10-day Hiking Road trip in Northwest Corsica

On this first day, there is only one destination but several options are available, depending on how much time you have and your fitness level at the start of your stay. Refer to the hike information sheet to select the option that best suits you, ranging from an easy stroll to a challenging hike.

No matter which option you choose, you will discover two white sand paradises: Lotu beach and Saleccia beach, located near Saint-Florent. The kilometer-long Saleccia beach with its turquoise waters is renowned as one of the most beautiful on the island. Accessible only by boat or on foot, these beaches escape excessive tourist crowds. The path to the beaches reveals sublime landscapes and several coves that invite you to take a dip.

The Occi Ruins hike takes you to an abandoned 14th-century village perched 380 meters above sea level in Lumio, Balagne. This easy, family-friendly hike follows an old mule track and offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Calvi, Algajo Bay, and Sant'Ambrogio Marina. Once there, you will find about twenty ruined houses and the fully restored Annunziata Chapel.

This circular hike connects two of the most beautiful villages in Balagne: Pigna and Sant'Antonino. It passes by the Saint-Dominique convent in Corbara. Pigna, a village of artists with blue shutters, and Sant'Antonino, perched at an altitude of 500 meters on its granite peak and ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, offer remarkable panoramic views of the Aregno plain, the surrounding mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea.

This itinerary combines cultural discovery with typical Balagne landscapes, including ancient mule tracks, olive groves, and a rich architectural heritage.

Discover this wonderful loop trail leading to the charming fishing village of Girolata via Punta di a Literniccia. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gulf of Girolata.

Alternatives: The Girolata hike via the postman's trail is a more accessible option and the most direct way to reach the village. However, this route is much busier and offers less varied landscapes. Nearby, the hike to the summit of Monte Senino is a shorter but more technical alternative, revealing a magnificent panorama of the Gulf of Porto.

The road leading to the start of this hike passes through the magnificent Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads on the island. The summit of Capu d'Orto offers breathtaking views: in the foreground stand the impressive granite peaks of the "Tre Signore," while in the background, the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto stretch out on one side and the peaks of the Cinto massif on the other.

Alternatives: Capo Rosso is a more accessible option that also offers superb views of the Gulf of Porto. The nearby summit of Capu di u Vitullu is similar in difficulty to Capu d'Orto but is much less crowded, making it ideal for those who enjoy peace and quiet.

The Spelunca Gorges hike takes you into the heart of a stunning canyon carved into granite between the villages of Ota and Évisa. This ancient mule track, stretching over two kilometers, crosses impressive gorges dominated by cliffs over 500 meters high.

The route connects two remarkable Genoese bridges, the Ponte di Pianella and the Zaglia Bridge, which are classified as historical monuments and bear witness to the skill of the builders of that time. Numerous natural pools along the way invite you to take a dip, making this hike an ideal outing on hot summer days.

The Aitone Waterfalls are a series of small waterfalls and natural pools nestled in the heart of the majestic Aitone Forest. The forest is home to Laricio pines, chestnut trees, and beeches.

This short, family-friendly walk leads to an enchanting, refreshing, and soothing site, which is ideal for a nature break during a stay in Corsica. However, be aware that the site is very popular and attracts many visitors during the high season.

This little-used trail starts at the Col de Vergio and offers exceptional views of the legendary peaks of Paglia Orba and Capu Tafunato to the north, while to the west lies the sublime Gulf of Porto.

Alternatives: If you want to extend the day or are looking for a more accessible option, the Radule Waterfall is an easy walk to refreshing natural pools. Conversely, for a major challenge, the ascent of Paglia Orba, nicknamed the "Corsican Matterhorn," will be an unforgettable adventure reserved for seasoned hikers.

The Nino Lake hike takes you to one of Corsica's natural wonders. Located at an altitude of 1,743 meters on the Camputile plateau, the lake is surrounded by numerous pozzines, small peat bogs dotted with interconnected water holes. The lake is the source of the Tavignanu, the second longest river on the island.

The hike begins with a walk through the magnificent Valdu Niellu forest, shaded by Laricio pines. Then, the route becomes more technical as it climbs toward Bocca a Stazzona. There, you can admire a magnificent panorama of Lake Nino with the Rotondo massif in the background. This route is very popular with hikers and offers a unique natural spectacle: horses and cows grazing freely in an exceptional setting.

The Tavignano Gorges hike traverses a magnificent, unspoiled valley and offers an alternative to the popular Restonica Valley.

Starting in Corte, the historic capital of Corsica, this ancient mule track winds along steep granite gorges to the Russulinu footbridge, where you will find superb natural pools. This refreshing and spectacular route is ideal for escaping the summer heat.

This magnificent hike in the famous Restonica Valley is one of the most iconic in Corsica. The splendid lakes of Melo and Capitello, surrounded by impressive peaks and cliffs, are of glacial origin and remain frozen for six months of the year.

Alternatives: Of similar difficulty, the Lakes Rinoso or Lake Oriente offer more tranquility. More demanding, the summit of A Maniccia will delight lovers of alpine panoramas. Finally, the ascent of Monte Rotondo, Corsica's second highest peak, is reserved for experienced hikers.

As your stay draws to a close, you will be perfectly prepared to undertake the ascent of Monte Cinto, Corsica's highest peak at 2,706 meters. This demanding hike rewards your efforts with spectacular views along the way and a 360° panorama once you reach the summit, taking in the entire island from the sea to the mountains. The road leading to the village of Haut-Asco, the starting point of the route, already passes through magnificent high mountain landscapes.

Alternative: The hike to the summit of A Muvrella, also from Haut-Asco, is significantly shorter but still relatively technical.