Corsica | French Isle Adventure Trek
Explore the island’s craggy mountains, sandy beaches, glacial valleys and more.
Trip Highlights:
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Explore sandy beaches, deep glacial valleys and towering mountain summits
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Weave in and out of cliff sides, hidden coves, and down to the idyllic stone beaches
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Immerse yourself in rich culture with both Italian and French influences
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Enjoy a French culinary experience of fresh seafood, cheeses, pastas, and meats
Corsica is a land of pure magic – the island’s craggy mountains are hemmed by the waters of the Mediterranean and interspersed with beaches, medieval villages, and pastureland. Ryder-Walker’s tour of Corsica takes you through a suite of different biomes: from deserts to the coast, and from deep glacial valleys to dramatic mountain summits. The heart of the Corsican mountains is the Balagne Mountains, which stretch along the island. Our tour begins in Calvi, a picturesque town on the northwest coast of Corsica, renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The town’s centerpiece is its impressive 13th-century citadel, perched high above the marina, offering panoramic views of the turquoise sea and impressive mountains. Calvi is also the alleged birthplace of Christopher Columbus, a fact the explorer would try to obscure throughout his life so his association with the island would not conflict with his political ambitions.
Our next overnight stay is in the peaceful town of Galéria, located along the coast near the Calanques de Piana, a geological marvel. These massive cliffs rise over a thousand feet into the sea, renowned for their striking rust-red hue. Galéria has a rich history linked to Corsica’s traditional way of life, with narrow streets, old stone houses, and classic architecture that reflect the island’s heritage. Highlights of our stay include hiking and exploring the Scandola Nature Reserve, as well as enjoying the long stretches of rocky beaches and secluded coves.
The vibrant, and historic town of Corte is our final destination where we will spend three nights. Corte is located in the island’s rugged interior and was once the capital of Corsica during the 18th century. The town retains a rich cultural heritage including its Citadelle perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Restonica Valley. Corte is a gateway to some of Corsica’s most famous hiking trails exploring the island’s inland mountain and crystal-clear rivers.
Along the route we will experience a variety of coastal trails that weave in and out of cliff sides, hidden coves, and down to the idyllic stone beaches that Corsica is known for.
Trip Itinerary
Ryder-Walker will provide a transfer from Bastia Poretta Airport to our hotel in Calvi, 1.5 hours. Calvi is a charming coastal town on the island of Corsica, famous for its historic citadel, vibrant marina, and beautiful beaches set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Meet the group for welcome drinks and dinner at 7:00 pm.
Today, we begin in Calvi’s historic district, hiking along the 13th-century citadel before joining the customs officers’ path to the lighthouse. Enjoy captivating views of the Balagne mountains arching over Algajola and Calvi’s beaches, with the Genoese citadel overlooking the bay. We end the day back at our seaside hotel in Calvi.
Distance: up to 10 miles.Elevation gain/loss: 700 ft.
Our journey continues with a visit to the stunning Bonifatu Nature Reserve, just a 30-minute drive from Calvi. Known as a summer oasis, the Bonifatu forest is home to crystal-clear rivers surrounded by centuries-old trees. The Fango River, rising at the foot of Capu Tafunatu at an altitude of 7,600 feet, winds through the mountains, creating stunning natural pools before flowing into the Gulf of Galéria. It’s one of Corsica’s most spectacular river valleys, with a variety of hiking trails to choose from, including the famous Mare e Monti route. We’ll end the day with a short drive to our hotel in Galéria.
Distance: up to 8 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 1800 ft.
There are only two ways to explore the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve—by boat and on foot—and today we aim to do both. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scandola spans approximately 3.5 square miles of rugged land and nearly 4 square miles of protected marine area, including the remote village of Girolata. With porphyritic rock formations, scrubland vegetation, and clear waters rich with marine life, it’s home to seagulls, cormorants, and sea eagles. We’ll explore the far side of the Scandola peninsula by boat, then hike from Girolata back to our hotel in Galéria. (Note: plans may change in case of inclement weather.)
Distance: up to 10 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 2300 ft
Our goal today is to reach Corte, the historic capital of Corsica, by hiking through the charming villages of the Balagne region. After a one-hour drive to our trailhead in Algajola, we’ll follow an old mule trail through Corbara and Pigna, arriving in St. Antonino for a terrace lunch with stunning views over Balagne. From there, a one-hour transfer takes us into the heart of Corsica for a three-night stay at a lovely riverside hotel.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1100 ft.
Today, we explore the stunning glacial valley of Restonica, renowned for its natural beauty. A scenic road winds through the valley, leading to waterfalls and glacial lakes beneath the granite domes of Monte Rotondo, Corsica’s second- highest peak at 8602 feet. We hake a section of the legendary GR20 hiking route that traverses the island from north to south.
Distance: up to 11 miles. Elevation gain: 3000 ft
Situated in the heart of Corsica and surrounded by the island’s highest peaks, Monte Cinto rises to an elevation of 8,878 feet, offering Corte a prime location for exploring the island’s natural beauty. After visiting the historic town and fortress, we’ll embark on a hike in the surrounding area before returning to the hotel for dinner in the old town.
Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain: 1500 ft.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from the hotel in Corte to Bastia Poretta Airport, 1 hour.
