Our trek is set in the heart of Corsica enabling you to discover some of
the best of its majestic mountain scenery and beautiful coastline. The
island has been described as ‘a mountain in the sea’, ‘the scented
isle’ and the ‘Ile de Beaute’. It is indeed the most mountainous
island in the Mediterranean and it is this dramatic mountain backcloth we
have come to enjoy. The title ‘the scented isle’ alludes to the
aromatic vegetation of the island and the beauty of its landscape is
beyond contradiction.
The
Corsican landscape is amongst the most dramatic in the
Mediterranean. Mountain ridges and granite peaks soar to 2,700
metres and these and the dense ‘maquis’ create a rugged
terrain, tempered by deeply wooded valleys, pine forest and
cascading streams. Along our route which leads from the heart of
the mountains, across the north-south watershed, to the clear,
blue waters of the Mediterranean, you will pass ancient villages
where time has seemingly stood still. Defiantly clinging to the
tops of crags and cliffs these villages preserve century old
traditions and a culture that is uniquely Corsican.
The first two nights are in Corte, a town important in the island’s
history. The old town clings to the steep slope below the majestic
citadel. After a day walk from Corte follow the route to the
pretty villages of Calaccucia and Evisa, via the Tavignano valley,
passing the lac de Croix and reaching the Col di vergio. Next our
walk takes us past the red crags of the spectacular Spelunca gorge
to reach the coast at Porto, a small seaside resort and one of the
island’s beauty spots. From Porto we can visit the fantastic
rock formations of Les Calanches or travel by boat to the remote
Scandola Nature Reserve and the tiny fishing village of Girolata.
On Saturday you travel by bus from Porto to Ajaccio (fare is not
included), to see the sights of the modern capital, beaches,
museum, pavement cafes and all.
7
nights/8 days - Outside Ajaccio the hotels are set amidst
wonderful scenery. The first two nights are spent in a renovated 2*
hotel in the centre of Corte, the ancient capital of the
island. The next 2 nights are at a small, modern hotel in Calacuccia.
This comfortable hotel enjoys wonderful views across Monte Cintu,
Corsica’s highest peak and a restaurant which has proved
particularly popular with Sherpa clients. Your hotel at Evisa
has a breathtaking location with stunning views and modern
amenities. Sunset from the terrace here is not to be missed. In the
picturesque town of Porto you will stay at a pleasant modern hotel
situated on the harbour of this attractive fishing port. Your last
night will be spent in a comfortable hotel near the bustling harbour
at Ajaccio, the principal town of the island.
Sherpa Notes
Waymarking
The route is well waymarked with Grande Randonnee orange flashes.
Accommodation
and Meals Dinner, bed and breakfast 3 nights, bed and breakfast 4 nights. Two star hotels are used throughout. Picnic lunches can be purchased from the hotels on most days or you can buy the ingredients from local village shops.
Start
and End of Tour
By train from Ajaccio to Corte on scenic mountain railway, tickets purchased locally. On day 7 catch public bus to Ajaccio with baggage to last hotel.
Corsica-isula.com
An English language website about the Mediterranean island of
Corsica. www.corsica-isula.com
