The West Coast
From the famous Calanches de Piana until the bay of Calvi, along the maritime facade of Corsica's Regional park.
This hike sets off from the calanques of Piano near Calvi, the coastal side of the regional park of Corsica. It follows the most beautiful stages of the Mare e Monti but also incorporates other interesting paths. The hike includes crossing the gulf of Porto and the Scandola nature reserve, which is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Each day provides a new source of amazement. As the route is between the sea and mountains, this hike offers a wide variety of countryside: the famous sculptured rocks known as the calanches of Piana, paths zigzagging through the Corsican maquis and crossing former chestnut plantations, the chemin des douaniers (literally the customs path), which follows the ragged coastline of Corsica. Furthermore, your evenings will be spent in charming Corsican villages such as Piana and Ota where the houses made of red granite create an exceptional sight. The highpoint of the trip is arriving in Calvi; pottering around the cobbled streets of the citadel is a must.
In spring, you will be delighted by the smells and the flowering of the maquis. In autumn, you will be dazzled by the lights: and for those seeking pleasure, there is the possibility to swim in the sea every day.
Program
Day 1
Take the coach from Ajaccio via the gulfs of Sagone and Cargese known to be amongst the most beautiful gulfs in Europe, to the village of Piana. This listed village is made up of pink granite houses that tower above the sea. The panoramic view from the square is particularly splendid at sunset.
Day 2
Hike from the Calanques de Piana to the Capu d’Ortu : fantastic pink rock forms with views over Porto bay. Night spent in the village of Ota, equally superb and very welcoming.
- Intermediate path : + 650 yards and – 710 yards, 4h30, 7 miles.
- Sporty path : + 1100 yards and – 1150 m, 7h, 9.5 miles.
Day 3
A path between the mountain tops and Porto gulf, the smells of the maquis are brought alive by the sea breeze. Night spent in Serriera.
- Intermediate path : + 380 yards and – 710 yards, 4h, 4.3 miles.
- Sporty path : + 850 yards and – 1180 yards, 7.5 miles, 7h.
Day 4
A superb stage that will involve many creeks. A forest and maquis path, above the jagged coast to a hamlet called Osani(hotel formula) or Curzu (stage lodging formula).
- Intermediate path : + 650 yards and – 500 yards, 4h30, 7.5 miles.
- Sporty path : + 1050 yards and – 820 yards, 6h, 7 miles.
Day 5
This new day takes a path that towers above the jagged coastline to join the small port of Girlata, only accessible by foot or boat.
- Intermediate path : + 450 yards and – 220 yards, 2h30, 3 miles
- Sporty path : + 450 yards and – 6050 yards, 4h30, 6.5 miles.
Day 6
The path rises above the natural reserve of Scandola, the
kingdom of cormorants, royal eagles, osprey and wild goats. You will
pass through an oak forest, high maquis and witness outstanding views
of Galeria bay.
Night in Galeria, in stage lodging.
Hotel Formula: transfer to Calvi; night in the Genoan city.
Unique path: + 850 yards and – 820 yards, 6h, 7.5 miles
Day 7
- Lovely breakfast at Calvi which draws the trip to an end. Transfert jusqu’à Calvi pour la formule gîte.
- From Calvi, train departure to Ajaccio or Bastia.
- Opportunity to extend your stay in Calvi. Please contact us for rates.
Price per person from Ajaccio to Calvi
| Number of persons | 6 to 8 pers. | 9 to 11 pers. | 12 pers. and more | Extra night in Calvi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage lodging | € 730 | € 680 | € 630 | € 65/pers. |
| Hotel | € 840 | € 780 | € 740 | € 65/pers. |
Boolking : contact us if less than 6 persons.
Prices include
Coaching
A qualified mountain guide.
Full board
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Accomodation
Stage lodging formula : 6 nights in stage lodging (dormitory rooms, hot showers and sanitary).
Hotel formula : 4 nights in hotels, 1 in Bed & Breakfast and 1 in stage lodging. -
Meals
For lunch: a picnic in nature, tasty breaks while hiking. We pay particular attention to the selection of our products for the picnic (fresh products, chosen meats, excellent goat and sheep cheese).
Breakfast and evening meals in lodges or hotel.
Transfers from Ajaccio to Calvi
- Day 1 from Ajaccio to Piana.
- Day 2 from the Calanques of Piana to Ota.
- Day 7 or 8 from Galeria to Calvi.
Luggage transport
Transported by car to each stage, except Girolata (no access by car and you may find them back in Galeria).
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2013 stays
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Dates
- From 1st of April to the 25th of June*
- And the 26th August to the 18th October*
* Every day except Sundays and Bank holidays (1st of april, 1st, 8th, 9th and 20th ofmay), 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 » et « objective 2000 ».
- Day 1 : 3:30 pm at the Ajaccio bus station.
- Day 7 : in Calvi in the Morning.
Arrival and departure
Recommended equipment
For hiking :
- backpack (at least 25 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 (!!!…)
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For the stay :
- 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.
- Stage lodging formula : a sackcloth or a sleeping bag for people sensitive to the cold (only one blanket per person in stage lodging).
- 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.
