest day in Porto, and you can choose what you’d like to do. One option is to relax on the beach. You can also take a boat tour along the coast to visit Girolata and Scandola, or rent a bike to explore the area. Whatever you decide, you won’t regret it, as the red cliffs plunging into the sea are stunning on their own, especially since this is a place where dolphins are often seen.
If you prefer to walk, you can head to Piana. The trail starts along the sea and leads toward the Capu d’Ortu summit. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Palani forest and the charming village of Piana. You can return by bus (except on Sundays outside of July and August) or by taxi.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 mi
Elevation: +869 m (+2,851 ft), -689 m (-2,260 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Porto
After breakfast, you can take a 2.5-hour bus ride to Ajaccio (important: it doesn’t operate on Sundays and public holidays, except in July and August). Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. You will have a relaxed afternoon and night in Ajaccio.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ajaccio
After breakfast, you can depart on your own arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
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. There’s a chance that the guiding company might need to book dormitories instead.
Also 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!
Europe Active pride themselves in the quality service they provide and their rates are very reasonable. I can’t recommend it more highly.
Included:
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
To fully enjoy the Mare a Mare North hiking tour, you should be prepared to walk between 4 and 7 hours a day. This classic Corsican trail follows well-marked paths, and your guides will take care of all the logistical details—your luggage will be transferred daily so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll only need to carry a daypack with everything you’ll need for the day. While the trail itself isn’t particularly challenging, it’s a good idea to be in decent physical shape, as there are days when you’ll cover up to 18 km (11.2 mi) with an elevation gain of up to 900 m (2,953 ft).
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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 offers independent exploration without a formal guide. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you’ll navigate the journey yourself using resources provided by your guides. For the Mare a Mare North hiking tour, you’ll receive a smartphone travel app with GPX files and sections of maps. Your guide will also assist with other aspects of the tour, including a support hotline from 8am to 8pm, accommodation, and transportation.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Mare a Mare North tour 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 Mare a Mare North tour is Corte, Corsica. To get there, fly into Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA) or Ajaccio Airport (AJA). From either airport, a 2.5-hour bus ride will take you straight to Corte.
Once you arrive, check in to your hotel, explore the town with a leisurely walk, and enjoy some rest. The following day, you’ll be transferred to the starting point of your hiking adventure, ready to hit the trail.
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
Flexible
Super Flexible
I have used this company on three occasions and have HD three of the best organised and memorable weeks of my life.