Mountains & Villages of Corsica

Hike scenic trails on the ‘Island of Beauty’ and immerse yourself in one of the most intriguing cultures in Europe

Between France and Italy, yet with its own cuisine, culture and language, Corsica is a unique island of dramatic beauty. Hike its most picturesque trails on this expertly led small-group adventure. Basing ourselves in Corte, we hike through gorges and pine forests, pass swimmable rock pools, and venture across the island on the quaint mountain railway. Our days end at the family-run Hotel de la Paix, enjoying Corsican hospitality.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Hikes: This is a mountainous area, so all trails have plenty of ascents and descents. There are very few level paths and the maximum height gain and loss is 2,990ft (911m). We usually walk between 3hr 45min and six hours per day.

Terrain: Corsica has a network of long-established trails and walking paths, most well maintained and way marked. Even so, paths are rocky and walking boots with good ankle support and tread are essential.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Food & Drink

The trip includes all breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six evening meals.

Evening meals are taken at a restaurant near the hotel, U Passa Tempu, and are arranged as a menu for the whole group. The evening meal on your free day is not included, allowing you to try the local restaurants.

Typical meals are:

• Breakfast: Orange juice, croissant, fresh French bread, coffee/tea, cereals, eggs, cheese and cold cuts.
• Lunch: Picnics made of a mixed salad (eg pasta and tuna, potato and meat, lentils and sausage), bread and cheese, and fruit. We encourage you to bring your own recyclable container.
• Evening meals: A first course of soup or a starter (often salad or charcuterie); a main course usually with meat, sometimes fish; and a dessert.

Corsica is famous for charcuteries and brocciu cheese, fresh local herbs, gamey meats and fish, which can feature in the evening meals. The evening meal does not include drinks. Vegetarians can be catered for, but the options are more limited, with the evening meal normally pasta or omelette-based.

Weather

The best weather for walking in Corsica comes in late spring/early summer, late summer and early autumn. Average daily temperatures in May and June range from 21C to 28C (70F to 82F) and in September from 20C to 26C (68F to 79F). The days are usually clear and fresh, avoiding the sultry humidity of midsummer. The average summer temperature at sea level is 26C (79F) and slightly lower in Corte and in the interior mountains. Sunshine can substantially change the heat perception.

As with all mountainous regions, there is always the possibility of rain, and it can be very heavy when it comes. Therefore, it is necessary to have a fleece and good quality waterproofs at the ready.

Please note, mountains can always make their own weather and, as a result, we may occasionally be forced to amend sections of the itinerary. For this reason, you need everything from swimwear and sunscreen to a warm layer and good quality waterproofs.