Arrive in Bastia and transfer to Corte and your hotel for the night. Rest up, as tomorrow marks the beginning of your hike!
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Corte
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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.
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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: 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: 2-star hotel in Evisa
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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 -
During this last walking day, you will walk along the sea before climbing up inland toward the Capu d’Ortu summit. Enjoy the shade of the Palani forest with fantastic views over the Calanches of Piana. You will then carry on walking to the centre of the delightful sleepy village of Piana, the perfect spot to your magnificent hiking holiday!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Piana -
After breakfast, you can depart on your own arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
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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!
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Included:
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- 8-day hiking adventure on Mare a Mare North tour
- Accommodation for 7 nights in a double occupancy room (2, 3, and 4-star hotel & mountain hotel)
- 7 breakfasts, 2 picnics, 2 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Airport transfers from Bastia and to Ajaccio
- Transfer to Scala Santa Regina on Day 2
- Smartphone travel app use during trip with detailed route notes and maps
- Local hotline, everyday from 8am until 8pm
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
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- Single occupancy room
Not included:
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- Transportation to and from Corte
- Meals that are not listed in itinerary
- Drinks
- Any transfers not included above
- Travel and medical insurance
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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).
Discover more hiking adventures in France here!
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Clothing:
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- 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:
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- A comfortable rucksack (either for all of your kit or as a day sack)
- Plastic bags to keep your kit dry
- 1 bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg
- Water bottle (2 litres)
- Picnic/lunch kit — plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
- Swiss Army knife
- Walking poles
- Compass
- Light torch
Personal equipment:
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- 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
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Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this Mare a Mare North tour, we take care of…
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- Accommodation
- 7 breakfasts, 2 picnics, 2 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Airport transfers from Bastia and to Ajaccio
- Smartphone travel app use during trip with detailed route notes and maps
- Local hotline, everyday from 8am until 8pm
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
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Group sizes and pricing
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- For this self-guided hiking Mare a Mare North tour, it takes at least 2 participants for the tour to run. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
- The standard price is based on twin-share rooms. Single occupancy can be arranged at an additional fee—you can add it to your booking at checkout.
Hiking in Mare a Mare North tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join Mare a Mare North hiking tour 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.
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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.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
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