The Mare e Monti Sud is a hiking trail that winds between an enchanting coastline and traditional mountain villages.
Guy de Maupassant must have been walking along the Mare e Monti Sud when he described Corsica as “a mountain in the sea”. What a wonderful way to start your journey!
The Mare e Monti Sud trail begins in Alta Rocca, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Corsica, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological sites.
Known in the Middle Ages as the “Land of the Lords”, this region has a tragic history of revenge between Corsican families and resistance to Genoese power.
The architecture that you will discover along the way reflects this history: villages perched on headlands and made up of tall granite houses huddled together along the roads for better protection. Religion has always been very present and there are many churches, chapels and monasteries.
Your walk, which winds over the sea, follows the path inland. The lush scrubland and fragrant bushes of Corsica, with its deciduous forests and grassy meadows, regularly give way to panoramic views of the wild coastline of the Gulf of Valinco or the beaches of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
Although the contrast with the southern Mare e Monti is sometimes striking, the beauty of the landscapes and the views remain the common denominator of this magical route.
The inhabitants of the small Corsican villages will give you a warm welcome and an unforgettable meal.
A stay of 8 days / 7 nights.
This hiking trail invites you to explore the interior of Corsica and discover the gulfs of Valincu and Ajaccio.
April to October (except July-August): every day except Sundays and public holidays.
July and August: every day, but not recommended in summer due to the heat.
N.B. Departure from Ajaccio at 14.30 hrs.
Day 1
Coach transfer from Ajaccio via the Col St Georges and along the Gulf of Valincu. Arrival at Ste Lucie de Tallane, a typical village with tall granite houses in narrow streets, famous for its orbicular diorite, an extremely rare type of eruptive rock. Walk through the village on the heritage trail. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Elevation: + / -50m, Distance: 1km Time: 1:00
Day 2
The hike begins through olive groves, passes an imposing chapel and then continues through the woods with magnificent views of the villages and the Bavella massif. The path leads to Fozzanu, a village famous for having inspired the story of Colomba to Mérimée. Like the setting of this short story, the steep streets are lined with austere granite houses, including two “casa forte” (fortified houses). Continue to Burgo, overnight in a hotel.
Elevation: + 675 m – 945 m, Time 6:00
Day 3
A charming walk through a beautiful holm oak forest dotted with rocky outcrops and offering numerous views of the sea and the Gulf of Valincu. Overnight at a hotel in Olmetu.
Elevation: + 900 and – 750 m. Duration 5:00 hrs.
Day 4
The path overlooks the Gulf of Propriano, among scrubland, olive trees and holm oaks. An educational trail built on stilts allows you to discover the Tanchiccia pond and observe the flora and fauna with the help of explanatory panels. A short stop to enjoy the beach and the small port of PortoPollo. Overnight stay in a hotel by the sea.
Elevation:+250m and -600m, Time: 4h30
Day 5
Hike along a coastal path along the sea to the bay of Cupabia. The path then climbs through the macchia to the village of Coti-Chiavari, overlooking the Iles Sanguinaires. Overnight in a hotel.
Elevation: +750m and -250m Duration: 5 hours
Day 6
Along a ridge with alternating views of the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Gulf of Propriano, the trail climbs to Monte Tignoso before descending to the village of Pietrosella. Continue through the forest to Bisinao. Overnight in a bed and breakfast.
Elevation: +530 m and – 450 m Time: 5:30
Day 7
The trail climbs to the ridge and then descends towards the sea, in the shade of the scrub, to reach the beach of Porticcio. Cross the Gulf of Ajaccio by boat to reach the imperial city; magnificent view of the Sanguinaires Islands. Overnight in a hotel in the heart of Ajaccio.
Elevation: +280m / -930m, Time: 5:00
Day 8
After breakfast, you can buy some local products at the market. It is also a good opportunity to stroll around the port, where sailing and fishing boats mix. We suggest a final tour of the pedestrian streets, religious buildings and citadel to discover Genoa’s heritage and learn about the history of the imperial city, from Bonaparte to Napoleon.
Overnight accommodation
5 nights in hotels and 2 nights in bed and breakfast accommodation; quality accommodation with personalised welcome
All meals
All breakfasts
Dinner (except on the evenings of days 6 and 7)
Picnic on day 3
All meals prepared by your hosts
Luggage transfers between your accommodation.
The Travel Journal
This will be issued once you have paid for your trip and will include a day-by-day description of the itinerary, the route on a 1:25,000 scale map, the GPS track and practical information.
Picnics (included except on D3)
Meals on the last 2 evenings, in Bisinao and Ajaccio.
Transport by bus on day 1 (€15/person) and by boat on day 7 (€5/person)
Wine with meals, drinks and other personal expenses.
Cancellation and repatriation insurance, unless you have taken the option.Wine with meals, drinks and other personal expenses.
Please note that any changes you make to the itinerary will be at your own expense.
The little extras we love
The Mare e Monti Sud Resort is ideal for spring and autumn.
The comfortable accommodation.
The panoramic views of the different gulfs.
To get to Corsica, you can take advantage of Sailcoop sailing boats.
If you choose this low-carbon mode of transport, Altipiani will give you a 5% discount on your stay. Sailcoop will also give you a 5% discount on a one-way trip and 8% on a return trip.
To get to Corte, take the train from the main Corsican cities: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and L’Île-Rousse.
Train timetables
If you are coming by plane, be aware that connections with Figari airport are complicated.
Nous vous répondrons aussi rapidement que possible. Nous sommes parfois sur le terrain, merci de votre patience si la réponse n’est pas instantanée.
En espérant vous voir très prochainement sur l’île de Beauté.
Agnès