Current as of: August 15, 2025 - 13:02
Hike Corsica's Mountains & Coast Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: France
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TCO
- Carbon Footprint: 25kg CO2e
Trip Overview
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 both Corte and Saint-Florent, we hike through gorges and pine forests, pass swimmable rock pools, and discover the coast. Split between the mountains and coast, we also experience classic Corsican hospitality in two very different settings.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
- Five days of walking; one free day
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Discover the impressive mountain scenery and diverse landscapes of Corsica on foot
- Get a taste of the celebrated GR20, a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the island
- Spend a free day in historic Bastia
- Discover the sparkling bay of Saint-Florent sheltered by the untamed Agriates Desert
- Walk wild coastal trails alongside scrubland, sandy creeks and limestone caves
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: Some of the hikes take place in a mountainous area, so the trails have plenty of ascent and descent. The maximum height gain and loss is 2,789ft (850m). Our longest walking day is 5hr 30 mins. At the coast we follow well marked trails with very little ascent and descent.
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.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Corte
- End City: Saint-Florent
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure starts in Corte
Our adventure begins in Corte, a picturesque town and the one-time capital of the island.
Around 6pm, say salute to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together, a three-course meal at a great restaurant close to the hotel.
Want extra time in Corsica? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel du Nord (or similar)
Walk up to Punta di u Corbu in the Restonica Gorges, back down through pine forests
Start the week with an exploration of the Restonica Gorges. From downtown Corte, we hike towards the Chapel of Saint-Antoine. The trail gradually climbs up to Punta di u Corbu, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
At the top of a small pass, we can enjoy superb views, before descending through a pine forest towards the Restonica River. The descent continues along the road, bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the river, back to the hotel. Today’s route involves a steep slope and some stony terrain.
Accommodation: Hotel du Nord (or similar)
Tavignano Valley and the historic town of Corte
We walk up the Tavignano Gorge along part of the Mare a Mare (Sea to Sea), a long-distance hiking trail traversing the island from east to west. We stop for lunch next to beautiful rock pools where it’s possible to swim in good weather. On this route there is a steep, stony section to access the river.
Return along the valley to Corte, where we have some time to explore. You may want to visit the citadel, a fortified château founded on a rocky peak in 1419. To go inside, you need to purchase a ticket to the Musée de la Corse, an anthropological museum in the barracks below. Alternatively, explore the historic centre, stopping at one of the many cafes, gelaterias and restaurants, or cool off with a swim in the Tavignano River.
Accommodation: Hotel du Nord (or similar)
Hike part of the GR20 to Bocca Palmente; to Saint-Florent by the coast
We check out of our hotel in Corte this morning and transfer by bus (40-minutes) to the start of the hike in Vizzavona. We begin our walk along the GR20 to Bocca Palmente at a brisk pace. This route includes sections through pine and beech forest and spectacular views out to Monte d’Oro and the east coast. There may be the opportunity for an optional extension to the clear water of the Cascades des Anglais rock pools.
After today’s hike, we transfer around two hours from Vizzavona to Saint-Florent to spend the next four nights by the coast. Our included dinner will be a three-course meal at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Free day to discover Bastia
A transfer is included from Saint-Florent to Bastia (30-minutes). The day is free for you to discover the coastal town of Bastia, the emblematic city of Haute Corse, at your own pace. You may want to explore the citadel and emblematic old port or visit the Musée de Bastia, a place of remembrance and history. At the end of the day we return by private bus to Saint-Florent.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Coastal walking to Punta Vecchiaia
Leaving directly from the hotel we walk in the direction of Olzo Beach, the starting point of the northern coastal trail of Saint-Florent. This untamed stretch of coastline offers views across the entire gulf, including landmarks such as the Genoese Mortella Tower, Punta Mortella, and Punta di Curza.
Impressive limestone cliffs rise steeply and plunge into the turquoise sea. As the trail winds along secluded coves reveal themselves, the scent of the Mediterranean filling the air as we brush past the vegetation. The limestone rock formations stand in stark contrast to the rest of Corsica, which is predominantly granite or schist.
This afternoon is free to visit Saint-Florent and soak up its charming village atmosphere. There is a small, picturesque fishing port and the historic Nebbiu Cathedral to discover.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Short boat ride; start Sentier des Douaniers
From Saint-Florent, we take a 20-minute boat ride to Lotu beach which marks the start of the Customs Officers’ Path. This coastal trail starts on the west side of the bay of Saint-Florent, a wild and rugged area featuring fragrant maquis vegetation and pristine sandy beaches.
Along the way we discover the rich agro-pastoral history of the Agriates Desert, shaped by centuries of farming and seasonal livestock migrations. Today’s walk will include sweeping views and swimming stops in crystal-clear coves.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Adventure ends in Saint-Florent
The adventure ends after breakfast. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay with additional time in Corsica.
Accommodation
Classic hotels in the mountains and by the coast
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
On this trip we usually spend three nights in Corte at a hotel on the main street and four nights close to the port in the charming town of Saint-Florent.
Upgrade to a sea-view room on Day 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Food & Drink
Corsica is famous for charcuteries and brocciu cheese, fresh local herbs, gamey meats and fish.
A buffet breakfast is provided in each hotel and on walking days we’ll take a packed lunch with us for the trails. Please bring a reusable container to reduce waste.
Vegetarians can be catered for, but the options can be more limited.
Transport
All transfers are in a private minibus but we also use a boat for transportation to the start point of one of our hikes.
Weather & Seasonality
The best weather for walking in Corsica comes in late spring/early summer, late summer and early autumn. Average daily temperatures in the mountains between 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. Higher temperatures are expected between the second half of June until late August/early September where it can exceed 30C (86F).
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. In the event of poor weather we may need to amend sections of the itinerary. For this reason, you need everything from swimwear and sunscreen to a warm layer and good quality waterproofs.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Varies by departure, please check your documentation
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing around 6pm in the evening.
Airport: Bastia Airport (BIA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport.
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Corte
Location end: Saint-Florent
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Walking boots with good ankle support and tread
- Good quality waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Backpack (25litre recommended) for daily essentials such as water bottle, sunscreen
- Reusable food container and cutlery for packed lunches
- Large water bottle (2litre recommended)
- Swimwear
- Trekking poles
Optional Equipment
- Waterproof protection for backpack or dry bag to put inside your backpack in case of rain
- Tissues/toilet paper
- Personal first-aid items
Practical Information
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
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.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
Cash machines are available at the airport, in Corte, in Bastia, and in Saint-Florent. We advise taking some euros in cash with you.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow about €25-30 per dinner not included. In addition, you need about €5-€10 per day for drinks and snacks. About €175 to €200 should be sufficient to cover the above, plus souvenirs, optional excursions/entry fees during your free day.
Local taxes: French hotels must apply a taxe de sejour to all overnight guests. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1.40 and €1.80 per person per night. For this trip, we recommend allowing €1.50 per night. This is payable directly to the hotel.
Optional excursions
Corte
- Corse Museum in Corte entrance: €5.50
Bastia
- Bastia Museum: €5
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution from €20 to €25 per person for the tour leader.
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.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
