Self-guided Hiking in Corsica, Mare a Mare South

Day 1

From Porto Vecchio to Cartalavonu Your route starts in Porto Vecchio after a short transfer to Alzu di Gallina, the beginning of the trail. Walking through the scrubland and pine tree forests, you then reach the forest of Ospédale and the plateau of Cartalavonu (1020 m). Walk: about 5 hours. Altitude gain & loss: +1110m, -150m

Day 2

From Cartalavonu to Levie Beautiful viewpoint over the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio and the lake of Ospédale. Short detour around the summit of Vacca Morta with great panoramic views over the gulf of Valinco and the western slope. After passing through the Col de Mela, you discover the Needles of Bavella and the charming little village of Carbini, with its famous San Giovanni Roman church. You then walk to Levie where you spend the night Walk: about 5 hours Altitude gain & loss: +620m, -1010m.

Day 3

From Levie-to Ghjallicu Travel back in time with this unusual itinerary! You explore the village of Levie in search of Corsica’s prehistoric past and walk to the archeological sites of Capula and Cucuruzzu. On the way, you discover granite blocks which used to serve as rock shelters for prehistoric men. From Quenza, you hike up to the Plateau du Cuscione and the hamlet of Ghjallicu. Walk: about 5h30. Altitude gain & loss: +640m, -580m.

Day 4

From Ghjallicu to Serra di Scopamena You leave the hamlet of Ghjallicu and descend through the Corsican scrub towards the shepherds' huts at Lavu Donacu. You can also see an old chestnut mill along the path before your arrival in Serra di Scopamena. Walk: around 3 hours. Altitude gain & loss: +450m,-410m.

Day 5

From Serra di Scopamena to Santa Lucia di Tallano The trail goes through a chestnut forest and Serra di Scopamena. The village’s old chestnut mill and terraced fields are evidence of ancient agro-pastoral societies. In the shade of oak trees and thick vegetation, you can swim in the local fresh river while enjoying your surroundings. Your walk continues with the col de Tavara and the hamlet of Altagène. A bend in the path then takes you through the scrubland to the bell tower and olive groves of Santa Lucia di Tallano. Walk: about 5h40. Altitude gain & loss: +740m, -1140m.

Day 6

From Santa Lucia di Tallano to Burgo After savouring the subtle charms of Sainte Lucie and its famous olive oil, you now gently walk to other enchanting sites. You then take a stride along the bridge of Piombatu, over the Rizzanese River, and walk along the Col d’Altanaria. The village of Fozzano comes into sight against the backdrop of the gulf of Valinco. In Fozzano and Sainte Marie di Figaniella, jump back in time with the story of the Tower of Colomba, celebrated in Mérimée’s novel. You then cross the Baracci River before reaching Burgo. Walk: about 5h20. Altitude gain & loss: +880m, -1130m.

Day 7

From Burgo to Propriano Transfer to Propriano after breakfast. Your trip ends in Propriano.