Mare e Monti sud
This hiking trail invites to go through Corsican of the inside and to discover the gulfs of Valincu and Ajaccio.
This hiking path allows you to discover the interior of Corsica and the gulfs of Valincu and Ajaccio. “A mountain in the sea” said Guy of Mauspassant when talking about the island that is nicknamed “the island of beauty”. You will not be disappointed by taking on the Mare e Monti Sud, a path that zigzags between an enchanting coastline and traditional villages perched in the mountains! The path begins in Alta Rocca, one of the regions containing the first Corsican settlements, shown by the number of archaeology sites.
Named the “Earth of the Lords” in the Middle Ages, the region is marked by a tragic past marked by vendettas between Corsican families and the resistance against Genovese rule. The path reflects this history through the architecture that you will see: villages made up of high granite houses are closely packed together for protection and nestled on the headlands. Religion has always been important and you will find a number of churches, chapels and convents. The path leaves the interior to zigzag along the coast. You will pass through maquis, perfumed bushes, leafy forests and grassy meadows regularly leading to large panoramas on the wild coasts of the Valinco gulf and the beaches of the Ajaccien gulf. The beauty of this walk is never ending.
Program
Day 1
Coach transfer from Ajaccio passing by St Georges pass then the gulf of Calincu above Propriano. Arriving in the typical village of Ste Lucie de Tallane, with its high granite houses organised in narrow streets. Ste Lucie de Tallane has become famous for its orbicular diorite, an extremely rare rock. Night spent in a stage lodge.
Day 2
The hike starts off in forested countryside with magnificent views over the inland villages up to the rock formation sticking out to the east called the “needles of Bavella”. The path joins the village Fozzanu, with steep streets of granite houses famous for having inspired at Mérimée the story of Columba. Night in a hotel at Burgo.
- Elevation : + 740 yards and - -1035 yards / Time : 6h / Distance : 12.5 miles
Day 3
Continuing in a beautiful oak forest scattered with impressive boulders. Very beautiful panoramic views over the gold of Valincu. Night in a hotel at Olmetu.
- + 850 yards and - 655 yards / 5h / 9.5 miles
Day 4
A shorter walking day allowing you to take the time to explore the little port and beach at Porto-Pollo. The path which goes between the maquis, oak and olive trees looks over the entire gulf of Propriano. Night in a hotel by the sea.
- + 435 yards and - 765 yards / 4h30 / 9.5 miles
Day 5
Beautiful views across the Cupabia bay: a descent to the beach and then an ascent in a maquis of strawberry trees up to the village of Coti-Chivari where you will get the first views of the gulf of Ajaccio. Night in a hotel.
- + 875 yards and -360 yards/ 6h / 7.5 miles
Day 6
Passing by a route above the gulf of Ajaccio, the path climbs up the Monte Tignoso before descending into a little hamlet. Next walking in the forest up to the village Bisinao : night in a bed and breakfast.
- +765 yards and - 600 yards / 5h30 / 9.5 miles
Day 7
Proceed to Porticcio, with more beautiful views of the gulf of Ajaccio. Crossing the gulf on boat to Ajaccio town centre : night in a hotel.
- +350 yards and -1040 yards / 5h / 10.5 miles
Day 8
After breakfast, it is possible to buy various local products at the little market. There is also the chance to potter round the port admiring the different sorts of boats. Finally, the tourist information offers two circuits: the first lets you discover the Genovese town, and the second the imperial town of Napoleon Bonaparte. Both are a good opportunity to meander through the streets of Ajaccio.
Warning, the above program is given as an indication, it may be subject to minor changes of routes, depending on weather and supply points.
Price per person
| Number of persons | 6 to 8 pers. | 9 to 11 pers. | 12 pers. and more |
|---|---|---|---|
| price | 920 € | 850 € | 800 € |
Prices include
- A qualified mountain guide.
- Half board
Accomodation
- 5 nights in hotel
- 1 night in double room in stage lodges
- 1 night in stage lodging (dormitory bedrooms with 4 beds and shower room)
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Meals
- Breakfast and evening meals in lodges or hotel.; dinner, traditional home cooking.
- Transfers from the bus station of Ajaccio and back
Day 1 from Ajaccio to St Lucia Tallano by coach and day 7 from Porticcio to Ajaccio.
- Luggage transport
Luggage transported by car to each stage
Coaching
2013 stays
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Dates
- From 1st of April to 25th of June*
- And the 26th of August to the 18th of October*
Caution: for departures on Saturday supplement of 10 € / person.
* Every day except Sundays and Bank holidays (1st of april, 1st, 8th, 9th and 20th of may), otherwise you have to pay for a taxi.
This circuit is not suitable for the summer heat of Corsica: during the height of summer we advise our other walks « Transhumance » and « Objective 2000 ».
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Start and end
- Day 1 : 2:30 pm at Ajaccio's ferry terminal or 4:10 pm at the Ajaccio's aeroport.
- Day 8: the morning at Ajaccio.
- a backpack (40 litres); rain cape, fleece jacket, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, picnic equipment (aluminum or plastic) bottle, cutlery, plates, knives ...
- recommended shoes : walking shoes, upgoing and undamaged, PLEASE (!!!…)
- mobile phone, survival blanket,
- a travel bag for transportation affairs (no suitcase). Thank you for agreeing to ensure a minimum of weight, your total luggage must not exceed 26 lb.
- In stage lodging, a sackcloth or a sleeping bag for people sensitive to the cold.
- personal belongings: a change of clothes, t-shirt, socks, towels, toiletries, personal pharmacy (provide for ampoules and snorers ...). For evenings : fleece sweatshirt , trousers, light shoes, jacket.
